THREE tiny figures [barely visible] pose for a postcard photograph atop a landmark that Farnhill was about to lose in May, 1906, in the shape of a chimney belonging to worsted spinners Messrs T Aked and Son.

The local rural district council considered it unsafe.

Akeds adopted a rather unusual course by giving their chimney to their Cross Hills neighbours, Messrs William Smith and Co, “on the understanding that they were responsible for the work of pulling it down”.

Smiths intended to rebuild it on its own premises to replace its chimney, which was proving inadequate.