The original fine water-colour painting of this nostalgic view was presented to me years ago by my good friend and fellow Colner, convivial Colin Dyson, whose knowledge of the Colne of yesteryear is exceptional.

Colin, like myself, is a devotee and collector of our town's historical artefacts and has many interesting and, indeed, rare items. The picture Colin kindly gave me is a particularly first-class example of how this corner of old Colne would look 100 years ago.

Note firstly the noble tram on the left, a form of proud transport which was to run just 30 years locally. The original livery colours from November, 1903, to March, 1914, were light green and cream, then from March, 1914, to June, 1922, the new colours were Prussian blue and white, while the final livery change was from June, 1922, to January, 1934, being maroon and cream and with these colours, the era of the tram was gone forever.

Behind the tram is Colne Station, a Midland Railway building which saw the very first steam train from Skipton run on October 2nd, 1848, and almost four months on February 1st, 1849, the Colne to Burnley line was opened for all traffic, passenger and goods.

Three reigning monarchs would visit Colne in 1913, 1938 and 1955 via our proud station, which was then the gateway to our town. However, by 1970, the Colne to Skipton line was absurdly closed and within two years, our majestic station was tragically bulldozed to the ground.

See also to the right, a dignified shire horse pulling a cart. When did you last see a horse and cart going through town?