Goyt Valley Guestbook

Andrew writes: “I’ve been visiting the Valley for many years and having just returned I was utterly appalled. I’ve collected around 60 plastic bottles, 40 glass bottles and various other trash from the car park.”

James asks whether there are any floor plans of Errwood Hall, or interior photos. And whether anyone has a copy of the auctioneers catalogue for the final sale. Please get in touch if you can help.

Cathy emailed all the way from Australia to say: “I have an old photo from 1930. I can’t remember where I picked it up. I was taking it out to re-frame as it was falling apart when I just thought I would check and see exactly what the story was.”

Bridget Franklin writes: “I live in Rainow and have been researching the Gaskells of Ingersley Hall for some time. Although the family has not died out, most old letters and photos etc were destroyed after the last permanent resident Anne Theodora Gaskell died in 1923.”

Mel Rogerson writes: “I’ve recently discovered that one of my ancestors was a gamekeeper at Errwood Hall throughout the 1800s and wondered whether you have the dates for the staff photos?”

John writes: “Today I walked up to Shining Tor, down and along the valley back to Pym Chair. It is a beautiful area with spectacular scenery and I tried to imagine it as it was before the reservoirs were constructed and the pine forests planted.”

Peter Jourdain writes: “I found your lovely website and Youtube videos on the Goyt Valley after having searched on the web. I am an American, and have never been to the Goyt, but am a cyclist and cycling historian, with a primary emphasis on the golden era of British cycling clubs and cycletouring in the 1920s and ’30s.”

Chris Belton writes: “I’m trying to identify a 1958 photo from my late father’s collection entitled ‘Goyt Holiday’. The photo shows a bridge over a stream but seemingly not Goyt’s Bridge. I can sort of remember it, it was a delightful place, the sort my parents sought out for picnics.”

Sarah Dugdale writes: “I was looking at your website and I believe I have some old photos of the area. My Grandparents were living in the area before the war and were re-located to Whaley Bridge. The whole story is a muddle in my head as my dad who could have helped greatly died in November 2000.”

Rob Stephen writes: “I was looking at your videos of your walks and I must say that I am really impressed with your website. But I think to make your website better you could add a detailed map of all the Goyt Valley walks and paths so it is easier to plan where you want to go.”

Paul Mason writes: “Firstly, what a great job you’ve done with this site – lovely to see. I’m the son of the late Winefred and John Mason who built and ran the ‘Dish & Spoon Cafe’, just past the ‘Cat & Fiddle’ pub (photo above). My great-grandfather was a farmer in the valley, and my grandfather was game keeper for Lord Derby.”

Paul Mellor writes: “I’ve just been watching your Errwood Hall & family graves walk video on YouTube and thought you might be interested to know that my mother, Brenda, is one of the daughters of Jack Hewitt who you mention in the video.”