Against the Grade”

On Friday 19th March 2010 Bob Swallow gave an audio visual presentation in Long Preston Village Hall of the story of the Settle Carlisle Railway from conception to closure proposal. This included pictures of the environment, weather and accidents. It covered the golden years of steam followed by Beeching, the diesel era and neglect.

A Flowers of the Dales Festival Walk

A group of 32 joined Keith Wilson on Saturday 15th May 2010 to look at the spring wildflowers and signs of other wildlife in the partially wooded Dales church yard of St Mary’s Church in Long Preston. This was followed by a walk along the beck side paths and up the walled lanes to the moorland edge to see the contrast between limestone and gritstone habitats.  Some photos of the walk are shown here.

Grosvenor Farm Walk

On Saturday afternoon June 19th 2010, a group of 24 was led by Edward Wilkinson on a walk around his land, between Back Lane and the River Ribble. Edward showed the many type of grasses and plants on the pastures and explained the management techniques he used. He also gave a demonstration of sheep shearing.  Some photos of the walk are shown here.

Secret Gardens - Hidden Places


An open gardens event was held over the weekend of Saturday & Sunday 10th  & 11th July 2010, with seventeen gardens being open from 2pm to 5pm.

Over 160 people took this opportunity to view a wide variety of gardens in the village.

As well as Long Preston villagers the event attracted visitors from surrounding regions, including as far as Wakefield and Blackpool.

”Settle Carlisle Railway - Folklore & Future”

On Friday 8th October 2010 Bob Swallow gave his second audio visual presentation in Long Preston Village Hall on the story of the Settle Carlisle Railway.

”A Sign of the Times”

On Wednesday 3rd November 2010 Alan Hemsworth gave his second entertaining talk in Long Preston Village Hall; this one on the origin of pub names.

The 1940s/50s Big Band Dance Night
Was a sell-out on Saturday 4th December 2010 in Long Preston Village Hall.

The two course meal and live Big Band Music was thoroughly enjoyed by all.