A group inside the church. A previously unpublished image.

Newchurch-in-Pendle was bedecked with flags on Saturday for the ancient annual ceremony of rush bearing. Despite the cloudy skies and heavy showers a large number of people took part. The ceremony dates back many centuries to the days when the church floor was covered with rushes and once a year- usually about August - the old ones were removed and replaced by fresh ones. All the children in the procession on Saturday carried rushes, and each received a sixpence donated by the former vicar of St. Mary's Church. A former headmistress of Newchurch School, Miss A. Holt, crowned 12 year old Susan Cooke as the new queen. Susan's attendants were Christine Brierley, Lynne Wooley, Janet Coles and Debby Phillips. Master Alec Whitehead was a cushion bearer. The retiring queen, Miss Barbara Phillips (12) was attended by her sister, Valerie, Janet Whitehead and Mandy Coles.

The procession from the school, where the crowning took place, to the church, was led by the !st Burnley Boys' Brigade Band (Rosegrove Methodists). After the church service, conducted by the vicar, the Rev.J.N.Rowe, games were played in the school and tea was served. In the evening a whist drive and dance as held, with the Ribble Dance Band providing music. The winners of the whist drive were - Ladies; 1. Mrs. M. Lowcock; cons. Mrs.. Harrison, Gents; Mrs.. Cooke; cons. Mrs. B. Brennan. At a service at the church on Sunday afternoon the retiring queen read the lessons and special rush bearing hymns were sung. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Lee, of St. Paul's Church, Nelson.