Send in the Clowns !

Messrs. Barnum and Bailey's Great Show was on tour in 1898 and visited Rochdale on the 30th of September.

Huge Structure

The latest and largest gasometer in Dane Street was completed today in1894.
It has a capacity of 2,403,293 cubic feet and is 136 ft. high and 150 ft. in diameter.
Other gas facts include :
In May 1824 the Gas Works commenced supplying gas.
Number 2 gas-holder was named 'Prince Albert'.
The Gas Showrooms on Drake Street was opened in December 1913.
In March 1929 Minrow Gas Works closed down, the supply being taken from Rochdale.

Fine New Store !

In 1867 on this day the Pioneers Central Store opened in Toad Lane. It was officially opened by Alderman John Robinson and cost £13,400.

Jewel in the Crown

Rochdale's new Town Hall was opened today in 1871.
George Leach Ashworth performed the official opening, heading the long procession of civic officers, trade societies, Sunday School Scholars and many others.
They were accompanied by bands of music as they paraded through the streets.
At a banquet in the evening Bishop Fraser and the following M.P's were present : Messrs. Hibert, Egerton, Potter, Jacob Bright, T.Whitworth and J.Platt.

Pub in the wrong place !

On this day in 1884, £6,380 compensation was given to the owners of The Golden Fleece Inn due to the widening of the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Line.

Evil Spirits Be Gone !

On the 25th September 1876 a 'charm' against evil spirits was discovered in a box concealed in the rafters of a shippon at Healey.

Space for All !

It was during September 1876 that Cronkeyshaw Common was conveyed to the Corporation.
The Common comprises 51 acres.

End Of An Era

Today in 1876 Hartley's Library dispersed.
It comprised about 8,000 volumes and was one of the oldest subscription libraries in the country.
The library was formed in 1770.

Important Visitor

The Duke of Newcastle paid a private visit to Greenbooth Mills, Buckley Mills, Railway Works and other places, today in 1874.

A Change of Landlord

' Owd Betts ', Ashworth Moor along with adjacent land was sold for £1,000.
This was on the 21st of September 1922.

Finished !

It was in September 1929 that the re-construction of Blackstone Edge Reservoirs was completed.
The scheme in total cost £400,000.

Rain Please !

During September 1911 the water supply was cut off at night due to a water shortage.

Give Us A Job !

Mr. W. T. Kelly M.P., today in 1928 opened the new Labour Exchange in Station Road.

Ladies Only !

Rochdale Ladies Swimming Club held their first gala today in 1898.
This was conducted entirely by females, with the swimmers, officials and audience all being ladies.
The Mayoress, Mrs Miles Ashworth presided.

Trip Out !

Today in 1858 the first local excursion to the Crystal Palace took place.
The fare for four days, going first class was 23s., third class being 12s.

Rochdale Town Council

The Charter of Incorporation was received between the 9th and 12th of September 1856.
The Burgess Association was formed to watch the proceedings of the newly formed Town Council.

Rochdale Heritage Town Trails

Today, Saturday and Sunday, Blue Badge Guides are hosting Rochdale Heritage Town Trails.
The walks will start and end at Touchstones Rochdale, lasting around an hour.
In 2011 Rochdale became 'World Capital of Co-operatives' and in 2012 it is the United Nations' International Year of Co-operatives.
The guides will give insights into how the town became famous as the birthplace of the Co-operative Movement.

To book a place please ring 01706 924928 or call in to the Tourist Information Centre at Touchstones Rochdale.

Newhey Parish Church

St. Thomas' Newhey is another one of our churches that is certainly worth a visit.
It sits on a hill overlooking the Pennine village of Newhey. It is a replica of Holy Trinity Church in Weston-Super-Mare and has an outstanding pulpit and font carving.
The church has a newly restored and rebuilt organ which was originally in St. Peter's, Loughborough, it is hoped that recitals will be given over the coming weekend.
It is open on the following days:
Thursday 2pm-4pm
Friday 10am-12 noon
Saturday 10am-4pm
Sunday 11am-4pm

St. Mary in the Baum Church

St. Mary's, Wardleworth has a rare example of the work of Sir Ninian Comper.
The present church was consecrated on February 2nd 1911 but from 1741 to 1744 it was a chapel of ease.
It has an unusual arrangement with the main aisle, chair and sanctuary on the south side with the Jesus Chapel on the north side.
Pillars and roundel windows are from the original church of 1742 and it has an excellent carved oak sceen.

The church is open this weekend from 10am until 4pm on Saturday and 11am until 3pm on Sunday.

The Regal Moon

Rochdale's Regal Moon pub was once the Regal Cinema which played an enormous role in the social life of the town.
The cinema opened in May 1938 showing the film ' Stella Dallas ' which starred Barbara Stanwyck.
It later became known as the A.B.C. and then the Cannon.
In 1993 the cinema was turned into a bingo hall and later became this popular public house.

To book a tour ring 01706 924928 or call in at the Tourist Information Centre at Touchstones Rochdale.

Worth Climbing The 122 Steps !

The Parish Church of Saint Chad is Rochdale's oldest building with stonework dating back to the 14th century.
There are some splendid stained glass windows including William Morris' faith, hope and charity window, designed by Edward Burns-Jones.
The font is 13th century and is where Gracie Fields was baptised in 1898.
The stocks can be seen in the churchyard along with the grave of John Collier, Rochdale's earliest dialect writer, who wrote under the name of Tim Bobbin.

The Parish Church is open on Thursday and Friday 2pm until 4pm and Saturday and Sunday 11am until 4pm.

Look Back At Rochdale Fire Brigade

The Fire Service Museum on Maclure Road, Rochdale is open next Friday and Sunday from 10am until 4pm.
This museum has fire appliances, equipment, uniforms, medals and models including a Victorian Fire Station.

Bamford Chapel United Reformed Church

Bamford Chapel can be visited next weekend from 1pm until 4pm on both days.
It was opened in 1801 and is a grade II listed building.
There have been many changes and additions to the church over the years but it still retains many original features.