Soiree !

Rochdale Observer report August 16th 1859

A soiree in honour of Mr. Richard Cobden was held in a monstre marquee in Milkstone Road.
Nearly 2,000 persons were present, amongst whom were several members of parliament and the leading politicians of the day.
On the following night a public meeting was held in the same place, at which, near 5,000 persons were present.

Another soiree at Sparrow Hill School was held on the same date but in 1863 to celebrate the restoration of the Parish Church of Saint Chad.

( This gave the church an organ chamber, a vestry and the font was placed by the south door. )