Big Microbes take over Touchstones Rochdale

On Saturday 31st October at Touchstones Rochdale great fun was had by both young and old who discovered what microbes such as salmonella, MRSA, cholera, penicillin, swine flu, common cold look like by knitting, crocheting, felting and pompoming thin into existence. In fact I belive I am right in saying that a pomtastic day was had! Don't forget that every month our Knitty Gritty meets in Touchstones Cafe. Just to remind you that when participating in an event at Touchstones Rochdale you have to be careful to keep your kitchen surfaces spotless - images of microbes in the kitchen can be discovered on Flickr!

On this day in History 4th Nov 1893

Bandstand in Broadfield Park, Rochdale presented by Alderman Duckworth.

On this day in History 3rd Nov 1906

Bagslate golf course opened. Mr Frederick Lye drove the first ball.

On this day in History 2nd Nov 1883

Two Javelins presented to the town by Chief Constable Wilkinson for use by the Chief Magistrate on important occasions.

On this day in History 1st Nov 1875

Post Office, Town Hall Square and Fleece Street, Rochdale opened.

Big Microbe Knit Saturday 31 Oct 11am - 4pm

Just to remind you all that today is the Big Microbe Knit in conjunction with the Manchester Science Festival.

On this day in History 31st Oct 1920

Miss Gracie Fields’ residence at Highgate, Rochdale burgled : £1,000 worth of furs stolen.

At the Edge

At The Edge: British Art 1950 - 2000 in collaboration with a number of North West Art Galleries has been featured by Manchester Evening News. Why not pop down Touchstones and see this fabulous exhibition yourself?

On this day in History 30th Oct 1884

Rochdale Free Library, The Esplanade, opened ; structure cost £5,000

On this day in History 29th Oct 1887

Monster Jubilee Pie provided at Littleborough for old folks in the district. It contained:- beef, 235 lb; mutton, 20lb; tongue, 16 lb; 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. Served up with the pie were 1½ loads of potatoes; 3 cwt. Of carrots and turnips; and 40 cabbages.

On this day in History 28th Oct 1882

Ohmy’s Circus, Newgate, Rochdale, now Circus of Varieties, opened.

On this day in History 27th Oct 1869

On this day in History 26th Oct 1869

“Weavers’ Arms,” Cheetham Street, Rochdale, which had existed for 70 years, deprived of its license on appeal.

On this day in History 25th Oct 1859

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

Big Microbe Knit

Saturday 31 Oct 11am - 4pm

Join us for a day of creativity as we 'knit' micro-organisms such as Swine Flu, Salmonella and the common cold! Find out more about the microbes we encounter in our everyday lives and some of the more uncommon ones. Learn how to knit and add to our growing colonies! this is a drop-in event for all abilities - bring your own knitting kit, but some cupplies will be available on the day. This event is part of the Manchester Science Festival.

On this day in History 24th Oct 1889

Betting raid on the Byron Club, Cloth Hall, Rochdale ; 17 persons arrested, of whom nine were on November 7th convicted and heavily fined.

On this day in History 23rd Oct 1863

The Twelve Original Christy’s Minstrels appeared in the Public Hall, Rochdale.

On this day in History 22nd Oct 1872

Railway accident at Milkstone, Rochdale 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 in History 21st Oct 1874

A Lunar Rainbow was visible in Rochdale ; “the colours were quite distinct and the arch perfect.”

On this day in History 20th Oct 1894

Burgess roll for Rochdale contained 15,066 names, of which over 3,000 were women.