News


  • VE 80th Anniversary Celebrations 8th May 2025

    We are delighted to announce that we are planning a special celebratory evening at the Old Thornley School, 6.30pm – 9.30pm on Thursday 8th May, to mark the historic 80th Anniversary of Victory in EuropeDay.  

    Families and communities across our great nation will be coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of Word War II in Europe and we are proud to reveal that the school, our unique and very special little rural archive, is playing its part in this truly historic occasion.

    At 6.30pm Ringing the School Bell – the nation will be called upon to ‘Ring Out Bells’ in united celebration and Old Thornley School will be joining in this momentous occasion by ringing our Old School Bell.   It is truly remarkable that our bell has survived all these years since 1880. We have it on good authority from an ex pupil’s mother that the last time the bell was rung out it was to celebrate peace at the end of World War II, 80 years ago, so you can imagine how special the 8th May is going to be when our little old bell, which has hung silently for 80 years, is rung out loud and proud across our beautiful countryside once again.

    At  7pm a lone Piper will play the Bagpipes within the Thornley School Grounds which is sure to be a stunning moment.

    At 9.30pm whilst the nation is lighting beacons and lamplights to symbolise the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war, our community will join in lighting two special lamplights which will shine out from the school symbolising love and hope for a peaceful future.

    Please feel free to “Pop in” on passing or join us from 6.30pm for the full evening. As usual there will be Tea and Cakes available or bring your own “drinks” to celebrate the together.

    All donations on the night go to the Thornley Community Space Charity to run the Old Thornley School as a meeting place.



  • Autumn Fashion Night at Ferrari’s Restaurant

    1st October 2024 (Tuesday night). 7pm meet for a 7.30 start of fashion show.

    £15 per person which includes a hot meal/ chips.

    This is one of our best fundraisers so please bring your friends, family, neighbours and let’s have a full house to support our next task to install 21 Heritage double glazed windows in the old Thornley School.

    It’s usually a good, fun night with time for a glass or two! There will be raffles and bids for prizes ….

    We welcome again Shirley and her models from the local “Ashley Alice Boutique” in Clitheroe. Fashion item on sale on the night including a range of handbags, jewellery and scarves.

    You can reserve tables if you are planning to come as a group. Tickets need to be booked in advance so meals can be ordered but you can pay on the door.

    To Book:

    Contact : office@thornleycommunityspace.org

    Text or call mobile:  07763127009

    Or grab a Trustee

    Come on, we need your support… we are trying to replace the remaining 21 single glazed windows for quality Heritage Double glazed windows. Let’s get rid of those drafts once and for all!


  • Dates for your Diary

    30th June – Our first Thornley History / Bee Themed Pop up Cafe – to run 12 to 5pm at The Thornley School – selling pots of tea and cakes. Hoping to include the usual short local history quiz, Tombola and Guess the Amount of Marbles in the bottle – what else would you expect at a rural event?

    And on the hour, we will ring the old school bell in the bell tower which hasn’t beenheard, I guess, in 40+ years, at least.

    1pm “Chat around discussion” of Beekeeping and Bee friendly gardens joined by two local Beekeepers.

    2.30 pm “Chat around discussion” on The Diary of the Reverend Peter Walkden with local history discussions.

    We will be displaying all the old maps and other history information on Thornley along with our old Thornley School class photographs.

    All invited to pop in and join us whether just for a brew and a chat / join one of the activities or just a chance to talk about what you would like to see in future activities at Thornley School.

    Weather permitting in the morning we are hoping to organise a small group history walk starting from the school. If you want details or to join the walks could you please email ahead as there are limited places, so will quickly get booked up. A further email to be sent in a couple of weeks confirming details.

    As always, cake bakers … Your country needs you … We need you…..

    16th July 7pm – Talk from Ribble Rivers Trust on Woodland and Water projects in the area.

    Their aim is to protect and promote our rivers for both people and wildlife. Promoting woodlands, habitats and wildlife. Should be an interesting talk and time to ask questions about our local area. Option to landowners to explore the RRT tree planting scheme, an eco-movement to plant more than 500,000 trees.


  • Upcoming Events

    Domino Nights at Thornley School

    Held fortnightly on a Monday 7pm to 9.30ish £3

    Double nine dominos 24 games. plus raffle

    Dates 6th May 20th May 3th June 17th June 1st July 15th July 29th July 12th August 26th August (no Doms 9th September ) restarts 23rd September. 7th October 21st October 4th November 18th November 2nd December Xmas Dominos

    Thornley Bookclub

    Meets Monthly on the second Tuesday of the month 6.45 – 8.30 pm

    14th May / 11th June / 9th July / 13th August / 16 th September ( third Tuesday) / 8th October / 12th November and xmas bookclub on the 9th December

    Bookclub Trip to Preston Playhouse to see Little Woman Thursday 9th May 2024

    Any enquiries Office@thornleycommunityspace.org