Nothing ar all in H&W about cob-a-coalin, Bonfire night or Soulcakes! I looked under various October/November traditions and all I found was mischief night. I thought that may be around Halloween but to my surprise it was the day before All Fools! So, no help at all I'm afraid:-(

I always discover something new in this wonderful tome. As well as the above I found reference to footracing by Nude men around Whitworth moor. There's something you don't see nowadays. The final comment is however "Races by nude men are not yet extinct in Lancashire, notwithstanding the vigilance of the county police." The mind boggles:-)

Dave