A child running around the fields was once commonly seen here just prior to the Second World War

The Random Jottings of Donald Jay from Nelson in Pendle.
Young Child Running Blackburn - Entwistle Station - Entwistle Halt Haunting Manifestation Mid twentieth century A child running around the fields was once commonly seen here just prior to the Second World War, even though he was killed on the nearby railway tracks as the First World War raged.
In the picturesque town of Blackburn, nestled amidst the rolling hills, there existed a place of both beauty and sorrow. The railway tracks that ran through the heart of the town told a tale of tragedy and a haunting manifestation that had captivated the locals for decades.
The story began in the mid-twentieth century, a time when innocence still thrived despite the looming darkness of war. It was said that a young child, no more than eight years old, could be seen running joyfully across the fields surrounding Blackburn. His laughter filled the air as he raced through the vibrant meadows, his spirit seemingly untouched by the turmoil of the world.
Curious townsfolk often caught glimpses of the child, his ethereal form darting among the tall grasses, his presence a reminder of simpler times. It was as if he had become a guardian of the land, an embodiment of the innocence that had been lost.
However, the haunting nature of this apparition lay in the tragic truth of his existence. The child had met his untimely demise on the nearby railway tracks many years before. During the chaos of the First World War, the rattling of war machines and the cries of battle drowned out the sound of an approaching train. The young boy, lost in his own world of play, had crossed the tracks, unaware of the imminent danger.
As the war raged on, the innocence of the child was claimed by the merciless wheels of the train. His life was extinguished, leaving behind only a lingering presence that would forever wander the fields he once loved.
Years passed, and tales of the young child's apparition became deeply ingrained in the town's folklore. Locals spoke in hushed whispers of the ghostly figure that could still be seen, even in the darkest of nights. Some claimed to have heard the distant laughter of the child carried on the wind, while others spoke of a chilling presence that made the hair on their necks stand on end.
People often sought solace in visiting the Blackburn-Entwistle Station, the very place where the tragedy had occurred. They would stand at the platform, staring out into the fields, hoping to catch a glimpse of the spectral figure, a connection to a lost era. Some even claimed that they could feel the child's spirit brush against their skin, a tender touch from the other side.
Over time, the haunting manifestation became a symbol of remembrance, a testament to the fragility of life and the resilience of the human spirit. Visitors who encountered the ghostly child found solace in the fact that his presence bridged the gap between the living and the departed, reminding them that even in the face of tragedy, life continues to flourish.
And so, the young child's spirit still roams the fields surrounding Blackburn, forever running, forever laughing. His memory lives on, a poignant reminder of the innocence lost in a world consumed by darkness. And as long as the people of Blackburn carry his story in their hearts, the child's presence will forever be a beacon of hope, reminding them to cherish the fleeting moments of joy and to never forget the legacy of those who came before them.
By Donald Jay