Lancaster celebrates 'Lino King's' generosity
The Ashton Memorial
Centenary of two historic buildings
LANCASTER City Council will be celebrating the centenaries of Lancaster Town Hall and the Ashton Memorial over the weekend of September 26 and 27.
In 1909, James Williamson II, Lord Ashton, Lancaster’s millionaire manufacturer and ‘Lino King’, presented the town with a new town hall.
In the same year, to the east of the town centre, high on a hill at Williamson Park (itself donated to Lancaster by his father), he also gifted a magnificent baroque edifice, the Ashton Memorial.
The town hall opened in December, and the Memorial in October, of that year.
The Memorial stands in 54 acres of parkland, adjacent to an original palm house, now serving as a tropical butterfly house. A 'mini-beast’ centre, shop and café complete the complex.
To celebrate the centenaries Lancaster City Council has organised some extra special events.
Events start on Saturday September 26 with a reincarnation of Lord Ashton receiving visitors at the Memorial and leading a tour of Williamson Park.
The celebration continues on the Sunday, with his lordship presiding over a full day of popular entertainment from Edwardian times, presented in marquees, adjacent to the Memorial.
A fascinating connection between Lord Ashton and present day Lancaster, is also acknowledged.
Lord Ashton was an early bicycle enthusiast, spending much time cycling in the grounds of his Lancaster residence.
By coincidence, Lancaster was one of just six places, designated as ‘Cycling Demonstration Town’ in October 2005.
Since then, through the efforts of the Celebrating Cycling Campaign, Lancaster District can arguably claim to have achieved the status of cycling capital of the North West.
This 100 year link is commemorated with Planet Bike – a celebration of all things bike, past and present.
Located at the foot of the Memorial’s impressive western steps, Planet Bike will feature cycle themed events, stalls and activities, throughout the Sunday.
The Edwardian entertainment, to be presented next to the Memorial, will include:
* Sir Henry and Lady Greatham with their ‘Greatham’s Grand Puppet Show’, a patriotic history of great British heroes and events
* Hautbois – Mr and Mrs Heavisides, singing songs from the music hall and variety theatre, accompanying themselves on a great variety of instruments
* The Duo of Mr Morgan and Mr West, commonly known as Bamboozlement, demonstrating their magical powers
* The favourite puppet show of Punch and Judy, presented by the renowned Professor Robanti
Down the hill from the Memorial, Planet Bike features:
* The Trials Display Team’s Amazing Cycling Stunt Show;
* A Unicycle Extravaganza, including world record skipping on a unicycle;
* Cyclemagic, a duo who, attired in period costume, present and demonstrate a collection of historic bicycles, ranging from a replica 1820s hobby horse to a restored 1880s tricycle.
There will also be a variety of displays and stalls, such as Dr Bike’s free basic bike repairs, virtual bike racing and pedal powered smoothie making! The Cycling Demonstration Team stand will provide lots of cycling literature, information and advice.
Up at the Memorial, Dyno Start, Carnforth’s cycling shop, will be displaying a selection of historic machines from their own bike museum.
The Centenary Celebration starts at 11am on Sunday 27 September and finishes around 5.30pm.
All events and activities are free of charge. The day formally begins with a cycling cavalcade, leaving the Park’s Wyresdale Road gates, en route for the Memorial, and led by Lord Ashton on a unicycle! Everyone is invited to join in with their bike or follow on foot.
In addition to events taking place in Williamson Park, Lancaster City Council and a range of local organisations will be celebrating the centenaries as part of the annual Lancaster Unlocked weekend.
Full details of all the events are available from Lancaster and Morecambe Visitor Information Centres (Tel. 01524 582394 / 582808) or by visiting www.lancaster.gov.uk/centenarycelebrations.
Date Updated: 15/09/09