This year our Spring Outing took the form of two walks in the valley of the River Etherow as it emerges from Longdendale. Both were led by David Frith who grew up in the area and gave an interesting talk to the Society a few years ago. The morning walk was in the village of Broadbottom and Mottram was visited in the afternoon.

Neil Mullineux reports...

In 1945 Aneurin Bevan depicted Britain as “an island of coal surrounded by a sea of fish.” This memorable image may no longer hold true but the heritage remains and our visit to the National Coal Mining Museum in Wakefield demonstrated just what a role coal has played in our development over the last two centuries.

Tuesday 6th March dawned sunny and bright, a splendid day. But it was on Wednesday 7th that MLHS went to Derby and it was cold, grey and wet! However, the coach was on time and we were soon on our way to High Lane and on across the Peaks to Derby.

In March we went to the People's History Museum on the banks of the Irwell. No coach was involved, we were directed to find our way there by public transport. (It is always assumed we all qualify for free travel - which may not be the case.)