On this day in History 31st December 1989

There were 134 licenced victuallers, 153 beershop-keepers, 71 holders of grocers' licences, 22 wholesale spirit dealers, and 9 holders of confectioners' licences to sell wine, in the town.

On this day in History 30th December 1900

Lieutenant Heap returns home on sick leave from South Africa

On this day in History 29th December 1859

The local Rifle Volenteer Corps, which had been recently formed, held their first drill.

On this day in History 28th December 1884

Empty property in the borough comprised 943 dwelling-houses, 17 mills, 14 workshops and 49 shops.

On this day in History 27th December 1925

Rev. F. W. Norburn drove motor cycle and sidecar into the canal at Littleborough during a fog.

On this day in History 26th December 1868

At St. Mary's Church, Wardleworth, the Christmas Decorations were torn down by some person unknown. The candlesticks on the alter were carried away, and several vestiments destroyed.

On this day in History 25th December 1868

Wesley Sunday School, Peel Street, opened. It was unroofed two days later whilst Mr. John Ashworth was preaching, 38 persons being injured. A fund in aid of the sufferers realised £297 18s 1/2d.

On this day in History 24th December 1896

Rochdale Market first lighted by electricity.

On this day in History 23rd December 1861

Prince Consort's funeral observed; large procession formed in The Butts and procended to the Parish Church, where a special service was held.

On this day in History 22nd December 1848

Mr. John Entwistle, Foxholes, was High Sherriff of Lancashire.

On this day in History 21st December 1844

-Pioneer's Society first commenced buisiness in an old warehouse in Toad Lane; stock in trade: Butter 1 qr. 22lbs. Sugar, 2 qrs.; flour, three sacks at 37s. 6d., and three at 36s. ; candles, 2 doz. ; meal, one sack ; total cost, £16 11s. 11d.

On this day in History 20th December 1867

Remarkable Demonstration, display of feeling towards a young butcher named Whittaker for selling beef at cheap prices. A procession, in which several thousand persons joined, accompainied by two bands of music, marched round the town; an address presented to whittaker.

On this day in History 19th December 1956

Mr. (afterwards the Rt. Hon. Jacob Bright) elected first mayor.

On this day in History 18th December 1879

Dane Street Bridge opened; cost, including purchase of buildings for widening purposes, £10,578.

On this day in History 17th December 1800

Postboy carrying the mail from Rochdale to Manchester on horseback was robbed; £200 reward offered for capture of the thief.

On this day in History 16th December 1912

Pavilion Picture Palace opened. It was the first hall in Rochdale built expressly as a picture hall.

On this day in History 15th December 1927

Mrs Pankhurst addressed Conservative meeting, Territorial Drill Hall.

On this day in History 14th December 1880

- "Ye Three Cups" Coffee House, Sudden, opened.

On this day in History 13th December 1862

18,000 persons were relived by the the Soup Kitchen during the week ended this day.

On this day in History 12th December 1842

John Bright, Cobden, and J. W. Fox addressed an Anti-Corn Law meeting in the old Theatre; £1695 5s. 5d. subscribed towards League Funds.

On this day in History 11th December 1874

A horse jumped from the bridge at Sunny Bank into the river. The river was considerably swollen at the time, and the horse was carried over the weir a distance of quater of a mile before recovering itself. The animal sustained no injury.

On this day in History 10th December 1925

Opening of the John Bright Memorial Room at the Art Gallery by Mr. G.M. Trevelyan, Mr. Philip Bright presiding.

On this Day 18th November 1863

Alderman Livsey was entertained in the Public Hall by 400 Liberals in recognition of 25 years of service to the town, an address on vellum presented.

On this day 17th November 1894

Millgate Liberal Club opened.

On this Day 16th November 1881

John Bright’s seventieth birthday celebrated; great rejoicings; torchlight procession; 30,000 people on Cronkeyshaw at night

On this day 15th November 1878

Mrs Gray, a well-known personage, weighing 28 stones, died

On this day 14th November 1854

Owing to the breaking of a chain, seven persons descending Messrs. Knowles’ Pit, Milnrow, hurtled to the bottom of the shaft, a distance of 240 feet, and killed

On this day 13th November 1895

Rochdale District Nursing Association formed.

On this day 12th November 1929

Alderman Davidson retired from chairmanship Rochdale, Bacup and District War Pensions Committee.

On this day 11th November 1918

Great rejoicings in Rochdale as news of peace came.

On this day 10th November 1894

Pioneers Society’s Jubilee celebrated. To commemorate the event the society gave £1000 to the infirmary.

On this day 9th November 1904

Town Council adopt new standing orders 'to stop excessive talking'

On this day 8th November 1820

Fall of the river wall during the last bull-bait; seven persons killed.

On this day 7th November 1872

Mr. J. Osborne, Q.C, County Court Judge, sat for the last time.

On this day 6th November 1871

Pioneers’ Society’s building department formed.

On this day 5th November 1892

Strike of 50,000 cotton operatives against a 5 percent reduction in wages, extending over a period of twenty weeks, began. Rochdale was only affected in a small way.

On this day 4th November 1914

First batch of wounded soldiers arrive at Rochdale. Seventeen were taken to the crippled children’s home at Norden, and 21 went to the ambulance drill hall.

On this day 3rd November 1894

Crimean war veterans’ dinner held at the Duke of Wellington Inn. The number of veterans’ in the district was 19.

On this day 2nd November 1925

Rochdale commenced a “rat week”.

On this day 1st November 1927

Lord Derby opened the new Masonic Temple In Richard Street.

On this day 31st October 1929

Miss Gracie Fields’ residence at Highgate burgled; £1000 worth of furs stolen.

On this day 30th October 1916

New eight o’clock closing order came into force.

On this day 29th October 1887

Monster Jubilee Pie provided at Littleborough for old folk in the district. It contained 235lb of Beef, 20lbs of Mutton, 16lbs of Tongue, a quantity of veal, 4 Rabbits, 12 ox-tails, 3 large geese, a couple of ducks, 9 chickens, half-a-dozen cows’ hearts, and other ingredients. It was served up with 1 ½ load of potatoes, 3 cwts of carrots and turnips, and 40 cabbages.

On this day 28th October 1927

Dame Agnes Hunt described as “The Joan of Arc of the Cripples Cause!” in Rochdale.

On this day 27th October 1898

Total eclipse of the moon; the sky being clear a large number of persons turned out to witness the spectacle.

On this day 26th October 1894

Jubilee Of the Yeomanry Cavalry Troop celebrated.

On this day 25th October 1859

“Royal Charter” foundered off Anglesey; Mr W. Watson, of this town, who was returning from a successful sojourn in the Australian Goldfields, was amongst the 459 people drowned.

On this day 24th October 1890

Settling tanks at the sewage farm erected.

On this day 23rd October 1863

A cutting from a tree which grew over Napoleons grave at St.Helena, presented to the cemetery committee, and planted in the cemetery.

On this day 22nd October 1872

Railway accidents at Milkstone caused by a Bullock jumping from a passing cattle train. The animal fell in front of an express train, the engine of which with four carriages left the line.

On this day 21st October 1896

Woolpack Hotel, Drake Street two lock-up shops in Richard Street, buildings formally two cottages in Henry Street and No. 101 Drake Street, withdrawn at an auction sale at £6,800.

On this day 20th October 1898

Lord Rippon formally opened Norden Liberal Club, Edenfield Road.

On this day 19th October 1854

Newly erected chimney, 90 feet high at Groves Mill was blown down.

On this day 18th October 1902

Smallpox outbreak announced.

On this day 17th October 1900

Stag caught at The Greave after being chased through several districts.

On this day 16th October 1904

Acrobat killed at the Rochdale Circus – Frank Leonard, one of the “Woodbee Wonders”. The accident occurred at the second performance on this date, Leonard died the day after.

On this day 15th October 1862

The floor of a building in the Baum gave way during a sale of machinery; three persons killed and many injured.

On this day 14th October 1891

Farewell service to three “joyful news” evangelists. Mr Argent, one of the three, was murdered in China.

On this day 13th October 1914

First batch of Belgian refugees arrive in Rochdale. They were accommodated at Buckley Hall Orphanage.

On this day 12th October 1918

Local Branch of League of Nations formed

On this day 11th October 1909

Mrs Fawcett addressed Suffragist meeting, Town Hall

On this day 10th October 1884

Hollingworth Lake touched it’s lowest level since 1868.

On this day 9th October 1908

Betting Raid on “Bobbie Burns” Hotel, Acker Street. William Dyson, landlord fined 20 pounds.

On this day 8th October 1910

The Wesleyan church , Bagslate, commenced centenary celebrations.

On this day 7th October 1857

Day of Fast and Humiliation an account of the Indian Mutiny, special services were held in the churches and business was suspended.

On this day 6th October 1904

Colonel W.F.Cody (Buffalo Bill) in Rochdale

On this day 5th October 1895

Mr. A. L. Mills presented with an address and a cheque in recognition of 15 years service as Conservative agent.

On this Day 4th October 1858

Chapel for the destitute opened by John Ashworth, author of strange tales.

On this day 3rd October 1912

Annual Gala promoted by the Rochdale Swimming Club, was held in Smith Street Baths. The mayor, Sir James Duckworth Presided.

On this day 2nd October 1885

Fireman James Cragg was presented with an engraved purse, containing £50, and a purse containing £76 0s 8d. and other testimonials, for bravery displayed at a fire, at baker’s hosiery shop on August the 19th 1885

On this day 1st October 1866

£1,700 subscribed at a meeting in aid of the Northern Counties asylum for Idiots, Lancaster; A Local Committee formed .

On this day 30th September 1872

Balderstone Church Institute and Library dissolved.

On this day 29th September 1923

Naked man found on Binns Patsture, Two Gates, by Harry Percival of Smithy Bridge. The man died later at Birch Hill Hospital.

On this day 28th September 1867

Pioneers' Central Stores, Toad Lane, opened by Alderman John Robinson; cost £13,400.

On this day 27th September 1870

New organ in Castlemere U.M.F.C. to replace the instrument destroyed by fire, opened.

On this day 26th September 1864

Earthquake shock distinctly felt in the town.

On this day 25th September 1907

Mr R. A. L Hutchinson fined for striking a tram conductor with a whip.

On this day 24th September 1876

Discovery of a “Charm” against Evil Spirits, in a box concealed in the rafters of a shippon at Healey .

On this day 23rd September 1911

Prisoner escapes from Rochdale Police cells captured at Bolton two days later .

On this day 22nd September

Rev. W Cooper B.A. Succeeded the Rev.J.W. M.A. Vicar of St Albans.

on this day 21st September 1870

Buersill Local Board formed; Mr Joshua Radcliffe, Chairman.

On this day 20th September 1874

Detective Sergeant Banks while on the mount met a man carrying a carpet bag, he expressed desire to see contents of the bag… but the man refused, upon which the detective marched him off to the Town Hall, the bag was then found to contain 14 six chambered revolvers and a case of cartridges.

On this day 19th September 1880

Samuel Oldham attempted to drown his son in the River Roach at Brimrod, sentenced to Penal servitude for life.

On this day 18th September

Gas first lighted between Cutgate and Norden. To mark the event a dinner was held whilst the Duc de Ferrari from Italy was present.

On this day 17th September 1955

For the second year in succession the Rochdale Latvian Crew of the Rochdale Auxiliary fire service won the Hutchins shield in a fire pump drill competition held at the fire station. They were 3 seconds faster than their rivals.

On this day 16th September 1878

Madame Angelo, performed the feat of walking 1000 miles in 1000 hours in a field near the Fox Inn.

On this day 15th September 1952

A farewell party to 17 year old Joan Matthew who had won a two week holiday in Hollywood. Joan came back after two days, she did not like film land.

On this day 14th September 1874

An inquest was held at the Two Ships Inn on the body of William Oakes. The deceased was found drowned in the River Roach.

On this day 13th September 1952

Flight Sergeant Frank Burke, a Littleborough man, one of the crew of a Hastings aircraft crashed on a Greenland icecap.

On this day 12th September 1874

A rather unusual seen was witnessed on the banks of the Roach with several hundreds of persons catching perch, Roach and Piek and various other kinds of fish. For some reason or other the water of the canal, for a certain distance, was let off, and the fish sent on an excursion they never thought of.

On this day 11th September 1861

Tunshill colliery “Victoria Shaft” completed.

On this day 10th September 1868

Fenian affray at Syke, when two men named O’Shea and Roach, deserters from the brotherhood were shot at.

On this day 9th September 1871

Mr Henry Butterworth, Jeweller, issued a medal commemorating the opening of the Town Hall.

On this day 8th September 1877

Mr Norris T. Collinge attempted to swim from Runcorn to Liverpool. He swam 17 miles, then the longest distance ever covered by an amateur.

On this day 7th September 1953

The Rochdale and District Literary and Scientific Society became the first local organisation to visit the world famous atomic power station at Calder Hall, Cumberland, when 50 of their members spent an enjoyable 3 ½ hours there.

On this day 6th September 1912

At a special meeting of the waterworks committee of the Rochdale Corporation it was resolved that the water supply should be cut off at night commencing on Sunday from 7pm till 5 am.

on this day 5th September 1908

Rochdale Corporation Jubilee celebrations commenced.

On this day 4th September 1952

Rochdale Hornets Local born Derrick Schofield chosen to play for England against Wales.

On this day 3rd September

John Bright at Dearnley Workhouse. In the visitors book he wrote,’I fear many persons and families outside of it are in far less comfortable circumstances than I find its inmates to be.’

On this day 2nd September 1912

A shocking bathing fatality occurred at Shawclough, when two brothers, Harold and Roland Wold, aged 11 and 9, were drowned in Top Brow Lodge.

On this day 1st September 1951

Rochdale Fire Brigade staged a display of fire fighting and fire equipment at the station in 1951.

On this day 31st August 1907

Mrs Pankhurst, suffragist, visits Rochdale to open new women’s club.

On this day 30th August 1911

A rare bird, known as the “Egyptian Goose”, caught alive near Ashworth Chapel.

On this day 28th August 1894

Gas explosion at the Central Hotel, Town Hall Square; several narrow escapes.

On this day 27th August 1928

Rialto Picture House opened. Miss Gracie Fields appeared.

On this day 26th August 1874

Wuerdle and Wardle Local Board first met.

On this day 25th August 1930

Lieutenant- Colonel J. C. Bateson resigned as Commanding Officer, Church Lads’ Brigade.

On this day 24th August 1863

John Street New Bridge begun.  The old structure was a footbridge.

On this day 23rd August 1906

Mark All (78), the veteran walker, who was walking 60,000 miles in seven years for £500, came through Rochdale.

On this day 22nd August 1896

Mr F. W. Purcell ended his proprietorship of the Theatre Royal.  He died April 3^rd, 1927, aged 78 years.

On this day 21st August 1878

Rochdale Cricket Club’s first athletic festival on the cricket ground, Dane Street.

On this day 20th August 1884

For Lancashire against Surrey, Mr F. Taylor scored 54 not out.

On this day 19th August 1905

Post card craze causes chaos at the Post Office.

On this day 18th August 1866

Festival of local choirs in St. Chad’s Church-80 voices.

On this day 17th August 1902

James Percival, of Smithy Bridge, a botanist of international repute, died this day.

On this day 16th August 1957

Mr Frank Lingard of Bingley Square won the Ald. Wycherley Cup for the best garden on the whole of the Corporation estates.

On this day 15th August 1956

Almost a hundred motor vehicles took part in the second annual Road Courtesy Rally, run under the auspices of the Rochdale Road safety Committee.

On this day 14th August 1891

Spring Mill Reservoir rose 2ft. 4in. in twenty-four hours, owing to heavy rains.

On this day 13th August 1891

Record rainfall; 2.124 inches registered.

On this day 12th August 1951

Mr H. Hargreaves (56), former secretary of the Coral Mill, Newhey, died.

On this day 11th August 1868

Extraordinary drought that continued for some time.  The reservoirs nearly empty and some of the mills were compelled to stop.  This was the origin of using Dearnley water.

On this day 10th August 1956

Presented by Mrs Jefferson and members of the Jefferson family, a memorial plaque to Mr John Cecil Jefferson was dedicated at St. Mary’s Church, Wardleworth.  Mr Jefferson, a surgeon, had been for many years connected with the church. 

On this day 9th August 1952

Slight improvement reported in the unemployment and short-time cotton industry

On this day 8th August 1882

Royal Humane Society’s testimonial presented to Edward Fallon, of Toad Lane, for life saving.

On this day 7th August 1890

In Spotland Nearer Side District, with an estimated population of 13,000 inhabitants, only five deaths took place during the following five weeks.

On this day 6th August 1877

Cattle Fair Ground, Theatre Street, opened.  Prior to this date the fair was held in Church Stile and adjoining streets.

On this day 5th August 1871

Gen. Tom Thumb, his wife, and Commodore Nutt paid their last visit to the town.

On this day 4th August 1930

Rochdale Hippodrome opened as a cinema with “Talkies.”

On this day 3rd August 1924

Milnrow War Memorial unveiled by Major-General A. Solly-Flood.

On this day 2nd August 1856

Eel weighing 7lb. 1oz., 3ft. 7in. long, caught in the canal.

On this day 1st August 1923

Miss Margaret Leahy, film actress, at the Hippodrome.

On this day 31st July 1910

Death of Rochdale’s last Crimean veteran, Mr Dennis R. L. Ashworth (83).

On this day 30th July 1910

Announced formation of Rochdale Association Football Club Ltd.  Capital, £2,000.  It was formed for the purpose of running an Association football club in Rochdale, taking over the players, etc., and discharging liabilities of a former club and acquiring the lease of the ground at Willbutts.

On this day 29th July 1894

Dr A. T. Schofield, a well-known scientist and a native of Rochdale, gave an address in Nuttall Street School.

On this day 28th July 1951

Norden Cricket Club opened their new pavilion.

On this day 27th July 1882

Tramways construction begun by Alderman Tweedale removing two paving stones at the junction of Oldham Road and Drake Street.

On this day 26th July 1879

Rochdale Lifeboat transferred from the Cornish coast to west Hartlepool.

On this day 25th July 1885

St. Michael’s Church, Bamford, consecrated;  cost of structure £4,000.

On this day 24th July 1954

Rochdale Passenger Transport Department reported a profit of £17,842 on the past year.

On this day 23rd July 1872

Cheap Food Agitation- A large open-air meeting in Richard Street, on the dearness of meat, milk and butter.

On this day 22nd July 1911

Agricultural Show held at Greenhill.

On this day 21st July 1921

The Rochdale Allotments Society was formed.

On this day 20th July 1918

Thunderstorm, accompanied by extremely heavy rainfall, causing much damage by flooding, particularly at Littleborough, Smallbridge and Milnrow.  Train and tram traffic disorganised.

On this day 19th July 1906

1906- Freedom of the Borough conferred on Alderman Samuel Turner, Alderman Fishwick, Sir Clement M. Royds and Mr James Ogden.

On this day 18th July 1857

Death of Mr William Littlewood of Townhead Academy.  Many of the principal inhabitants received their early education under his tuition, including our distinguished townsman the Right Hon. John Bright, M.P.  In consequence of the high esteem in which he was held, there was a large public funeral.

On this day 17th July 1863

Sudden cotton mill burnt down, property of Messrs. S. Threfall & Seed.  Damages, nearly £3,000.

On this day 16th July 1906

Red Lumb School at Norden opened.

On this day 15th July 1919

By the purchase of the Middleton Estate, Alderman William Cunliffe became Lord of the Manor of Middleton.

On this day 14th July 1866

First regatta at Hollingworth Lake.  15,000 persons present.

On this day 13th July 1912

First garden party arranged by Rochdale Women’s Suffrage Society held in the grounds of Chamber House.

On this day 12th July 1930

Boy Scouts held Champion Flags Competition at Spring Hill.

On this day 11th July 1951

Mr Arnold Taylor (59), local artist and senior assistant Architect in the Town Hall died at Leeds.

On this day 10th July 1957

Mr Fred Dunkerley, managing Director of the Standard Mill, Rochdale, won the King’s Cup air race at Coventry in his Miles Sparrow jet plane.  Mr Dunkerley completed the course in an average speed of 228 m.p.h.  He had been competing for the cup for eight successive years. 

On this day 9th July 1913

King George and Queen Mary visited Rochdale.  Large crowds on square.  Opened Infirmary extensions by pressing a button on a stand on the Town Hall Square.

On this day 8th July 1855

The new organ of the Parish Church was opened, at which Mr Ashworth presided.

On this day 7th July 1923

The “Observer” commenced a series of photographs, “Rochdale from the air.”

On this day 6th July 1952

Four Rochdale railway horses saved from the slaughter house by subscriptions by animal lovers, presented to their new owners by the Mayor on the Town Hall Square.

On this day 5th July 1924

Rochdale Education Guild celebrate 21^st anniversary of the Workers’ Educational Association.

On this day 4th July 1930

Playing for Castleton Moor against Heywood, Sidney F. Barnes took ten wickets for 24 runs. 

On this day 3rd July 1895

Robert Clough Memorial in the Cemetery unveiled.

On this day 2nd July 1914

First meeting of the Rochdale Town Council at which three knights were present- Sir James Duckworth, Sir Samuel Turner and Sir James E. Jones.

On this day 1st July 1930

Municipal midwifery service commenced; ten municipal midwives appointed.            

On this day in History 30th June 1877

Captain Webb, of Channel fame, swam at Hollingworth Lake.

On this day in History 29th June 1873

Ashbrook Hey dyeworks, Wardle, washed away by heavy rains.

On this day in History 28th June 1906

Mr W. J. Petrie, J.P., started the new carburetted water gas plant which the Corporation had installed at the gas works Dane Street.

On this day in History 27th June 1914

Littleborough Cycle Parade – 21^st successive event.

On this day in History 26th June 1861

Mr Cobden addressed 5,000 persons in Messrs. Kelsall & Kemp’s Warehouse, Baillie Street ;  Mr Bright , Mr T. Bazley, M. P., and Sir Charles Douglas , M.P. present.

On this day in History 25th June 1951

Mr W. A. E. March, member of the Rochdale High School for Boys teaching staff, appointed head of the school to succeed Dr F. W. Payne who announced his intention to retire at the end of the Summer Term.

On this day in History 24th June 1866

Temperance Hall, Smith Street opened.

On this day in History 23rd June 1953

Death of Mr Frank Clegg, proprietor of Clegg’s bookshop in Drake Street.

On this day in History 22nd June 1929

Announced that the Corporation had bought Balderstone Hall.

On this day in History 21st June 1894

Fox Inn, Milnrow, sold by auction for £3,175.

On this day in History 20th June 1925

Rochdale Rowing Club win Gibbs’ Challenge Cup at York Regatta.

On this day in History 19th June 1866

F.E. Bacon, the world’s champion runner, on the Athletic Grounds, Milnrow Road, beat Deerfoot’s one hour record of 11 miles 970 yards, by 273 yards;  20,000 persons present.

On this day in History 18th June 1866

Waterloo Veterans in the town and district paraded through the streets, headed by Moss Lane Works Fife and Drum Band.  They were entertained to dinner, when R. Bentinck, who beat the soldiers to arms, attended with the identical drumsticks he used on that memorable occasion. 

On this day in History 17th June 1922

Littleborough War Memorial unveiled by Major S. J. Gowland.

On this day 16th June 1905 Heywood Notes & Queries

JOHN HEYWOOD.

This week's issue of the "Heywood Advertiser" forms the Jubilee number, including a "sixteen-page supplement containing a record of the origin and development of the paper, and many special articles on Heywood fifty years ago and its progress during the half- century." Though this valuable record may be considered a sufficient memorial, it is perhaps allowable to present in "N . and Q .," a brief sketch of the founder of the paper.

John Heywood, printer and postmaster, was born in 1808. He was at first a piecer, but soon after his marriage set up in business as a bookseller and stationer in a cottage opposite the Lamb Inn, York-street. He removed to a better position near the Wesleyan Chapel, Market-street, and added printing to his other business. His name appeared on the "Religious, Literary, and Temperance Advocate" for 1839. About this time he commenced to issue in parts "The Sunday School and General Reciter," of which several volumes were published. He was also the printer of works by Samuel Bamford, and was very friendly with him .

To read more why don't you visit Heywood Notes and Queries which is available online at www.link4life.org/localstudies

On this day in History 16th June 1846

In the township of Butterworth a man named Joseph Taylor, aged seventy-five years, who at the age of five years began to work in a coal pit, can manage to get eight loads of coal in one day.

On this day in History 15th June 1910

Announced Canon Clarke appointed Archdeacon of Rochdale.

On this day in History 14th June 1869

Death of Mr William Boothman, aged 44 years; he was one of the five persons who originated the “Rochdale Observer.”

On this day in History 13th June 1904

A walking race from Heywood Church to Littleborough Church and back aroused considerable local interest.  There were nearly 200 entries, and of these 103 actually turned out.  The race (which was won by B. Howe, Rochdale, in 2 hrs.  21mins.) was arranged by Mr E. Taylor, of York-street, Heywood.

On this day in History 12th June 1954

Rochdale Mobile First Aid Unit won the regional final in the Home Office sponsored competition for such units.

On this day in History 11th June 1910

Gramophone concert in Falinge Park.

On this day in History 10th June 1863

Burgess Hall, Drake Street, previously a Primitive Methodist Chapel, opened.  

On this day 9th June 1905 Heywood Notes & Queries

OLD LOCAL MANUFACTURERS: THE ASHTONS.

In a newspaper notice at the time, it was stated in regard to Richard Ashton, who died at Limefield House, on the north side of Bury, April 19th, 1857, aged 53. He was the eldest son of Thomas Ashton of Gooden Lane, Heywood, at which place he was burn in March, 1804. 

To read more why don't you visit Heywood Notes and Queries which is available online at www.link4life.org/localstudies

On this day in History 9th June 1894

Athletic Grounds, Milnrow Road, opened.

On this day in History 8th June 1870

Provident Co-operative Society commenced business.  First week’s turnover £19; number of members 36.  

On this day in History 7th June 1919

Announced Miss Annette W. Clegg had made a gift of £1,000 to the Infirmary to endow a bed in memory of her mother.

On this day in History 6th June 1908

Foundation stone of new Hippodrome laid by Misses Annie and Margaret Jackson

On this day in History 5th June 1905

Mad cow runs amok in Spotland;  six persons injured.

On this day in History 4th June 1892

Tim Bobbin Memorial, St Chad’s Churchyard, unveiled

On this day in History 3rd June 1922

A mile of pennies in aid of Rochdale Police Court and Rescue Mission realised £82.

On this day 2nd June 1905 Heywood Notes & Queries

THE LANDLORD'S JOKE. By GEORGE POWER-. The followirig account of an amusing adventure of the late Mr . William Fithian was contributed to "The Alliance News," March 7th,, 1890. The hero of the story was for some years a bookseller in Heywood and Manchester. In 1863 he removed to London, where he acted as agent of the London auxiliary of the United Kingdom Alliance. In 1886 he delivered a lecture on "London at Midnight" in the York-street schoolroom, Heywood, an behalf of the band of hope connected with that place. He died in 1894.


To read more why don't you visit Heywood Notes and Queries which is available online at www.link4life.org/localstudies

On this day in History 2nd June 1898

Town Council adopted a resolution in favour of taking over the undertaking of the Tramway Co. within the borough in 1902.

On this day 1st June Heywood Notes & Queries

LOCAL SPRINGS AND WELLS.

Long before the advent of the Heywood Water Works, Heywood must have been fairly well supplied with springs and wells. For proof of this we have only to notice the variety of local names such as Spring Brow, Spring Cottage, Spring Gardens, Springfield, Pump (Hopwood), Longfield Pump, and many others.

There used to be a considerable spring situated in what was known as "Jim Ogden Hollow" (Greentown), and there was also a good spring near James-street . Information is wanted of the above and of any others wl.ich may be known to your readers.

What is there known of a well of styptic water situate somewhere near Broadoak? The water from this well was formerly in repute for the cure of sore eyes, and it is probably

known to people living in the vicinity . AQUA .

Taken from Heywood Notes and Queries available online at www.link4life.org/localstudies

On this day in History 1st June 1878

Ashworth Memorial Statue in Broadfield Park, unveiled

On this day in History 31st May 1887

Whit–Friday processions spoiled by rain. First time for eight years.

On this day in History 30th May 1887

United Centenary meetings of the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cheshire Baptist Association commenced. John Bright spoke at one of the meetings.

On this day in History 29th May 1823

Heavy Snowstorm. The Grammar School boys to obtain sapling for Royal Oak Day had to walk through snow which lay on the ground so deep that it covered their boot tops.

On this day in History 28th May 1868

Broadhalgh Colliery explosion; two men killed.

On this day in History 27th May 1859

Samuel Bamford, the radical, gave Recitals from his works, in the Public Hall.

On this day in History 26th May 1957

Having gone down to a pond for a drink, Bobby, a carthorse, fell in. It took firemen, hosepipes, a break-down wagon and a tractor to get him out after a four-hour struggle.

On this day in History 25th May 1923

The old Flying Horse Hotel was demolished to make way for a new inn.

On this day in History 24th May 1931

On this day the hundred-thousandth interment in the Rochdale Cemetery was made.

On this day in History 23rd May 1885

Ladies’ reading room, Free Public Library, opened.

On this day in History 22nd May 1951

Councillor and Mrs. William Crossley made Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale.

On this day in History 21st May 1892

Ellenroad Spinning Company Engines started.

On this day in History 20th May 1910

Civic procession to the Parish Church for King Edward VII. Memorial service.

Applications for a Gallery One Exhibition Welcome

The next Gallery One selection meeting for exhibitions in the community gallery at Touchstones Rochdale will be in mid-June. If you’d like to be considered for an exhibition between January and April next year and either live or work in Rochdale Borough, send your application together with images of what you’d like to display to the Art Gallery Officer at Touchstones Rochdale by 14 June. The application form and guidance notes can be downloaded from the Gallery One page on the Link4Life website.

On this day in History 19th May 1951

Three thousand Rochdalians left for a weekend visit to London and the Festival. This trip was arranged by the Rochdale Observer.

On this day in History 18th May 1925

Terrific storm; heaviest rain for 28 years. Heavy damage at Whitworth – houses destroyed and part of the wall and embankment of Whitworth Road was washed away.

Knit One Pass It On: Secondary School Volunteer Project

Knitting goes on tour again to Holy Family College, Heywood to pass on our expert knitting knowledge to new knitters. This is an ongoing project which will also contribute to a new knitting sculpture. The first of part of the newly formed sculpture will be installed as partg of the knitting exhibition 'Knit One, Purl One' for 'Knitty Gritty goes Large on 22nd May. Pupils work will then be added throughout the life of the exhibition.

Knitty Gritty Goes Large

An exciting afternoon of knitting and crochet crafts. Come and see the new exhibition 'Knit One, Purl One: Contemporary Knitting and Crochet' and meet the curators and take part in a number of artist lead workshops.

Saturday 22nd May 2010 1pm - 4pm

On this day in History 17th May 1868

Norden Church Scandal, when the removal of flowers from the alter by a churchwarden led to police court proceedings.

On this day in History 16th May 1913

New bandstand opened in Falinge Park by Councillor H. Clarke.

On this day in History 15th May 1876

Horse Fair last held in Cheetham Street.

On this day in History 14th May 1925

The 110^th anniversary of St. Mary’s Church School, Wardleworth, was celebrated.

On this day in History 13th May 1885

Boy’s Reading Room, Free Public Library, opened.

On this day in History 12th May 1872

Introduction of the block system on the railway between the town and Manchester; eight block stations provided.

On this day in History 11th May 1914

Man fined for being drunk whilst in charge of a taxi-cab. First case of its kind in Rochdale.

On this day in History 10th May 1927

A “push ball” match was played on the Spotland ground between teams representing Rochdale and Bacup Borough police and Rochdale Tramways men in aid of local charities. The police won by four points to two.

On this day in History 9th May 1871

Large meeting in the Public Hall in favour of ceasing work at noon instead of two o’clock on Saturdays. One p.m closing was shortly afterwards generally adopted.

On this day in History 8th May 1856

Attempted murder of wife, child and four persons by James Taylor, at the Boar’s Head, Baillie Street, Taylor took poison whilst on the way to the lock-ups and died almost immediately.

On this day in History 7th May 1883

Tramways opened to the public. The first car started from the Wellington Hotel for Buersill, and returning, proceeded to Littleborough.

Sophie Horton installing Front Cover on the outside of Touchstones Rochdale

Sophie Horton was commissioned to produce a piece for theKnit One, Purl One: Contemporary Knitting and Crochet exhibition which would extend the exhibition out of the gallery space and on to the front of the building.

The starting point for the site specific work on the exterior of the building was the recruitment poster for the Lancashire Fusiliers on display in the Museum. Sophie’s father was a 2nd Lieutenant during his national service with the Lancashire Fusiliers. In 1968 the Ministry of Defence amalgamated several regiments including the LF into the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Historically the LF uniform included a bright yellow plume and red sash and it is this use of flamboyant colour that led Sophie to investigate the use of colour by the armed forces.

She was struck by is how many countries have adopted identical camouflage! In 1991 the MOD had to change the camouflage uniforms supplied to the army as not long before the first Gulf War, it was discovered that the enemy itself had been able to purchase uniforms made with the same pattern. In the short time available the camouflage underwent several changes to make it distinguishable from the enemy’s.

Sophie is interested in camouflage as a vehicle of deceit and this led her to question: What would a camouflage of Touchstones Rochdale look like?

Knit One, Purl One: Contemporary Knitting and Crochet opens Saturday 1st May 2010.

Why not come along to Knitty Gritty Goes Large on Saturday 22nd May 1-4pm?

On this day in History 6th May 1915

Rochdale Territorials’ first battle in the Dardanelles

On this day in History 5th May 1857

Art Treasures Exhibition, Manchester, in which great interest was shown in this neighbourhood, was opened by the Prince Consort.

On this day in History 4th May 1890

Census returns published. Rochdale’s population, 83,112; an increase on 1891 of 6,951.

On this day in History 3rd May 1910

Castleton Baths opened by the Mayor (Alderman W. Dunning).

On this day in History 2nd May 1879

Great fire at A. and W. Law’s woollen mill, Littleborough; damage - £20,000.

Eighties, Nineties & Noughties: Contemporary Works from the Art Gallery Collection

Eighties, Nineties & Noughties opens day.

This small display from the permanent collection focuses on contemporary works which have been made and acquired since the 1980s.

The contemporary focus brings together an eclectic mix of work from a photo-realist painting by David Gledhill to a sound piece by Paul Rooney; a hanging woven mass of colour by Tadek Beutlich to the calm of a Manijeh Yadegar painting; a large-scale drawing by Laura Ford to a piece by Chris Taylor based on the format of the book.

The Gallery continues to collect new work building on the tradition started by its benefactors in the late 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Its two most recent acquisitions are also included: a landscape painting by Alan Rankle presented by the Tramman Trust through The Art Fund and Moby Dick by Alan Birch, a laser-cut steel wall piece which reflects the fears and concerns of society in the late 2000s.

Along with recent support from The Art Fund, the Gallery has benefited from being a member of the Contemporary Art Society (CAS) for many years; several of the works on display have been presented by the CAS which celebrates its centenary this year.

By continuing to collect, we can ensure that the art of today will remain for future generations to contemplate and debate just as we can with the paintings acquired by our Victorian forefathers.

The exhibition presents a selection rather than a comprehensive view, particularly because some works from this period are part of At The Edge: British Art 1950-2000, which was shown here at the end of last year and is currently on display at Gallery Oldham

Knit One Purl One: Contemporary Knitting and Crochet

Knit One Purl One opens today at Touchstones Rochdale. This exhibition brings together artists working in contemporary knitting and crochet. Exploring traditional crafts through innovative materials, concepts and techniques the exhibition features site specific installations, a knitted animation and loans from public and private collections. The exhibiting artists are: Anita Bruce, ArtYarn, Karl-Christian Geleff, Sophie Horton, Rachael Matthews, Claire Platt, Freddie Robins, Elizabeth Smith, Sally Spinks and Shane Waltener.

Coming Soon: Knitty Gritty Goes Large

On this day in History 1st May 1930

Miss Elsie Bowden (17), Daventry Road, presented with the Royal Humane Society’s medal for life saving for rescuing a girl from drowning in the canal, Lock Bridge, March 9^th.

Shane Waltener installing Another World Wide Web

The first piece to be installed in Touchstones Rochdale’s new exhibition Knit One, Purl One: Contemporary Knitting and Crochet was Another World Wide Web by artist Shane Waltener.

Shane Waltener is a London-based artist and an associate lecturer in 3D Design at Camberwell College, University of London. He studied at Chelsea College of Art, gaining an MA in Sculpture and then went on to take further study at the College of Fine Arts of Marseille.

Working in sculpture, installation and performance that explore ideas of craft traditions, processes and techniques, Shane has exhibited his work widely in various galleries and museums around the world.

The work on display Another World Wide Web was originally commissioned by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology and the Fracture Gallery in Melbourne, Australia. It is a new version of A World Wide Web which was initially conceived for the Radical Lace, Subversive Knitting exhibition at the Museum Of Art and Design in New York. Knitted in elastic, the piece is designed to accommodate a variety of spaces. The flexibility of the thread allows for the piece to be moulded by the architecture of the venue in which the piece is installed while drawing the viewer’s attention to features and areas that might otherwise be overlooked. The eyes of the webs act as viewfinders bringing into focus as you walk around the piece shifting perspectives of objects and perspectives within the building. Installed here, the piece highlights the architectural features contained within the ceiling of the gallery whilst also bringing different areas of the exhibition together.

Knit One, Purl One: Contemporary Knitting and Crochet opens Saturday 1st May 2010.

Why not come along to Knitty Gritty Goes Large on Saturday 22nd May 1-4pm?

On this day in History 30th April 1887

The income of the New Market for the previous three years averaged £3,740 3s. 9d.; the expenditure, £1,370 10s. 9d.

On this day in History 29th April 1843

Danby’s celebrated picture, “Opening of the Sixth Seal,” worth a thousand guineas, on view at the Town Hall buildings, was mutilated by some persons unknown and rendered valueless.

On this day in History 28th April 1889

Rochdale New Railway station opened. The site extensions cost £70,000.

On this day in History 27th April 1870

Canadian elms planted in the Esplanade.

On this day in History 26th April 1893

Technical School, costing £12,150, opened by Sir Bernard Samuelson, and extensions opened April 29^th 1908.

On this day in History 25th April 1857

“Rochdale Standard” amalgamated with the “Rochdale Observer”.

On this day in History 24th April 1855

St. Mary’s Ragged School opened.

On this day in History 23rd April 1918

A Women’s Citizen’s Association was formed.

On this day in History 22nd April 1870

St. James’s, Calderbrook, consecrated. It was built and endowed by James Dearden.

On this day in History 21st April 1866

Alleged treasure trove case at Gravel Hole, a workman in removing a staircase having found a bag containing £112 which he refused to give up. The coroner held an enquiry and the jury found that the money belonged to a miserly man named Wild, who died in 1838, and who had similarly secreted a sum of £300 which was discovered in 1845.

On this day in History 20th April 1884

Betting raid on a public house at Castleton; 15 persons subsequently summoned and fined in all over £100 and costs.

On this day in History 19th April 1911

First police dog, a cross bred Airedale, arrives at Town Hall.

On this day in History 17th April 1909

Mr Oscar Schofield of Oakenrod won open golf championship of Italy on the links of Asqua Santa on the Roman Campagna.

On this day in History 16th April 1856

Mr. W.A. Scott at a meeting of the Town Commissioners advocated the formation of a Free Library and Museum.

On this day in History 15th April 1847

First Session of the County Court was held. Mr J.S.F. Greene, Judge; Mr J. Woods, Registrar; Mr. H. Lord, Bailiff.

Volunteers Wanted

Volunteer Opportunity

The 'Knit One Pass It On' project aims to teach secondary school art students the skills of knitting. Many young people have missed out on the opportunity to learn these traditional crafts so this project aims to open up this opportunity to them.

Elizabeth and members of the Knitty Gritty group have been invited to work with Holy Family RC and CE College in Heywood, to create knitted sea pieces to add to the sculpture. The art teacher Emma Dolan has selected pupils especially for the project and we will be working in small groups to make the skill sharing more accommodating for everyone.

The first workshop will take place at the school in Heywood. A coach will provide transport from Touchstones Rochdale to the school for volunteers and I will meet people at Touchstones Reception.
Refreshments will be provided at the school.

Monday 26th April 2010
Coach will collect people at Touchstones Rochdale at 1.30pm
We will return from Holy Family School to Touchstones Rochdale at 4.20pm

I hope you are able to take part in the project and look forward to seeing you in the future!

Please contact Alison Cooper at Touchstones Rochdale if you are interested in volunteering.

Thanks Alison.

Knitting News

Knitted Sculpture

Thanks to everyone who made it to the Knitty Gritty workshop with Elizabeth Smith. I'm over halfway through my seaweed strand now so should be finished soon! All the pieces of seaweed we make will be collected by Elizabeth and sewn together to create a unique knitted sculpture. The sculpture will be on display in our very exiting, forthcoming exhibition 'Knit One, Purl One: Contemporary Knitting and Crochet' which opens on May 1st 2010.

When you have finished your marine knitting please hand it in to the reception here at Touchstones. You are
welcome to leave your name with the work too.

If you have finished the first seaweed project and would like a different challenge (which does not have to be the same project as you have finished) leave a note in the bag with your contact details and we will post something new out to you!

Thanks

Alison

On this day in History 14th April 1854

Brimrod U.M.C Chapel opened. There had been an earlier meeting place.

Create Consult

FREE Creative Print Making Workshop, 14-19yrs old

This Wednesday 14th April 1pm-4pm

Join Gallery Staff and print specialist Alan Birch to create your own pieces of printed artwork. Get hints and tips on how to present your work and help the gallery staff get together ideas for the forthcoming exhibition 'People's Art 2010'.

Booking essential, call 01706 924492.

Parental consent form required for young people under 18yrs old.

Consent forms available from Touchstones Rochdale Reception.

On this day in History 31st March 1898

Countess Spencer opened a four days’ Liberal bazaar in the Town Hall; about £2,400 net released.

Knit One Pass It On Today!

Just a quick reminder that the Art Gallery at Touchstones Rochdale are recruiting volunteers to create a knitted sculpture for their forthcoming exhibition 'Knit One, Purl One'. Elizabeth Smith will be leading a number of workshops including one on Tuesday 30 March from 2pm-3.30pm. This workshop will run alongside our regularly monthly Knitty Gritty which meets at Cafe Life in Touchstones Rochdale. Why not come along and join in the fun? Wool will be provided but if you can bring along your own size 4mm or size 8 knitting needles that would be great - they look forward to seeing you today.

On this day in History 30th March 1882

Rev. R. Lovett, M.A., on leaving St. Stephen’s Church, was presented with an address and plate; successor, Rev. F. M. Bayne.

Knit One Pass It On

The Art Gallery at Touchstones Rochdale are recruiting volunteers to create a knitted sculpture for their forthcoming exhibition 'Knit One, Purl One'. Elizabeth Smith will be leading a number of workshops including one on Tuesday 30 March from 2pm-3.30pm. This workshop will run alongside our regularly monthly Knitty Gritty which meets at Cafe Life in Touchstones Rochdale. Why not come along and join in the fun? Wool will be provided but if you can bring along your own size 4mm or size 8 knitting needles that would be great - we look forward to seeing you.

On this day in History 29th March 1897

Rochdale Hunt Races first held at Rakewood; 4 mile course.

On this day in History 28th March 1857

John Bright and the Rt. Hon. Milner Gibson, Members for Manchester, were rejected at the General Election.

On this day in History 27th March 1882

First meeting of Shareholders of Crawford Spinning Company.

On this day in History 26th March 1923

Sir Henry Miers, Vice-Chancellor of Manchester University, spoke at annual meeting Rochdale Deaf and Dumb Society.

On this day in History 25th March 1927

Mr. Lloyd George paid his third visit to Rochdale when he addressed an audience of 4,000 in the Territorial Drill Hall.

On this day in History 24th March 1923

The King passed through Rochdale on his way to Goldsborough, Yorkshire.