There was an atmosphere of anticipation as members gathered to greet Eric Knowles, the boy from Nelson, who found fame as a presenter of The Antiques Road Show, and is a FoPH Patron. Eric had travelled from the south of England especially to unveil a painting featuring Barley and Pendle Hill by Eileen Sorrel, which he has donated to the Friends in memory of his parents. The painting will be on permanent display at Pendle Heritage Centre.

At 11am, we all squeezed into the adjacent room, where our Chair, Dawn Beaumont, formally welcomed Eric and expressed thanks for his patronage and donation.

Prior to the unveiling, Eric informed us through amusing recollections and anecdotes, how a boyhood interest in vernacular architecture and local history ended with his application for a post at Bonham’s Auction House being accepted.

Unveiling the painting with a flourish, Eric explained that he had ‘liberated’ it from Yorkshire as a gift for his parents, in whose house it had been on display for many years. It brought back many happy memories from his youth, especially a night hike up Pendle Hill by members of the 5th Nelson scout troop. On their way through Barley, the scouts paused to play on the swings, only to be moved on by the local ‘bobby’. Some of the scout group present in the audience verified Eric’s account, one pointing out that the ‘bobby’ still had his pyjamas on under his uniform! Interspersed with further recollections and amusing stories, Eric explained that he was very pleased to donate the painting to the Heritage Centre and that it looked better in its new situation than it had at his parents, where it was ‘lost’ in a large display of other paintings.

Drawing proceedings to a close, Dawn again thanked Eric for his attendance and generosity. She went on to thank the members of the ‘Friends’, Jean Hardman in particular for their work behind the scenes in preparation for the occasion.

As members and guests dispersed, Eric was very happy to pose for photographs and answer individual questions.