AG welcomed everyone to the first meeting of the 22024/2025 season.

Our speaker at our first meeting was none other than Mr Frank Collins, Landlord of the Dog and Partridge in Sowood. Frank is known to a great number of our members either as the landlord of public houses or through his business connections.  As you would expect, the meeting room was packed with members and guests, wanting to listen to Frank’s talk.

Frank is the landlord of the Dog and Partridge at Sowood. The pub was bought in the 1950’s by Frank’s father and prior to Frank taking over as landlord, it was run by his mother Mabel.  Mabel herself did not retire until well into her 80’s and made it into the Guiness Book of Records as being the oldest and longest serving landlady.  Now Frank has the honour of being the oldest pub landlord.

Frank gave brief outline of his younger years and then went on to share with members details of the businesses he purchased, most at very preferential rates, and his dealings with local businessmen.  One of these being a Lord Kagan of Kagan Textiles/Gannex Mills.

One memorable purchase was a large stock of boxes of buttons.  He questioned himself over this purchase at the time, how could he move these buttons on?  When checking the contents, he found boxes that would be suitable for Lord Kagan.  A call was made to Lord Kagan and the transaction took place. He went on to sell the rest to businesses in the North West.  Frank was able, as he normally did, to make a tidy profit.

Had time permitted, I am sure those in attendance would have loved to hear more anecdotes from Frank.  Hopefully he will agree to speak to the Society again in the future.

Frank has kindly donated his fee for the talk to charity.