As part of Community Rail Week, Community Rail Lancashire have been hosting a number of events across the county. One of the first events was a premiere of a short-animated film about the life of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, which took place at Padiham Green CE Primary on Monday 23rd May 2022.
L to R Artist Cath Ford, year 6 teacher Natasha Gardiner, children from year 6, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth character, headteacher Mark Dixon, Caroline Eccles and David Pownall from Huckleberry Fils and Melanie Taylor
This film, which was commissioned by Community Rail Lancashire, tells the inspirational story of Burnley woman, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth with the purpose to encourage people to travel by train to Rose Grove Station and then walk to Gawthorpe Hall to visit the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection which she established.
The animated film includes archive footage of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, which has been provided by The North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University.
With thanks to the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection team who provided archive photographs and information for the film, and the Heritage Learning Lancashire team who facilitated a tour of Gawthorpe Hall with an actor playing ‘Miss Rachel’.
Filmmakers, Huckleberry Films who created the final animation and accompanying poster, worked with community artist Cath Ford who led a series of workshops teaching art skills and developing resources with year 6 pupils at Padiham CE Primary School to create artwork designs that formed part of the final animation.
The premier was hosted by the talented year 6 pupils and was attended by artist Cath Ford, with representatives from Community Rail Lancashire, Heritage Learning Lancashire, Gawthorpe Hall, Manchester Metropolitan University, Huckleberry Films and members of the Friends of the Padiham Greenway.
Melanie Taylor, Chair Joint CL & ELCRPs said: “Well done to everyone who has been part of this fantastic project, especially the pupils at Padiham Green CE Primary, the artists, filmmakers and the inspirational support given by the Heritage Learning Lancashire Team and staff at the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection.
“The animated film also includes archive footage of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, which has been kindly provided by The North West Film Archive at Manchester Metropolitan University for which we thank them most sincerely.
“A huge thanks also goes to Lancashire County Council’s Heritage Learning Lancashire team, and to the Gawthorpe Textiles Collection at Gawthorpe Hall, who provided information for the project. We also thank the funders for this project, the Community Rail Network.”
Natasha Gardiner, year 6 Teacher at Padiham Green School said: “It was an amazing experience for our pupils to work with artist Cath Ford, and alongside Caroline at Huckleberry Films to create artwork, which featured in the final animation.
“This project has been a great collaboration that has created a piece of history for the Shuttleworth family and Gawthorpe Hall. To host the premier of the film at our school has been an honour for our pupils and teachers.”
Caroline Eccles, from Huckleberry Films, was delighted with the end results. She said: “We were so excited when we were first approached about this wonderful project.
“Miss Rachel, as she was affectionately known, was an incredible woman and helping to share her legacy has been fascinating. Everyone that has worked on this project should be very proud of themselves, especially the super talented children.
“My hope is that it will have a real impact on those that see it and it will encourage them to visit Gawthorpe Hall, using our wonderful railways, and inspire them to learn more about the life and achievements of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth.”
Her Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant for Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth’s great-nephew added: “I was delighted be one of the first people to watch the video that outlines the amazing life of Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth, plus the rich heritage of Gawthorpe Hall and surrounding areas.
“It is great to hear how the pupils thoroughly enjoyed learning about the fantastic history of Gawthorpe Hall, while creating art pieces to share their knowledge. This video will be a piece of history for my family and all at Gawthorpe Hall.”
The film can be viewed by clicking on the link below: