Celebrating 100 Years of MacMillan Cancer Support
Peel Tower on Holcombe Moor, nr. Bury, Lancs, on Friday 30th September 2011 was opened to the public for tea and coffee to mark 100–years of MacMillan Cancer Support
It was a beautiful day on Holcome Moor, with a clear blue sky brilliant sunshine. From here there are breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and people were out early walking their dogs or generally enjoying the fresh air.
Peel Tower is not usually open to the public, well it hasn’t been for a long time anyway, but today it was being used to help raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support.
For a small entrance fee people could access Peel Tower
and climb the 148 steps to the top.
I used Tonka, my trusty off road competition vehicle, to carrying all the essentials required to make the refreshments and was outside Peel Tower by 8 o’clock. First job was to get the tea urn going before climbing the 148–steps to put up the flag. The view alone was well worth the effort.
Our first customers arrived at 9.50, just 10 minutes before our arranged start time. Then a steady flow of people came along throughout the morning. Teresa Karren, Development Manager for Cheshire & Greater Manchester Macmillan Cancer Support came jogging up to the Tower to help with the event.
Bury Times photographer attends
We had visitors from all over, including Nantwich and one from Australia, although I don’t think they had come specifically for our coffee morning. Even the photographer from the Bury Times made the effort to walk to Peel Tower.
There was a party atmosphere all through the day and just before Teresa left we again climbed the steps of Peel Tower.
We took with us cake and flasks and had our own little tea party to celebrate 100 Years of Macmillan at the Highest point. It was another high point of the day, you might say!
Another high point was that we managed to raise £301.04p for MacMillan.
For details of how you can support MacMillan please contact Janet McPherson
Brief History of Peel Tower
Peel Tower was erected as a memorial to Sir Robert Peel and stands high above the Lancashire town of Ramsbottom on Harcles Hill, known locally as Holcombe Hill.
Opened in September 1852, Peel Tower was built from stone taken from the hillside upon which it stands and at a cost of £1,000.
Peel Tower was renovated in 1929 and at various other times, but closed after World War Two in 1947. In November 1985 it was refurbished and reopened by then Conservative Councillor Alice Maders.
Peel Tower, Holcombe Moor
