Words of Wisdom
by Colne Life magazine
Wisdom from the Belvedere Manor Residential Home in Colne
Meet… DOT and FRANK
We’re not originally from Colne; I was born and raised in Sheffield, and Frank’s from Blackpool. We moved to Belvedere recently from Nelson. We relocated over here as a young family with Frank’s job and lived in Earby first, before moving to Nelson, where we raised
our family and ran our convenience shop. It was a different time back then.
When we had our shop, the community was close—everyone knew each other’s businesses. I knew everyone by name. Now, it feels impersonal. With supermarkets, all the little old shops are gone.
We met when we were both working at Burton’s Biscuits in Blackpool. When we were younger, we loved dancing at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool and going to the pictures.
“The secret to a happy life is getting along with your partner”
We’ve got some lovely memories, especially of family days out. Back then, Sundays were when lots of families spent time together and had days out. We would have Sunday drives to Bolton Abbey; it was always such a lovely place. And when my grandchildren came along, I would often take them to spend happy days playing in Victoria Park in Nelson.
The secret to a happy life is getting along with your partner and choosing the right partner. It’s important to talk to each other and listen; that’s the key. I’ve been married to Frank for 62 years, and that says something.
Our advice to today’s generation? Listen to others and respect their point of view.
Meet… GEORGE
I was born and grew up in Burnley, later moving to Briercliffe, and more recently, to Belvedere in Colne. I didn’t grow up in Colne, but I’m still a local lad.
Things were different back when I was a lad. I remember playing football in the street with no cars to worry about. We even used to sledge down the roads, even the main roads! I can’t imagine doing that now with all the traffic. There were no worries back then; we cycled and walked everywhere. There weren’t many cars around. When I was 15, a mate and I rode our bicycles all the way to London and back, and it took us seven days. We barely saw a car the whole way. No motorways back then. You couldn’t dream of doing that today; it’s too busy.
Don’t waste your days on things that don’t matter.
I got up to all sorts of things as a lad. I used to go to the police youth club in Burnley, which was just for lads back then. We’d play table tennis, darts, and snooker. My sister dated an American soldier; he used to bring me all sorts of booty: flags, daggers, chocolate, and badges. You name it. I’d trade shrapnel with my mates for money. We even played tricks on the Home Guard now and then; it was all harmless stuff, but we had a laugh.
When I was older, I danced with my late wife. We’d go to the Empress Ballroom in Burnley, and I remember the Imperial in Nelson or the ‘Imp’ as it was better known. Some big names came through there.
My first job was at Park Mill textile factory on Leyland Road in Burnley. It was long hours, but good times. I remember my wage was 19s and 6d a week.
If you ask me, the secret to a happy life is all about finding the right one. A good marriage, a happy family, that’s what it’s all about. And do what you enjoy. Don’t waste your days on things that don’t matter.
And to the younger generation, stay young for longer. Kids today grow up too fast. Don’t be in a rush. There’s plenty of time for growing up; enjoy being young while it lasts.
Meet… CHRIS
I wasn’t born around here; I moved from Nottingham to Barrowford with my dad when I was an adult, but it’s always been a nice place to live. I remember the local pubs in Barrowford. They used to be cosy back then, and everybody knew everybody. At weekends, I would go out with friends on trips to different village pubs. I remember everyone being friendly—those were lovely times.
“Don’t judge others.”
I trained and worked as a crime scene officer in the police force, and I have happy memories from those days. It was challenging but rewarding; I saw and did a lot. And I’ve learned this: if you can make good social connections and develop your skills doing something you love, as I did in the police, that’s the key to a happy life.
My advice for the younger generation is this: Don’t judge others. We’ve all been young once. Just enjoy it, have fun, and be kind to each other.
Meet… VICKI
I was born in Foulridge and went to school in Colne. I lived with my mum and grandparents in Sough when my dad went to war. Life was different back then; it was carefree. When I was young, I’d hop on my pushbike with my friends, and we’d ride all the way to Malham. You felt safe. There weren’t many cars, but it’s so much busier now, with traffic and crowds everywhere. That old mill town feeling and the sense of community we used to feel have gone; it’s not the same anymore. Everything has moved on so quickly.
When I was older, I had some brilliant days riding on the back of motorbikes with my brother and his mates. We’d head off to Blackpool, Preston, and even Lancaster. But I came off one day, and that was it for me; I’ve never been on a bike since. I’ve fond memories of those days, like dancing at the Tower Ballroom in Blackpool. And I’ll never forget the pie and pea suppers at the village hall dances or going to the local youth club.
“Don’t put things off. You never know what’s around the corner.”
Those were good times. Like many from my generation, I remember the place to go was the Imperial in Nelson; Cliff Richard came once. From the age of 15 to 18, I trained to be a nurse in Burnley, and when I turned 18, I moved to Manchester to work at Booth Hall. Over the years, I have lived in several places, and I’ve just returned to Colne and Belvedere Manor to be near my brother. It feels good to be back.
My secret to a happy life is to be open and friendly and not let anything stop you from doing what you want. I’ve just been to Holland and only got back yesterday. I don’t want things to stop me! And my advice to anyone younger is simple: do what you want while you can. Don’t put things off. You never know what’s around the corner.
Meet… FRED
I was born in Colne and have lived here all my life. It was a good place to grow up, and I have lots of happy memories. As a lad, I enjoyed going to Sunday school at Langroyd Church with my mates. We always had fun, and I had lots of friends there. One place I always liked to go to in Colne was the Carnegie Library on Albert Road. It was just such a lovely, peaceful place, and I used to enjoy spending my spare time there. I remember that the people were always friendly and kind. My first job was in an iron foundry. It was hard work, but I enjoyed it. I worked for W.B. Whites.
“I think the secret to a happy life is very simple: Always laugh”
I think the secret to a happy life is very simple: Always laugh. They say laughter is the key to happiness; it’s as simple as that. Oh, and enjoy yourself while you can. If I could give some advice to young ones today, it would be not to take life too seriously and just be happy with what you have.
Meet… RUTH
I was born in Barnoldswick. Growing up, it was a quiet place with few cars or people, but it’s better now. Busier. It’s nice to see
it thriving. Barley is a special place to me; I have happy memories with friends there. When I was older and in college, I spent much of my spare time in Ilkley with friends, especially one friend I met there. We’d go to church together; those were lovely days.
After leaving school, I went to college to train as a teacher. When I qualified, I taught in primary school. I have so many good memories from those days—watching children learn and grow is very rewarding work.
“You’ve got to remember your friends and keep in touch”
The key to happiness for me has always been friendship. You’ve got to remember your friends and keep in touch. I have always had a great group of friends.
If I could advise the younger generation, it would be to keep their friends close. Please try to see them and stay in touch. You never know what’s around the corner, and when things get tough, your friends help you.
Meet… TONY
I was born in Barrow-in-Furness but moved to Barlick as a young lad. My dad worked for Rolls-Royce back then. I’ve had an interesting life. After studying, my first job was as a French teacher, and I went on to teach both French and German. I even lived in London and France for a while before returning home to be near my mum.
“Be grateful for what you have”
I remember when there was more of a sense of community, when everyone knew everyone. It’s not like that anymore. There are more people now, and things have changed. When I was younger, I enjoyed spending my spare time going to the pictures and watching Colne play football. They were good times.
If you want to be happy, be grateful for what you have. That’s what I believe. My advice to the younger generation is to behave themselves and be thankful. Don’t waste precious time wanting what you don’t have.
To share your views on Colne, email – editor@northernlifemedia.co.uk
ColneLife June/July/Aug 25
