Word on the Street

From a legendary music shop with decades of melodies to a bustling bakery filling the air with freshly baked bread’s aroma and beyond, we sought to capture their perspectives on what makes Colne truly special.

MEET… MALCOLM CROSSLEY

Louandy’s Music Shop

I’ve run Louandy’s for over thirty years. I took over in 1991, but it’s a long-established business – LouAndy’s name goes back to 1979! I bought it from Andy and his wife Louise when they moved to the States. I used to work in the civil service at Nelson County Court, I’d been there 20 years, and it got to the point where I wasn’t enjoying it anymore. On my first day back at work after a long holiday, I saw an article in the Burnley Express that advertised a music shop for sale but didn’t specify which shop. When I found out it was LouAndy’s, I rang Andy and put down a deposit.

Anyone is welcome to come in and try the instruments out; an instrument is personal, and buying it in person means people can figure out what they want and need. I will also accept part exchange.

Why Colne?

Colne differs from other towns due to the vast number of independent shops; there are few chains, which makes it a bit quirkier.

MEET… ROSY DOVEY

Rosy Dovey Reflexology

I’ve worked in reflexology for seven years and trained at the Reflexology Academy in London. Reflexology brings the body back to its natural balance through specialised finger and thumb techniques; it builds up the immune system and is suitable for stress and anxiety. It can also help with fertility and end-of-life care. I used to be a carer, and this is just an extension of that.

Why Colne?

My son and I relocated to Barnoldswick two years ago from Aylesbury. A quirk of fate brought me to Colne to work. On holiday, I used to come up to see my sister, a boater in Gargrave, and I always wanted to live up here. It’s such a friendly town with friendly shopkeepers –a great community. I enjoy working in Colne.

MEET… KELLY EARDLEY

Deerstones Bakery

Come and see us; we are friendly and make fresh bread each morning. We always use the best organic ingredients and have a great variety, from chilli and cheese to this week’s special, a treacle sourdough.

Why Colne?

It’s a lovely market town, and it’s pretty vibrant; you get a nice mix of different people coming up and down the high street, and it’s rather condensed, so you can go to the butchers, pop into the market and go to the greengrocers, then come to the bakers. They appreciate some delicious bread. I’m looking forward to the food festival at the end of July, and usually, Colne BID puts a map out of the foodie places.

MEET… ELISE MUNROE

Elise Nicole Make-Up Studio

I’ve had my business for eight years. I started at 15 at my dining room table, and then I moved into a shop in Barrowford, but we were looking for somewhere bigger and nothing in Barrowford was catching my eye; then I saw this place. We get so many people here, too; it’s a one-stop place – we have a hair room, two beauty rooms and two nail tables. We’ve got everything!

Why Colne?

My family are all from Colne, and many of my customers are based in Colne. Parking in Barrowford is a nightmare, whereas it’s a lot easier in Colne. Colne is up and coming. Even though it’s quite a big town, everyone knows everyone. It’s a great community, and everyone is welcoming.

MEET… RAMIZ SHAIKH

Skipton Road Post Office

We’re a main post office and do everything related to post office services, we can offer people banking services, travelling services, office stationery and even children’s gifts. We offer so much – it’s astonishing. You just have to come in and see. We even offer dry cleaning! We’ve been on Skipton Road for eight years, and I used to run the Albert Road post office with my brother since 2006. It’s been almost 20 years! We’ve built great customer relationships and have regular customers.

Why Colne?

I really love the customers – the people here are so friendly. The community here is really integrated, and we’re all family here. It’s very friendly.

ColneLife Summer 23