Former textile worker turned Blackburn Museum and Art Gallery’s oldest volunteer is set to spend his 90th birthday telling stories of the industry which made the town.
Richard Croasdale, who recently received a special award for his 17 plus years at the history hub which makes him its longest serving volunteer, has every intention of being at work when he reached the milestone on July 13.
He is a living connection to the borough’s rich history with the cotton industry – a connection that grows deeper with every story he shares.
Mr Croasdale’s journey with textiles began in 1950 when, at 15, he proudly joined the British Northrop Loom Company Ltd.
The company’s innovations – particularly the Northrop Loom itself – helped solidify the town’s reputation as a global leader in textile production, a legacy still celebrated today.
When a loom donated to the museum arrived in pieces, his friend, local historian Jim Halsall, called with a proposition to put it back together.
After initial reluctance, Mr Croasdale came to the museum to sort it out and is still there regaling visitors with stories from the cloth face.
This project marked the start of his 17-year love affair with the museum, during which he has restored several other looms and become the cornerstone of the Lewis Textile Collection.
His work has earned him a prestigious British Museum Award, and he was recently honoured with a Volunteer of the Year gong at the Community Volunteer Awards.
Mr Croasdale, born in Cotton Street, said: ” There’s so much history here in Blackburn.
“It was once the weaving capital of the world, and I love sharing my stories with visitors, especially schoolchildren.
“I feel like it’s better that they hear it from me, rather than just reading about it in a book.
“I love to volunteer. It feels like I’m giving something back to the place I’ve lived all my life.
“I love Blackburn. To me, it’s a fantastic place – it’s home.
“As long as I have life, I’ll keep it up.”
Rebecca Johnson, arts and heritage manager for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Richard’s knowledge of the cotton industry and his captivating stories have enriched the experience of countless visitors.
“Volunteers like him are the lifeblood of the museum.”
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