Restoring Our Community – Waughs Well Sign Refreshed

Imagine strolling through your local park, enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of nature, when suddenly you come across something that makes you stop in your tracks—not because it’s beautiful, but because it’s heart-breaking. That’s exactly what happened recently at on the hills above Rossendale where the memorial to Edwin Waugh, the celebrated Lancashire poet, was found in a state that could only be described as a horror show.

For those unfamiliar, Edwin Waugh was a 19th-century poet, often dubbed the “Lancashire Burns,” who had a knack for capturing the heart and soul of the working-class folks in his writing. His memorial in Bury was meant to be a tribute to his lasting legacy. Unfortunately, it seems time and neglect have taken their toll, leaving the monument in a dilapidated state.

Local residents were rightly appalled when they saw the condition of the memorial. We’re talking missing plaques, broken masonry, and the kind of overgrowth that would make even the hardiest of weeds proud. It was as if the memorial had become an unintended symbol of neglect rather than one of reverence.

But here’s the good news—this sad state of affairs didn’t go unnoticed. Thanks to the voices of concerned locals, action is being taken to restore the memorial to its former glory. The Bury Council, recognizing the importance of the memorial, has committed to making the necessary repairs. Plans are underway to fix the masonry, replace the missing plaques, and give the whole area a good tidy-up.

We at Newtons with the ongoing support of the Edwin Waughs Society had the sign redesigned whilst keeping elements of the original sign with the help of community member and graphic designer Dale Hardman. Then over a period of two walks, we took on the 8 mile ramble to remove the old sign, bring it down then take up the new one and fix the refreshed version into place for all to see and enjoy! A little piece of history restored to it’s former glory.

Restoring our community piece by piece, the Waughs Well sign restoration is a great reminder of how important it is to care for our local history and cultural landmarks. Memorials like the one dedicated to Edwin Waugh are more than just stone and metal—they’re a connection to our past and a way to keep the stories of influential figures alive for future generations. So, the next time you pass by a statue or memorial, take a moment to appreciate it. And if you see one in need of a little TLC, don’t hesitate to speak up—your voice could be the one that makes a difference.

We also got a shoutout in the Lancashire Telegraph for our efforts with the sign restoration here.

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Email – hello@newtonscowo.com

Call 0161 761 7014