WHEN the Aspects of Howfen exhibition is launched at Westhoughton Library on Saturday, September 23 it will be opened by one of Westhoughton’s best-known and loved characters — Tom Newton MBE.

Tom is “Westhoughton through and through" explains local historian and member of Westhoughton Local History Group (WLHG)David Kaye.

“He and his wife Margaret have been stalwarts of WLHG for many years.

“Tom has given so generously of his time and talents to the group via his superb watercolours, many of which have been painted specifically to enhance our various projects over the years,” he explains.

This has resulted in the group producing limited-edition prints of a number of his paintings of the Westhoughton of yesteryear.

That is as well as souvenir ‘collage cards’ marking such key events in the town’s history as the Pretoria Pit Disaster, the Burning of Westhoughton Mill, Westhoughton and the First World War, and the 140th Anniversary of Wingates Band.

In addition, for the past six years, Tom has produced bespoke paintings for the group illustrating ‘Christmases of Westhoughton past’, which have been used as the basis for producing the group’s Christmas cards.

David explains: “On the back of the cards we print substantial historical captions relating to the image.

“This combination of picture and words has proved extremely popular.

“The cards have been selling out like proverbial hot cakes each year.

“We have just taken delivery of the 2017 cards from the printer.”

The group recently decided to augment its portfolio of publishing activities by introducing an occasional series of ‘personality profiles’.

They are biographical essays of people past and present who have contributed significantly to the rich history and culture of Westhoughton.

“These are to be published under the banner of ‘Keawyed Characters’ (and you will know well the whimsical Westhoughton legend, resulting in the town’s citizens being known as ‘keawyeds’/cowheads),” he says.

Tom Newton will be the first to be profiled.

A four-page illustrated publication has just been completed, and it will be available to the public in conjunction with next month’s exhibition.

Further details of this new publication, the 2017 Christmas card, the forthcoming ‘Aspects of Howfen’ exhibition event, or the heritage society’s activities in general are available on 01204 696984.