TT No.26: Mike Latham - Monday 1 September 2008: North Lancs & District Football League Premier Division; Swarthmoor Social Club v Cartmel & District; Result: 0-3; Att: 60 (h/c); Admission: None; Prog: 8pp by don.

View matchday images 1 2 3 4 5   The North Lancashire & District League is a highly recommended destination particularly in early or late season when some of the most glorious settings in the country- like those at Ingleton, Cartmel, Kirkby Lonsdale or Millhead can be enjoyed to the full.  To that list add Swarthmoor.   Swarthmoor is a small settlement located just off the A590 between Ulverston and Dalton-in-Furness leading west towards Barrow.  An outpost club of the league, the football club was formed just after the second world war. The name of Swarthmoor is derived its location on the edge of the moor of the same name. Swarth means black. The village, once part of Lancashire, has a dubious claim to fame, having served as a campground for Lambert Simnel, pretender to the throne, and his army in 1487.  Later, it was home to men who worked in the nearby Lindal Moor mines. The Lindal Moor cricket club, members of the North Lancashire & Cumbria League is a picturesque ground on the other side of the A590 a mile or so down the road. The name of the local pub, the Miners Arms, gives a clue as to the once major industry of the area. Swarthmoor Hall is another major building, built in the late 16th century, played an important role in the early days of the Quaker movement. On a mild and bright evening to herald the start of September this was a well-contested encounter played in a good spirit.  The Swarthmoor ground, found by going down by the side of the Miners Arms, is an impressive site with a clubhouse and another pitch behind.  The pitch was in fine condition and the ground, unenclosed but with two sturdy dug-outs could easily be adapted to meet more stringent ground regulations should the need ever arise. With superb views across the Lakeland fells and towards the Hoad monument that towers above Ulverston there can be few better places to watch football.  The North Lancashire League has an excellent website with directions, fixtures, results all regularly updated- a model for other leagues to follow and a valuable resource for groundhoppers.

contributed on 03/09/08