Robert Owen and John Miller of Rivington were responsible for the founding of Rivington Brass Band about 1864. The purchase of instruments was facilitated by Peter Martin of 'The Street', Rivington, who loaned the £200 necessary. The sum was quickly repaid.

For many years all the musicians came from Rivington but a decline in the village's population coupled with the effects of two World Wars meant that a wider catchment area was essential to ensure a full complement of bandsmen. Men from Adlington augmented the dwindling numbers of Rivington Band and eventually outnumbered the Rivington contingent. Although the Bandsmen retained their affinity with Rivington the title of the band was subsequently changed to the Rivington and Adlington Prize Band.

Band practice was originally held in any available building, often a barn, until the band was permitted to use the schoolroom adjoining Rivington Chapel. Eventually, Mr Ritson, the incumbent at Rivington Church, persuaded the band to transfer practice nights to the reading room of Rivington Chapel Library.

After continual use for over a quarter of a century the band's instruments were in need of replacement and in 1903 a complete new set was purchased for £300. Members were anxious to clear the debt as soon as possible and to a man the members agreed to remain with the band until the full sum was repaid. This was achieved in just two years.

Many local events are staged with the accompaniment of the band and walking days are not complete without the stirring sound of brass. Regular band practice is held in the band room situated just off Babylon Lane.

The Guild was established in 1985, in order that a group of like minded people, keenly interested in the noble art of brewing Wine and Beer in their own homes could get together on a monthly basis to exchange recipes, ideas, learn new skills and above all else have fun. So from this humble start in the old Scout hut on White Bear Marina sprang this versatile bunch of citizens, not just from Adlington but also Horwich, Blackrod, and Chorley.

Not content with simply indulging in their homebrew, over the years this group have become expert in commercial wine, and would be able to converse quite intelligently with the best wine buffs in the land. Simply educating themselves in this way was not enough. Social gatherings on a grand scale where incorporated with some determined enthusiasm, with Bar-B-Ques, Tramps Balls, Casino Nights, Cruise Nights, various Cabaret Shows, not to mention the fabulous bit show that due to demand had to be repeated, 'Hits of The Blitz', put on by Doug Larby of Adlington. Always full of the community spirit on many occasions the club took part in the famous Adlington Carnival and on one such memorable day was introduced to the Queen who just happened to be the special guest that day (alas only a look alike).

The club meets the first Thursday of every month anti endeavours to do something different each time, from Wine, Beer or Food Tasting to competitions, visits to Breweries, Restaurants and even Cheese factories - nothing is off limits to this merry bunch who over the years have become the best of friends with each other. New members are always welcome at the Community Centre, your only qualification to be able to learn and enjoy yourself at the same time. This is such a fun club that all the founding members are still there today - now that's a recommendation.

Founded by Alan and Brenda Hart, Cohn Prescott, Eric Hilton, Ron and June Redmayne and of course the long time President Idris Rees, some members (yes they are still members) the level of friendship engendered by this unique club.

Should you wish to make contact with us please ring Brenda on 01257 482054 there is always a warm welcome waiting, you do not have to make home brew. This is more of a friendly social group, and in no way completely concentrates on alcoholic matters. So come on join

St. Paul's Players has been in existence for over 100 years, and originally performed the annual pantomime and plays in the school hall of St Paul's Church of England School. In 1973 they moved into what is now known as The Adlington Community Centre, which for every production is converted into a theatre with raised seating.

St. Paul's Players provide a variety of entertainment to suit all tastes, regularly producing a pantomime, a musical and a play each year. As well as regular slots throughout the year, they are involved in helping to raise funds for the church, holding social events including Murder Mystery Evenings, musical evenings and joining in events throughout the village. Many of the society's members can be seen helping on the carnival field each year.

Rehearsals are held every Tuesday and Thursday evening in St. Paul's Infant School Hall.
Productions are performed at the Community Centre in March, September and December/January.

The Players also have a Youth Group, which meet every Tuesday evening from 6.30pm to 7.45pm, where workshops are held and/or rehearsals for forthcoming productions. The younger members have previously performed "Shake Ripple and Roll "and" Joseph and the amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

People of all ages are welcome to join the society, the starting age is 6 years for pantomimes and 9 years for the Youth Section, but there is no upper limit. We are always pleased to welcome people, whatever their interest in Theatre maybe, whether it is knocking in a nail, making a cup tea etc., not every-one can be or wants to be on stage, but every-one is an essential part of a production.

For further information contact the Secretary on 01257 481910.
The Society has an extensive wardrobe of pantomime costumes which are available for hire by contacting Wendy Salvage on 01257 481910.

 

Rivington and Rivington Barns

With its rugged hills, picturesque reservoirs and woodland, Rivington is our mini lake district, with a natural beauty to rival the real thing. The famous Rivington Pike, an ancient beacon to warn of invasion, is a landmark that dominates the local landscape.

However, what makes Rivington different is the influence of Lord Leverhulme, founder of Lever brothers, who created a number of unique features which he gave to the local people. These include, the Japanese Terraced Gardens on the Northwest slopes of the Pike, a beautiful real life secret garden and the Replica of the ruined Liverpool Castle, along with many walks and trails.

The unique Saxon Tithe Barns are well worth a visit. Great House Barn believed to be dated from around the 7th century and once owned by a Saxon noble, and then given to the people via lord Leverhulme. It is now a very popular weekend meeting place for motor bikers and is also open daily with tea and coffee shop, which also serves light meals

Hall Barn is famous for its nights out, with a variety of special entertainment, that includes Bavarian Nights, Barn Dances and Medieval Banquets. It is also available for functions and dances. The Hall Barn is open every Sunday and hosts an antiques fair on alternate Wednesdays. Call 01204 696159

With the West Pennine Moors being only a mile or so from the centre of Adlington, walking is very popular, and now the XVII Commonwealth Games cycling events have been held in Rivington the area is attracting many new people and their bikes.