19 things you'll know if you come from Darwen

Here we take a trip down memory lane (taking our minds off all things coronavirus) with a list of 19 things that only true a Darrener would understand.

There are bound to be countless more so feel free to send in your own suggestions for the list of all things Darwen.

1. If you were born in Darwen you’re called a Darrener.

2. Gandhi visited Darwen in 1931 and was welcomed by the town's mill workers.

Gandhi visiting Darwen

3. County Sports was the place to shop - a legendary sports store and was the best place to get your clobber.

4. Castle Records used to be in Bridge Street, a go to for the latest vinyl or cassette tapes.

5. The Beatles played in Darwen town centre at the Co-Operative Hall before they became world famous.

6. Crown Paints was formerly named Walpamur Paints, which named one of its products 'Darwen Satin Finish'. Crown Wallcoverings was based in Belgrave Mill.

Crown Wallcoverings, Darwen, in 1969

7. Mags and Fags – a well-known newsagents also known for selling singles (individual cigarettes) for 20p.

8. Darwen FC formed in 1870 and was the world's first football club to have paid professional players.

Darwen FC 1879-80

9. Neil Arthur, lead vocalist of 1980s group Blancmange is a Darrener.

Neil Arthur

10. The Pet Shop Boys musician, Chris Lowe said he often stayed with friends on Belgrave Road in Darwen as a young lad.

11. Hawkwind, the famous rock band played at the town’s Pickup Bank Festival.

Hawkwind

12. Vox Pops TV – there was a series based on Darwen back in 1983.

13. Paul Weller has been known to stay at The Astley Bank Hotel.

The Astley Bank Hotel, a 19th century manor house in Bolton Road

14. Acid House nights were regularly held at Darwen’s 21 Club in Anchor Road. The Rave Cave!

15. Down the Mine and The Chicken and Egg café - both good places for refreshments back in the day.

16. Hetty Wainthrop Investigates was filmed in Darren.

17. Bold Venture Park opened in 1887 and extended in both 1898 and 1914 to reach up to the foot of Darwen moor - before this the moors were closed to the public.

Luke Conway took this stunning shot at Bold Venture Park in Darwen

18. The WEC Group’s apprentices handcrafted the stainless-steel Spitfire based in The Green, it two years to complete.

19. Darreners love the tower – it’s Darwen’s pride and joy. The view from the top is breathtaking and we are really lucky to have the heritage. WEC also replaced the roof when it blew off during a storm in 2010.

Tony Hopwood took this stunning shot of the silhouette of Darwen Tower