Published June 28, 2023 at 13:16
An important piece of Haslingden’s local heritage, Haslingden’s Hidden Bible, will be showcased in a traveling exhibition. The Friends of Haslingden Cemetery (FOHC) Group invites the local community to explore Haslingden’s Hidden Bible, a true historic gem that has recently been restored to its former glory. Visitors can delve into its history and the life of the interesting man who donated the bible, George Berry, Haslingden’s Rag and Bone Man.
Thanks to the efforts of the FOHC Group, the Bible has undergone conservation repairs conducted by Formby’s book restoration and conservation in Ramsbottom.
The restoration project was made possible through funding from community micro-grants, part of the Haslingden Big Lamp Project, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Rossendale Borough Council.
The exhibition presents a unique opportunity for the community to learn more about the restoration process and discover the tale behind George Berry and his donation.
The traveling exhibition will be held at two locations within Haslingden.
Haslingden Library: Friday, June 23rd – Friday, July 7th, 2023
Haslingden Community Link: Monday, July 17th – Monday, July 31st, 2023
Councillor Adrian Lythgoe, Chair of Haslingden 2040, expressed his excitement about the restoration project, stating: “We are thrilled to have restored a local treasure using grant funding from the Big Lamp Project.
“The exhibition provides a showcase for Haslingden’s little-seen, rare historic Bible. It is great that the local community will have the opportunity to see the Bible and find out a little more about George Berry.”
Margaret Murray, representative of the FOHC Group, shared her enthusiasm, adding: “The bible commemorates the death of George Robert Berry who died, aged 4, in 1923 and presented to Haslingden Corporation Cemetery in 1942 by his father, George Berry and family.
“Researching the history of the bible and George Berry, a prominent Rag and Bone merchant in Haslingden, has been an interesting journey.
“Special thanks go to Duncan Berry, George senior’s grandson, and Haslingden Old and New for providing historical information, also to the Heritage Regeneration Officer for her attention to detail in facilitating the exhibition.”
The Friends of Haslingden Cemetery (FOHC) Group, Rossendale Borough Council, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Haslingden Library, and Haslingden Community Link have collaborated to make this exhibition possible, showcasing their commitment to preserving local heritage and fostering community engagement.
For further information on the Bible Exhibition or Community Micro-Grants, please contact Laabiyah Iqbal:
Email: laabiyahiqbal@rossendalebc.gov.uk Telephone: 01706 252 480