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The Griffin

Newsletter of the Chadderton Historical Society

No 39 November 2006

- COMMENT -

Neglect and Regeneration

The news that Chadderton Swimming Baths has a number of structural problems, and may be beyond repair, is certainly not good news for the people of our township. Whilst the original swimming baths in Chadderton were opened back in December 1894, the present building dates only from 1937, and is an excellent example of the art deco style of the period. For decades it was looked upon as one of the most modern pools in south-east Lancashire. Going to 'Chaddy Baths' was considered something of an upmarket experience when, for many people in this region, baths usually implied a building from the late Victorian period.

Swimming pools, like buildings of all types, require regular maintenance, and it is hard to believe that after only 69 years Chadderton Pool is nearing the end of its useful life. It would seem that little has been spent on the building in recent decades, with a tree firmly embedded in the frontage, masonry defective, and window frames long overdue for renovation.

 

It is difficult to deny that since local government re-organisation in 1974, the six outer townships of our metropolitan borough have not received the attention and funding to which, in all fairness, they were entitled. Had the urban district council still been in existence, it is doubtful whether the neglect we now see would ever have arisen.

Chadderton is a relatively prosperous town within our borough and its people, through their council taxes, make a significant contribution to the central finances. Is it not unreasonable to request that some of this money should be returned to the Chadderton Area Committee, which presently has a very limited budget, for use in the restoration and refurbishment of our local swimming pool?

 

Plans are in hand to regenerate Chadderton Town Centre, and expand its facilities. The restoration of our swimming pool should form an integral part of this renewal process, if the people of Chadderton are not to be deprived of a worthwhile facility with such historic associations.

M.P.'s Website Omission

Complaints were made recently by our Society that the official website of M.P. Michael Meacher contained no reference whatsoever to Chadderton, despite our town forming the core of his constituency since 1950. It is pleasing to report that the website has now been amended, but it remains rather insulting that the people of Chadderton were ignored in this way, especially after the recent constituency name campaign.

The original item stated simply that Mr Meacher has "been proud to be the Member of Parliament for Oldham West since 1970 and the newly formed constituency of Oldham West and Royton since 1997".

In contrast, our neighbouring MP David Heyes, one-time councillor for South Chadderton, proudly signed a recent letter to the Advertiser newspaper as: "Member of Parliament, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Failsworth and Hollinwood," even though this is not the official title of his constituency!

In the light of the above is it any wonder that the CHS pursues identity issues with such relentless determination?

Memories of Chadderton Grammar School (Pt.1)

Edith M. Smith, a member of Failsworth Historical Society, recalls her days at the former Grammar School on Broadway, now Radclyffe Lower School.

I attended the co-educational Chadderton Grammar School from 1943 until 1948. The school would have been thirteen years old when I started, and the headmaster was J. Clement Platt (nick-named 'Clem'), a man who wore rather thick spectacles. Miss Turner was the headmistress.

Boys and girls entered the school through separate entrances, girls through the door on the far left of the building, and boys through the far right door. Boys and girls had separate staircases to go up to the first floor as well. We were taught in the same form rooms, girls sitting on the left and boys on the right. Girls were called by their first name and boys by their surnames.

 There was an intake of three forms, 1A, 1Alpha, and 1B. For some reason there wasn't a second form, we went from 1st to 3rd forms. Each form had its own form room and form teacher. We kept our written work and text books in our own allotted desks in our form room, we being responsible for their security.

 We changed rooms at the end of most lessons, i.e. to go to the geography room, music room, and science lab. etc. Teachers taught in gowns and commanded great respect. Everyone played sports - girls played hockey, rounders and tennis, and boys played cricket and football. We had three subjects of homework a night, and five on Fridays.

 The school day started at 9.00 a.m. with assembly in the main hall. First Formers were at the front, Fifth Formers sat on the balcony. The teaching staff sat on chairs down the sides of the hall, ladies on the left and men on the right. With everyone assembled, the headmaster and headmistress would enter from the back, and walk down the central aisle to the platform which had a baby grand piano, played by an able pianist student.

 Assembly consisted of singing hymns, prayers, and giving out notices. At Monday morning assembly we were informed of the inter-school sports results which had taken place the previous Saturday morning, i.e. hockey, netball, cricket and football. At the end of assembly the head teachers would leave the hall first followed by the teaching staff and last of all us.

[To be continued]

Society Website

Members are reminded that the Society possesses an excellent website, maintained by Enid and John Johnson. This has been visited by 18,750 people to date and can be found at www.chadderton-hs.freeuk.com. Our site was chosen for inclusion in the British Library's Archives, a great honour for us. Their website may be found at www.webarchive.org.uk (Arts & Humanities/History).

Lancashire Day
This is officially celebrated on Monday 27th November, but locally the commemoration will take place on the previous day, when the Lancashire Proclamation will be made by the Town Crier, Reg Lord, outside the Town Hall at 1.00 p.m. His retinue, led by the Chadderton Standard, and the English and Lancashire flags, will then process to the shopping precinct and Asda, where further proclamations will take place. Members are invited to attend wearing their red roses to show their allegiance to our 'real' county - Lancashire! Do not forget to make our unique loyal toast at 9.00 p.m. on the 27th - "The Queen, Duke of Lancaster".
Commemorative Civic Items
Work has commenced in recording the various commemorative items associated with Chadderton's development in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Silver trowels, spades, rose bowls, keys, cigarette cases, were presented to various personalities at the stone-laying and formal opening of our civic buildings, etc.

Unfortunately, the whereabouts of most of these is not known, but it is intended that tracing them will form part of the project.

Christmas Lights Switch-On
The official Switch-On of Chadderton's impressive Christmas Lights takes place outside the Town Hall on Friday 24th November at 7.00 p.m. As in the past, the Society will be involved in the evening's celebrations. The procession, led by the Chadderton Standard, Flags, Town Crier, etc. will leave from the precinct at 6.45 p.m. Members are most welcome to join the procession and enjoy the entertainment afterwards.
A Tale of Two Families (Pt. 1)
Social divisions within society were nowhere more evident than in the Victorian Era. In this article two Chadderton families, enumerated in the census of 1861, are considered and their lifestyles compared. Both families lived close to each other at Mills Hill, in the west of Chadderton, but their modes of living must have been quite different.

James Cheetham, was the owner of Firwood Mill, and lived with his family at Firwood House, which was a newly built property, standing in its own grounds on the opposite side of the canal to his mill. This house was demolished many decades ago but its name is perpetuated in the Firwood Park estate, at one time the largest private residential development in Europe.

James was aged 54 in 1861, and had been born in Oldham. Described as a cotton spinner and manufacturer, this title always means a mill owner rather than an operative. His wife, Anne, some eight years his junior, was originally from Hull.

Two of his sons, John aged 30, and Septimus aged 22 were also spinners and manufacturers, presumably running the mill with their father. Two daughters are next enumerated, Jane who was 20 and Ellen a year younger. Neither was listed with an occupation, seemingly they were ladies of leisure!

William Cheetham, at the age of 17, was a book keeper, again it is presumed at his father's place of work, whilst the two youngest children, George aged 14, and Mary aged 6, are at school. James Cheetham was greatly involved in Mills Hill Baptist Church and school, and it is to that school that his children probably went.

The Cheetham's life-style was a very comfortable one, with live-in servants to help around the home. There was a housekeeper, Eleanor Bowskill, then aged 33, and a housemaid, 19 years old Mary Stevenson. Mary Brophy, aged 34, was the cook, whilst the domestic staff was completed by Hannah Thorpe, aged 21, who was the laundress. No doubt there would be other servants who did not live in, such as gardeners and a coachman.

[To be continued]

Library Cupboard
Thanks to Cynthia and Terry Poyner, Society members, for their donation of a glass-fronted cupboard. This will be used to set up a library of local interest books, for members to borrow at our monthly meetings.
Archive Material
Many thanks to the following for donations to our extensive archives:(1) Martin Simmons, Chadderton: Photographs of the new Willow House development, Hunt Lane.

(2) Geoff Rothwell, Chadderton: Photograph of workers in the cop winding room, Chadderton Mill c1940's; Theatrical production at Corpus Christi School c1930's

(3) Joan Long, Society Member: Set of four postcards- Chadderton Town Hall, Grammar School, North Chadderton School [Broadway building], Foxdenton Park [The Rockeries], all c1950's

(4) Ron Lees, Society Member: Five photographs of Chadderton Power Station in 1950's.

(5) Avril Dawe, East Sussex: Photocopy of Ticket for Ceremony of Cutting First Sod of Broadway in 1922; Photocopy of Ticket for Visit of French International Swimming Team to Chadderton in 1920; Photocopy of census return for Chadderton Hall in 1891.

(6) Edith Smith, Failsworth: Photocopy of Chadderton Grammar School Speech Day Programme 1949.

(7) Janet Curran, Cheadle Hulme, Cheshire: Photographs of Mills Hill Baptist Church, Sunday School, Dramatic Production; also other local photos.

(8) Mary Dent, Chadderton: Photographs of St. Herbert's Church c1950's; Family photographs from c1916 to 1950's, showing Stock Brook. Area, etc.

 

Condolences

The sympathies of all members are extended to the family of Ron Kearsley who died recently, and is buried in St. Matthew's churchyard. Ron had been a member of the Society since the mid-90's but had been in poor health for some time. Sympathies are also extended to Nicholas Radclyffe, of Buckinghamshire, on the untimely death of his wife, Caroline. Members will recall that Nicholas provided the Society with the photographs for the Radclyffe family portraits that now adorn the Town Hall. Nicholas also performed the official unveiling of the portraits in October 2002. R.I.P.

 New Township Inspector
The Society welcomes Inspector John Harwood as the new Township Inspector for Chadderton. We trust he will have a most successful, rewarding and enjoyable career in his new role.
Conserving our Heritage
Our Society is presently meeting with neighbouring local history societies, and council officers, to devise a scheme to oversee the conservation and preservation of the borough's historical buildings. Some 35 council-owned buildings in Chadderton come under our brief, 11 being considered of higher priority. We have begun documenting each of these, detailing their histories and physical conditions.

website www.chadderton-hs.freeuk.com

 

 

 

The Griffin

 

-Quarterly Newsletter of the Chadderton Historical Society

No. 37 May 2006

- COMMENT -

Constituency Name-Change

The Society has caused quite a stir in the local press in recent weeks, with its campaign to see the name of Chadderton included in the name of the constituency. For this it needs not apologise, as it is well known that the Society pursues vigorously its policy on Chadderton and any issues affecting its identity.

For some time we have been preparing our case for a name change, and the resulting document was laid before the Boundary Commission for England in the spring of 2005. Last November we appeared before the Commission, at its Inquiry in Manchester, to restate our position on this issue.

Over the years we have been given the backing of the various political parties, and also the support of our local member of parliament, Michael Meacher. He has stated that, "I would be pleased to see Chadderton in the constituency name and I still believe that Chadderton should be included."

Despite these reassurances the Commission, in their revised recommendations, failed to recommend a name change, claiming that the constituency under its present name of 'Oldham West and Royton' was of long standing, and that there had been no representation from the political parties.

Both these claims are lacking in substance, and the Society has once more been promised the support of all interested parties, and our MP, as it makes a further representation to the BCE. As this body itself admitted, our case for a name change is "a powerful one", and any individual or local organisation wishing to give support is asked to write to the Commission.

Points to be included in any representation should include reference to the importance of Chadderton as the second largest town in the borough, and the fact that its three wards are the only ones (along with the Oldham Werneth) to have been represented by Michael Meacher for the complete period since he became MP in 1970. Of equal significance is the fact that eight of the nine wards proposed for inclusion in the revised constituency contain some part of the town of Chadderton, however, small. In itself this should be sufficient reason for including our town's name!

Boundary reviews are held only every decade or so, and the opportunity to rectify this anomaly should now be grasped if Chadderton is ever to be given its rightful recognition at Westminster.

Representations should be made before 17th May, to the Boundary Commission for England, D1/02, 1 Drummond Gate, London SW 1V 2QQ.

 

Congratulations and Thanks, 'King' Sid!

Our President, Councillor Sid Jacobs J.P., retires from Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council this month, after serving the people of Chadderton for half a century. Although he remains staunchly 'Labour' at heart, an unfortunate political dispute in 2004, led to him standing in the local elections as 'Chadderton Independent', under which banner he was most successful, receiving votes from people of all political persuasions and none.

This says much for the popularity of Sid, who was described recently by our MP, Michael Meacher, as "The King of Chadderton". Sid turned 80 on St. George's Day, a most appropriate day on which to celebrate his personal and political achievements. On behalf of all members we offer him our congratulations, our thanks, and every best wish for the future. Long may he 'reign' as our President!

First 'Chadderton Day'

Plans are well under way for the first 'Chadderton Day' - the celebration of our town, its people and achievements. This takes place on 17th June from 12 noon to 4.00 p.m. in Foxdenton Park. Many local organisations are involved, and the event should be an excellent celebration of all we hold dear as proud Chaddertonians! The Society will be mounting a display on 'Local Government in Chadderton', and will also have stalls selling merchandise, booklets, maps, etc. Participants will also have a chance to try their luck at various topical sideshows. Society members and the public in general are asked to support this new venture and make it a huge success.

On Council Business!

Neville Denson, now living in St. Bees, Cumberland, was employed by the former Chadderton Urban District Council between 1951 and 1962. In this series he provides us with some interesting anecdotes from that period.

(3) Chadderton - Near Oldham?

The Clerk of the Council, and no doubt many councillors, didn't like the idea of Chadderton having to be described, in postal terms, as being 'near Oldham'. Chadderton was an entity in itself and ought to be recognised as such.

So each day a record was kept of all letters addressed to the Clerk. This record showed the place, date and time of posting, and how it was addressed; whether simply 'Chadderton, Lancs', the proper address in our view, or with the added 'near Oldham', the official postal address. The object of the exercise was to see whether the words 'near Oldham' made any difference in the length of time it took the letter to arrive.

My recollection was that it didn't make any difference, and I'm sure the Clerk would have taken the matter up strongly with the Post Office. But again - I don't think it made any difference.

[Maybe there's a lesson here for present day inhabitants who feel that 'Oldham' must always be part of their address. Inclusion of your postcode is sufficient in itself but please avoid that horror of errors - 'Greater Manchester'! Ed.]

Whitsuntide Fun Day

Organised by the churches of North Chadderton, this annual fun day will take place in Chadderton Hall Park on Saturday 3rd June. The Society will have a display and stalls selling its merchandise and publications. On the following day, Whit Sunday, the local churches will go in procession to the park for their annual united service for Pentecost. Please support both events.

St. George's Day

This event was celebrated in style at the Town Hall on 22nd April, and for the fifth successive year was organised jointly by our Society and the Chadderton and Failsworth Rotary Club. The band which opened the proceedings was the excellent Besses Boys' Band, and during the evening patriotic songs echoed through the Edwardian ballroom, while the story of St. George was also retold. The occasion provided the opportunity for members to present our President, Councillor Sid Jacobs, with gifts to mark his 80th birthday, and to thank him for all he has done for Chadderton in the past half century.

Chadderton in Hit Parade?

The month of May sees the release of the song 'Manchester' by the pop group Beautiful South. This not only refers to the wet weather for which Manchester is so well-known, but mentions a number of local towns including our own: "If rain makes Britain great, then Manchester is greater. From Altrincham to Chadderton it's rain, from Moss Side to Swinton hardly Spain." Maybe it is not the ideal way for Chadderton to achieve immortality, but we give it our full approval for its emphasis on our town's identity and individuality!

 

Memories from Afar (Part 2)

Jim Exley, an expatriate Chaddertonian now living in Kent, revisits some of the scenes of his childhood.

My grandfather, John Exley, was a large, jovial man with a white moustache, and a liking for a pint (or perhaps two or three) in the Sun Mill Inn, or in the Reform Club, which was then in Milne Street. He would be in the company of my father, Billy, who for many years was the postman covering, at various times, the Park Estate, and the Victoria Street and Garforth Street areas, including the war years, when he was often the bringer of bad tidings to his customers.

It was the Reform Club which helped in my education as, in the Reading Room, there were kept copies of the "Illustrated London News", from which I learned a great deal about world affairs and geography. I also learned to play snooker in the Club, and formed a liking for the pork pies sold on Friday and Saturday nights.

In those days, the nineteen thirties and forties, I was part of an extended family, with my mother's father living in Ward Street, Oldham, as did her brother Jimmy Abbott, who later became Head Brewer at Oldham Brewery in Coldhurst Street. Her other brother, George Abbott, lived at 638 Middleton Road, Chadderton, with his wife, Elsie, and my cousins Dorothy and Ronald. George worked at the 'Jam Works' at Mills Hill, and he and my dad used to put on hilarious entertainment at the family Christmas parties which were a feature of life in those days.

My father's younger brother, John Exley, lived at 680 Middleton Road with his wife Florrie (nee Oakes) and my cousin Barbara. Florrie was an expert dancer, and she taught me ballroom dancing at Eddie Cooke's, at the junction of Main Road and Featherstall Road, where she was an instructress. Other family members living in the area were Harry Moores, the barber in Middleton Road, married to my aunt Martha Alice, and Uncle Herbert Exley and Aunt Annie, living in Busk Street.

In 1938, I passed the "11 Plus" and went on to Chadderton Grammar School on Broadway, which I attended until 1945. Memories of this school include the wonderful productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operas, which were my introduction to "serious" music, although I never appeared on the stage, confining my help to back-stage activities. I think that the Musical Director was Miss Fothergill, the music teacher.

Other memorable members of staff at the Grammar School included the headmaster, Clement Platt, known as "Clem"; "Ossie" Marrows, my geography teacher; "Isaac", whose real name I can't remember, who tried to teach us woodwork, and Mr. Carney, who later returned after the war as the headmaster, I believe.

[To be continued]

Society Trustee Honoured

It was most gratifying to read that Trevor Ashworth, a Society Trustees, and the person in charge of our merchandising, has just received an award for reaching his 100th donation of blood. Trevor commenced this most meaningful form of generosity, which benefits so many unknown individuals, back in 1965. Many thanks on behalf of the Society and the community.

Postcards of Chadderton

As mentioned previously, our first postcard of Chadderton published last summer has been a huge success. This illustrated the civic, manorial, ecclesiastical and industrial aspects of our town. It is intended to publish other cards, one showing various scenes within Chadderton, and the other one depicting the Town Crier, Reg Lord, with the Signifer (standard bearer).

More on Chadderton Avro

Neville Denson, expatriate Chaddertonian, contributes the following item. A book has been written by Christopher Winn, entitled "I Never Knew That About England", published by Ebury Press. It covers the whole of the country, but the section on Lancashire contains only eleven entries. Of these that on Chadderton is the second longest, and outlines the story of our now defunct aircraft industry and its founder A.V.Roe. Once again it makes one proud to read: "The Chadderton factory … produced Britain's most famous bomber, the Avro Lancaster. Another famous plane to emanate from the factory was the Avro Vulcan bomber." Gone but never to be forgotten!

Archive Material

Thanks to member, Alan Clegg, for a fascinating series of photographs on the demolition of the former Chadderton Power Station in April 1986. The photographs record the three notable cooling towers as they disappear individually into history. There are also a number of photographs of Parkside House, on Middleton Road West, which has also been demolished.

Macabre Footnote

It was interesting, albeit somewhat unnerving, to read recently that the last execution in Britain, prior to the abolition of the death penalty, was carried out by a Chadderton (hang)man - Robert Leslie Stewart. This was on 13th August 1964 at Walton Gaol, Liverpool.

Website

For fuller information on many aspects of Chadderton and its history, please consult our website on www.chadderton-hs.freeuk.com.To date the site has been visited by 16,486 people.

Chadderton Historical Society 2006

 

The Griffin

Newsletter of the Chadderton Historical Society
No. 36 February 2006
- COMMENT -

Broadway - Beneficial or Baneful?

One of the greatest enterprises of the former Chadderton Urban District Council, in the early years of the 20th century, was the construction of Broadway - the A663. At the cutting of the first sod in 1922, Councillor James Fitton, Chairman of Chadderton Council, stated that the step they were taking that day would be recognised in the future as the beginning of a new era in the history of Chadderton. The new road would be "an avenue through the heart of the district" opening up means of expansion which previously had not been possible.
 
Councillor William Crossley, the Chairman of the Arterial Road Committee, who cut the first sod, echoed these sentiments remarking that the event was "the most important in the history of Chadderton", and that the benefits of the road would be clearer in years to come.
 
There were several reasons for the construction of Broadway. Chadderton had changed from a rural township into an industrial town but there was the lack of a central road running north and south, to link the many east-west roads, and to weld together the different localities. The road would also help to attract more industry to Chadderton's many hectares of open land in its central area. Of great importance it provided much-needed work for the many unemployed people of the period. The scheme was also an excellent example of co-operation between the local authorities of Chadderton, Royton, Failsworth, and the City of Manchester. Indeed Alderman Turnbull, of Manchester Town Planning Committee, praised the local council for their persistence with the road, which he trusted would be "an everlasting memorial to the initiative and foresight of Chadderton".

Broadway was opened in 1925, by the Minister of Transport Lieut.-Colonel the Rt. Hon. W. W. Ashley, M.P., who congratulated everyone concerned on the successful completion of the enterprise, the main credit being due to Chadderton for the inception of the scheme.

Chadderton's Member of Parliament, Mr. A. N. S. Sandeman, felt that "Chadderton had shown an example to the rest of the country" in initiating the scheme, whilst the engineers, James Diggle, believed that the road would be one of the greatest benefits ever conferred on Chadderton.

As the above account testifies, praise for the venture was plentiful back in the 1920's, and no-one doubts that the vision behind Broadway has been more than realised. Could such stalwart supporters of the scheme, as Councillor William Crossley and his colleagues, ever have imagined that in the future the road of their dreams would be carrying transport from such distant places as Spain, Italy, Poland and even Turkey? Chadderton has certainly been placed on the European map!

Of course there is a negative side to all this, and the thundering roar of heavy wagons is not something that residents along Broadway readily appreciate. In recent years the resurfacing with a quieter material, and the removal of traditional grids, has gone a significant way towards addressing this problem of noise.

However, Broadway is a national trunk road and, whether we like it or not, is open to use by everyone. Short cuts appeal to most motorists, and the fact remains that Broadway provides a convenient link between the M60 and the M62, shortening the route by 8 miles, and also cutting down on time at many periods of the day. On a local level it provides us with easy access to the whole motorway network.

There can be no ideal solution to problems experienced, apart from an enforcement of its 40 mph speed limit, and ensuring sufficient regard is always given to the safety of pedestrians, especially children from the many schools along its length. It is a fact of life here in Chadderton that Broadway - that "New Arterial Road" of the 1920's - has become the victim of its own success.

Society's 30th Anniversary

A most enjoyable evening was had by over 50 members and friends at Foxdenton Hall on 11th November last. The occasion of our 30th Anniversary was celebrated informally, but in style, with an excellent buffet supper, music and dancing. Thanks to all who made it such a great success.

Celebrating St. George

Our national day, 23rd April, the Feast of St. George, will be celebrated at a social evening at Chadderton Town Hall on Saturday 22nd April. The event will be organised, as in past years, by the Historical Society, and the Chadderton and Failsworth Rotary Club, and will include a brass band, patriotic singing, disco, and buffet supper. For further details contact Mark Johnson on 626-6995.

'Chadderton Day'

This initiative has come from the Chadderton Area Committee, and the idea is to promote our township, with its rich history and heritage. The day chosen this year is Saturday 17th June - during the period of the former 'Wakes' holiday, and will be a "Celebration of Chadderton, its People and Achievements". It is hoped to involve all sections of the community in a wide variety of activities, which will increase pride in our township.

On Council Business!

Neville Denson, now living in St. Bees, Cumberland, was employed by the former Chadderton Urban District Council between 1951 and 1962. In this series he provides us with some interesting anecdotes from that period.

(2) The Birds

Following complaints of masses of starlings roosting in trees in Foxdenton Lane and causing considerable nuisance to local residents, the Health Department was called in to deal with the problem. The solution they came up with was a novel one. In the mid to late evening, as the birds came to roost, there was a massive explosion of fireworks. The ploy worked. The birds left immediately. But what those responsible hadn't done was to warn the nearby householders. Not only they but their pets were scared out of their wits, and there were reports of dogs and cats being so distressed that they tore around some houses, the cats climbing the curtains, and the dogs ripping pieces out of three piece suites. How long the birds stayed away, and who paid for the damaged furniture, I don't know.

The Chadderton 'Anthem' ?

Recently, the Society has discovered a song which was composed in 1832, to celebrate the first election in which Chaddertonians were represented in Parliament. It was written by Samuel Collins (1802-1878), a Chadderton poet, who was known as the Bard of Hale Moss. This was the area in which he lived, near to South Chadderton School. The song commences with the stirring words: "Rise ye lads of Chadderton", and is a dramatic piece of writing, emphasising the importance of the vote at that particular time. The intention is to adapt it for modern use with its own new tune. Maybe it will then find a fitting place at local events?

Memories from Afar (Part 1)

Jim Exley, an expatriate Chaddertonian now living in Kent, revisits some of the scenes of his early childhood.
 
I was born at 97 Stockfield Road, near the bottom of Melbourne Street, in December 1927, and was, for 11 years, an only child, until my sister Margaret arrived in April 1939. I attended St. Luke's School in Kempsey Street, an easy walk from home around the corner into Hunt Lane.

I passed the paper shop on the corner, and the fish and chip shop at the end of the terrace row where, as well as fish and chips, you could buy elder, slut, weasel, tripe, cowheel, and other exotic offal, although I didn't know the word "offal" in those days!

Next door to 97 was a hardware shop, run by Connie Hall, from which the smell of paraffin emanated. In "Connies" you could buy all manner of useful objects, from nails to tin baths, but the most magical time of the year was from September to November, when you joined the "Firework Club", and saved your pennies for the Standard Fireworks she always sold.

At the end of our terrace was Mrs Edward's shop, a draper's, selling everything from knitting wool to dresses. At the end of the next terrace was the grocer's shop and off-licence, where one could take a jug to be filled with beer.

Opposite our house Dalton Street stretched away in the direction of Middleton Road, with Board Street [now Apfel Lane] in the distance, fronted by hen-pens and a cinder-covered football pitch.

I don't remember the names of my teachers in the Infants section of St. Luke's, but I do remember vividly the Headmaster of the Junior School, Mr. Young, and the very strict Miss Aspinall and Miss Garside. We used to have half-days off after attending church on Ascension Day and other religious occasions, and I also remember the procession we had through the streets on Empire Day, with someone dressed up as Britannia, and other children with blacked-up faces, representing countries which, in those days, were red on the map of the world.

Links between church and school were obviously close, and I remember dances, socials, and other events, especially the Rose Queen annual ceremony preceded by a procession to the Rose Garden near the church.

Melbourne Street contained the Stockfield Mill, and I was always awed by the sight of the gleaming mill engine, with its highly-polished parts and the spinning governor. I often walked past this temple of steam power on the way to my grandfather's house at 501 Middleton Road, almost opposite the library, where I borrowed and read every "Just William" and "Biggles" book on the shelves. Little did I know then that I would be returning to the same library 60 years later to attend meetings of the Chadderton Historical Society! [To be continued]

Lancashire Day 2005

Once again Lancashire Day, Sunday 27th November, was celebrated in style in Chadderton. The Lancashire Red Rose Flag flew outside the Town Hall, at which venue the Town Crier, Reg Lord, complete with retinue, made the Lancashire Proclamation. This was repeated at various places in our town centre, with leaflets explaining the day being given out to shoppers, and lollies to their children. It is most gratifying that there are virtually no members of the public who question the loyalty to our true County Palatine of Lancaster!

Dazzling Display - a community effort!

Chadderton's Christmas Lights this year were better than ever, some observers maintaining that they were more impressive than Oldham's! From the Shopping Precinct to the Town Hall was a continuous array of lights. The switch-on itself was an impressive occasion and brought together an ever-increasing number of local organisations. Many local businesses also shared in the festivities, whilst every church in Chadderton - 18 in all - contributed to the beautiful crib which was positioned in the entrance foyer of Asda. All this activity in recent years is the direct result of the Chadderton Area Committee, under the guidance of its Chairman, Councillor Jim Greenwood, and its Area Manager, Mark Simmons. Long may it prosper!

Lancaster Bomber

The recent closure of Chadderton's aircraft factory made the news on BBC's "Inside Out" on 9th January. It was a short, but very informative item about the Lancaster Bomber, which was designed and built on the premises. The Society has recorded the programme for its archives. We have also applied for a number of models of the famous Lancaster, from a source in the south of England.

Society Merchandise

The Society has for sale the following items: leatherette bookmarks; commemorative mugs to mark our Thirtieth Anniversary; ties and scarves; and key rings. Most of these items display the Chadderton coat-of-arms. Thanks to Trevor Ashworth, our 'marketing manager', for all his work in this area.

Postcard of Chadderton

The Society's first postcard of Chadderton, showing the Town Hall, Foxdenton Hall, St. Matthew's Church, and the Rochdale Canal with 'Th' Iron Donger' Railway Bridge, has been a huge success. It is intended to publish a second card during the year showing various scenes within Chadderton.

Archive Material

Thanks to Jennifer Tonge, of East Didsbury, for the photocopy of "The Wild Floweret", a book of poems and songs by her great-great-grandfather Samuel Collins. He lived in Chadderton from 1802 to 1878, and was known as the Bard of Hale Moss, this area lying in south Chadderton, adjoining Moston.

Website

The Society's Website may be seen at: www.chadderton-hs.freeuk.com
Chadderton Historical Society 2006

 

The Griffin

Newsletter of the Chadderton Historical Society

=========================================================================

No. 35 *1975 - Thirtieth Anniversary - 2005* November 2005

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What makes a Chaddertonian?

Chadderton's rapid development in the second half of the 19th century, from a rural township to an industrial one, led to the creation of a new town centre on Middleton Road. However, several smaller 'centres' also evolved during this period - at Cowhill, Butler Green/Washbrook, Middleton Junction, and Whitegate/Nimble Nook. To varying degrees each of these places had an individuality that could command the allegiance of residents.

Broadway had yet to be constructed, and this lack of a centrally positioned road, meant that the township lacked cohesion. This fact was used by the Post Office, with the result that it carved up the township into postal districts to suit its own purposes. Part of north-west Chadderton came under Royton, whilst a large part of south Chadderton was classed as Hollinwood, a fact very difficult to comprehend today!

Foxdenton Hall, our impressive manor house, and the aircraft factory on Greengate, once our most prestigious asset, are both situated in an area of Chadderton that is still considered part of Middleton, Manchester, M24, for postal purposes! This is a survival of the Post Office's somewhat arbitrary behaviour.

Despite the vagaries of the post office, and any apparent lack of cohesion, people in all parts of the town have never been reluctant to proclaim that they are Chaddertonians, albeit often for quite different reasons.

Those residing in the historic centre at Chadderton Fold, and on the adjacent hillside at Healds Green, would even go so far as to claim, somewhat tongue in cheek, that anyone living south of Chadderton Hall Road was not a true Chaddertonian!

Two miles to the south, in the Whitegate End area, people are as staunchly Chaddertonian as their northern compatriots, because they have always had a dread of being labelled Mancunians, like their close neighbours in Moston! Pride in being a Chaddertonian exists among all sections of our community, for whatever other differences there might be, this is a unitary factor.

In recent years Chadderton's identity has been re-emphasised with the setting up of the Chadderton Area Committee. The nine local councillors have the support of eleven co-opted members, whose dedication and expertise should not be undervalued. This organisation has become a focal point to which all Chaddertonians can relate, and it has much to its credit in promoting our township.

As a result, one cannot help but believe that the Chadderton Area Committee (Township Assembly might be a more appropriate title), has not yet been fully utilised, and that this body has much to offer those 33,000 residents within our metropolitan borough who take pride in classing themselves 'Chaddertonians'.

British Library Invitation

The British Library, a founding member of the UK Web Archiving Consortium, has invited the Chadderton Historical Society to participate in this pilot project. This is a great honour for us as the BL is selecting websites "to represent aspects of UK documentary heritage". If the pilot is successful the archived copy of our website will form part of the British Library's permanent collections.

Lancashire Day

This is celebrated on Sunday 27th November. The Lancashire Proclamation will be made by the Town Crier, Reg Lord, from the steps of Chadderton Town Hall at 1.00 p.m. It will be followed by repeat performances in the Shopping Precinct and in Asda Superstore. Members of the Society are asked to join in the procession, wearing their red roses. At 9.00 p.m. please remember to make the Loyal Toast: 'The Queen, Duke of Lancaster'.

On Council Business!

Neville Denson, now living in St. Bees, Cumberland, was employed by the former Chadderton Urban District Council between 1951 and 1962. In this new series he provides some interesting anecdotes from that period.

(1) The Civic Ball

Chadderton's Civic Ball was on of the highlights of the social calendar and to be invited meant that you'd 'arrived'. It attracted the Mayors and Chairmen of many councils from the area, like the Lord Mayor of Manchester, the Mayors of Oldham, Rochdale and Ashton, and the Chairmen of Crompton, Royton, Failsworth, Lees and Saddleworth Councils. Evening dress was expected.

Great pride was taken in getting the best artistes for the cabaret: usually people who were appearing at theatres in Manchester or Leeds, who would come to the Ball after their theatre performances. This meant that the timing of the cabaret always had to be approximate, since they didn't know exactly what time they'd finish their act or how long it would take them to get to Chadderton.

On one occasion the assembled guests awaited the arrival and there was a delay. Councillor Sid Jacobs, late to become Chairman of Chadderton Council, and Mayor of Oldham Metropolitan Borough, was Master of Ceremonies. I stood with him in the corridor outside the ballroom and anxiously looked in to see if the guests were restless. They obviously were. What could we do? I recalled that some time before, Sid had made a great hit with the audience during a break in a Road Safety Film Show I'd organised. He'd got them all singing 'One Meat Ball' - a rousing song that lent itself well to community singing. Half jokingly, I suggested he should repeat the performance and bet him a pint he wouldn't do it. But Sid did!

He went up on the stage, apologised for the fact that the cabaret artistes had still not arrived and said that to fill in a little time he was going to lead some community singing. Remember that this was in the days when social decorum, formality and dignity still meant an awful lot. The various civic heads could be seen sitting in the front row, fidgeting nervously, turning to their partners and each other, and not really knowing how they should react. Sid launched into his song … 'One Meat Ball, Without the Gravy …', clapping to keep the rhythm. Slowly and perhaps with shy reluctance, the Mayors and Chairmen (sometimes disrespectfully referred to as 'the chain gang'), joined in. It was not a sight I thought I'd ever witness - the chains swinging from side to side as Sid got them all to sing and swing in harmony. It was an enjoyable, if unusual, interlude but there was much relief when the artistes finally arrived.

The Clerk to the Council, Leslie Stott, was not best pleased and I heard raised voices the following morning in the Inner Sanctum, as his office was known. Sid was with him and presumably was being berated for lowering the dignity of the occasion - and before such a distinguished audience. I trembled fearing the worst, but to his eternal credit, Sid never told the Clerk that it was me who'd made the suggestion and perhaps sealed the deal by betting him a pint he wouldn't do it!

[Sid is still a councillor for Chadderton, and President of the Historical Society! Ed.]

Christmas Lights Switch-on

The Switch-On of Chadderton Town Centre's Christmas Lights takes place outside the town hall on Friday 25th November at 7.00 p.m. This year the festive display will include the library, and the trees outside the precinct, for the first time, and will now stretch from the town hall to the shopping centre.

The event is guaranteed to be as impressive as ever, with local bands, and church organisations, providing the entertainment. The Switch-On will be preceded by a procession from the shopping precinct, and this will include the Chadderton Standard, National and Lancashire Flags, the Town Crier, Father Christmas, pantomime characters, and member of other local societies. Chadderton Floral Art Society is decorating the town hall for the occasion.

Remembrance Sunday

This is held on 13th November, and as in past years the Society will lay a wreath at Chadderton War Memorial. Members are invited to attend and should meet at the Reform Club at 10.30 p.m. if they wish to take part in the procession.

Library Centenary

Chadderton Central Library has recently celebrated its 100th Birthday. Funded by that great Scottish-American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the library building cost £5000. The Foundation Stone was laid by Councillor Ernest Kempsey on 14th May 1904, with the Official Opening being performed by Councillor Joseph Hilton on 14th October 1905. The first librarian was Miss Maud Mellor, from Blackpool, who was appointed on a salary of £50 a year!

Our Society mounted a display, and was well represented at the commemoration, during which local man, David Carnegie, ceremonially cut a ribbon tied across the main entrance. Thanks to Sandra Burgess the Librarian, and her staff, for organising the afternoon's events.

Early Chadderton Memories

- A Series of Reminiscences by Society members

"Down on the Farm" (Part 2) by Mary Ashworth.

Following the item "Oh to be a farmer!" by Alan Clegg, which appeared in the May edition, another member concludes her own postscript to the story.

On other days we would go into the plots as they were called locally, for my dad had an allotment down the bottom of there. We would pick the fruit from the bushes. There was a field and a footpath where the "tin tacks" ponds were. That path is still there and goes up to Ferney Field House Farm. We would look for small fish - jack sharps, and newts, and go home with them in a jam jar, keeping them until the day after when they were taken back. The field down in that area used to have Swedes growing in it, and when I got older I would go picking them.

I spent many years going to Park Side Farm which is now only a bungalow and some very run-down buildings off Chadderton Park Road. I still go and chat to Edith Sherratt and her younger brother, Fred. There was George, who was the eldest of the family, and Charles, junior. They both died in the last few years.

I would also go potato picking in a field which was at the back of the recently built "Packwood Chase" at Oakbank, Middleton Road. I also took the cows in for milking. They all knew their places in the shippons which I always thought was very clever. I had a go at milking but was never good enough, or fast enough, to do it all myself. I spent a lot of time with Charlie, who was the one who looked after the hens. I'd muck out, get the eggs, and see the chicks hatch out, before they were kept under the lights to keep them warm.

I would get up and cut over to the farm ready to catch Edith and Fred set off with the milk float, pulled by Prince the brown horse. It was quite a large area which we would cover, stretching from Mills Hill to around Chadderton Town Centre. In those days there weren't any of the large estates off Middleton Road. Then we went to Werneth, and on the way home would go down the hill on Edward Street like the Flying Scotsman because Prince knew he was going home. The street was cobbled in those days and we held on for dear life. Next we went along Hunt Lane which was still more like a rough track than a road.

Back at the farm Prince would be taken out of the shafts of the milk float, and would then knock on the door latch with his nose to let Mrs Sherritt know he wanted his sugar butty. There was one very sad day for me on the farm when Molly the old horse had died in her stall, and had to be pulled into a large truck and taken away.

I would have dinner at the farm when Mrs Sherritt made meat puddings in a rag, and they would be the length of the plate. I really loved my time on the farm but I don't think my mother enjoyed me going home as she used to shout, "Take them clothes off and hang them on the line before you come inside!" Happy Days!

Blue Plaque to Computer Scientist

Initial steps have been taken recently by our Society to honour Geoff Tootill, one of the three co-inventors of the world's first, wholly electronic, programmable computer, who was born in Chadderton in 1922. The computer, named 'Baby', was successfully activated at Manchester University in 1948, and was to pave the way for all subsequent modern Information Technology.

Newsletters Received

Thanks to the following Societies for their publications which are now available to Society members:

Saddleworth White Rose Society - in the County of York. Newsletter No. 28 Autumn 2005

Failsworth Historical Society. Issue 1 Summer 2005

Website:

To date over 14,000 people have logged on to our main website, which can be found at www.chadderton-hs.freeuk.com


 

 


 The Griffin

Quarterly Newsletter of the Chadderton Historical Society

No. 34 1975 - Thirtieth Anniversary - 2005 August 2005

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- COMMENT -

Town Centre Regeneration

The regeneration of Chadderton Town Centre forms part of the overall plan for the regeneration of the borough as a whole. Our Centre, lying as it does on the eastern side of Chadderton, provides for a great number of Chaddertonians the first port of call for shopping, before using the facilities of Oldham itself. Free parking provision is adequate, whilst more bus routes now come into the centre of Chadderton than was once the case.

 

The 'Urbed Report' emphasised the fact that: "One of the great strengths of the borough [of Oldham] is its many and varied towns, each with its own town centre." Each of our seven townships has a unique centre, and few would disagree that Chadderton has an attractive central area, complete with a number of impressive public buildings. Middleton Road, lined as it now is with numerous trees, presents something of a boulevard, in contrast to the drabness of the former Victorian thoroughfare.

Whilst the Asda superstore provides the major attraction, there are also other national retail outlets represented in the precinct. The superstore itself sells a wide variety of goods, in addition to food, but it cannot be denied that Chadderton shopping centre is rather small for the size of our town of some 33,000 people, and that there are many obvious gaps in retail and service provision which need to be addressed.

 

As a response, a number of projects are in hand to redevelop and enhance our local centre. The market is shortly to be relocated within the precinct where, hopefully, it will be reinvigorated and prove as popular as those in Shaw and Royton. Future plans will see a new health centre built on the site of the former council depot on Burnley Street, freeing the old site, with its Middleton Road frontage, for further retail development.

The police station on Victoria Street will become redundant once the replacement at Broadway Business Park is opened. It is inconceivable that the old premises will be demolished, rather than given over to other purposes for the benefit of the community.

We now have a prestigious Asian restaurant located in historic premises, and an application is currently being made for another restaurant, with gym, and snooker hall, in other central premises. Permission has already been granted for an Indian takeaway off Peel Street.

 

If all these plans come to fruition the people of Chadderton should have a regenerated town centre to be proud of, and one that is as vibrant in the evening as it presently is during the daytime.

Chadderton's Brass Bands

David Needham, of Austerlands, Saddleworth, has written a marvellous article on the history of Chadderton's various brass bands. It appeared in this year's official magazine for the Scouthead and Austerlands Whit Friday Band Contest. Entitled "Sunbeams on Dancing Waters", it traces the history of bands in Chadderton from the probably reed and brass band which originated during the 18th century, by way of the band whose drum proudly boasted: "Born in 1820 and still going strong", to the present Chadderton Band, which continues to meet in Chadderton Central Library.

The article is illustrated with many interesting photographs, and the Society was privileged to have been of service to David in his researches. Our thanks are conveyed to him for he copies of the magazine which he has kindly given to our Society.

When 'Horse Power' meant just that! (Part 1)

We sometimes forget that one hundred years ago the horse still provided the main form of transport in our streets, especially for goods. Many aspects of the work of the local council were dependant on these noble creatures, and when perusing the Minute Books of the former Chadderton Urban District Council an interesting insight is gained into this long vanished world of the working horse.

In 1905 Chadderton Council employed ten horses which cost £22 for a four week period, this being 11 shillings (55p) per horse per week. At 2.00 p.m. on Saturday 13th May of that year a parade of all the horses was held so that councillors could inspect their condition.

The animals required adequate feeding and for this the council paid half yearly 12s 6d (63p) a load for bran; 8s 6d a hundredweight (43p per 50kg) for oil cake; £4 5s 0d a ton (£4.25 a tonne) for good clover hay; and 14s 9d (77p) a load for crushed oats. A tender of £1 4s 6d a ton (£1.23 a tonne) for peat moss litter was also accepted.

Tenders were invited for the re-shoeing of horses for the coming year on the understanding that any loose shoes would be fixed free of charge. Thomas Meyers's tender of 4s 3d (22p) per set was accepted and for this he agreed to remove old shoes, and supply and fix the new ones, the whole work to be done to the satisfaction of the Council's horse-keeper, whose name we are not given. The horse-keeper was also authorised to have one of the horses shod with rubber pads on its fore feet, at his discretion. The tender of J. Brighouse for supplying two sets of best horse gears, all complete for £6 per set was also accepted.

 

The carts and 'lurries' of the council needed to be kept in good condition and the order for a new cart body on No. 2 cart was given to S. Howarth providing that he would carry out the work for £8 10s 0d (£8.50). In late summer of 1905 it was decided to repaint some of these council 'vehicles' and George Hobson was awarded the contract for painting seven carts and one lorry for £10 15s 0d (£10.75).

[To be continued]

Royton Dig

Our Society is following with great interest the archaeological excavation presently being carried out by our friends in the Royton Local History Society. They are unearthing the foundations of Royton Hall, a building believed to date back to the Middle Ages, and which was demolished in 1939. Members of our Society were invited to assist. The methods employed, and the findings from the dig, will no doubt be useful to us if, and when, we undertake our own excavation of Chadderton Hall, which was erected in 1620, and demolished in 1939.

Foxdenton Hall

Plans to fully restore our historic manor house, which dates from 1620 and 1700, are now well underway. Much of the enthusiasm for this project comes from the Friends of Foxdenton, a voluntary body who have the future of the hall very much to heart. In the past eighteen months they have worked extremely hard raising funds, enabling them to redecorate the interior. Ultimately, a board of trustees will be formed, including two members of our own Society, and these will have responsibility for the ongoing running of the hall. In early July a visit was made to Dam House at Astley, near Wigan, to see how that historic building had been restored.

Archive Material

The following variety of material has been added to our archives in recent months, and we thank the donors:

1. John Arnold: Photographs of places and buildings in South Chadderton

2. Mavis Finchett (member): pottery including Chadderton Coronation Beaker from 1937.

3. George Wrigley, Shaw: Cuttings, and diverse, material concerning aspects of Chadderton's history.

4. Several old school registers from the former St. Mark's School, and Eustace Street School, have been purchased from Terry Fowles.

5. An original document from the late 18th century, signed by Sir Watts Horton, Lord of the Manor of Chadderton, was bought on E-Bay.

Society Merchandise

The society's venture into this new area is proving most successful. The latest addition to the 'products' we now offer for sale is a leatherette bookmark, available in a choice of ten colours. Printed in gold lettering are the words: "Chadderton - the ancient township in the heart of the historic county of Lancaster". The bookmark is priced 50p.

We also have a commemorative mug to mark the thirty years since our Society's formation. It portrays the Chadderton coat-of-arms in true heraldic colours, on each side, with the words: 'Chadderton Historical Society, 1975-2005' printed between. These are £5.00 each. Other merchandise on sale includes ties and scarves, costing £5.00, and key rings at 75p. All these items display the Chadderton coat-of-arms. Thanks, once again, to Trevor Ashworth, our 'marketing manager', for his enthusiasm and work in this area.

Membership and Meetings

The Society continues to grow in strength, and in the past twelve months has been joined by a number of new members. We also have Associate Members in other parts of the world who are kept fully informed of our activities, although distance prevents then from attending our monthly meetings. Current annual subscription rates are £15.00 per family; £10.00 per individual; £5.00 associate.

The Society's Programme for the coming months is:

4th August - A Ramble around 'Our Ancient Centre' (Chadderton Fold and environs).

8th September - Visit to Oldham Parish Church.

Our monthly meetings in Chadderton Central Library resume for the season with the following talks:

6th October - "Chadderton Through the Ages".

3rd November - "The Romans in Lancashire".

Full details may be found in the official printed Programme.

Early Chadderton Memories

- A Series of Reminiscences by Society members-

"Down on the Farm" (Part 1) by Mary Ashworth.

Following the item "Oh to be a farmer!" by Alan Clegg, which appeared in the May edition, another member adds her own postscript to the story.

I knew Alan as a kid, when he still lived on Middleton Road, at the top of Baytree Avenue. I was born and lived off Baytree Avenue until I married when I went to live in the bungalow estate which was built on the field with the "bell pond". This was the field that the cows were taken over, from the field in which they grazed which was facing our house in the Lower Roughs Farm area. The farm itself was run by an extension of the Sherratt family until they died, or finished with farming.

Then one of Charles Sherratt's sisters, Mary, came to live back to back with our house, on Middleton Road West, until she died. My brother and I used to go out to play after breakfast on warm summer days. We used to go in the field that is now the top of Firwood Park Estate. In those days the houses on Middleton Road had long gardens across from their back yards, which then went up to the field.

We would sit hours watching rabbits and all their babies play, and also make daisy chains. How many kids would do that these days? We played whip and top, up and down Baytree Avenue, for there was only an odd car on the avenue then, and the big trucks with bales of cotton on for the Baytree Mill or Malta Mill on Mills Hill Road. Another game was hop-scotch which was played on a line of flags between our front garden and the field.

We would spend half a day in "Nelly's Hollow", which is in the field alongside Ferney Field Road, jumping the stream that runs along the bottom. The stream comes from under Middleton Road and used to have coloured water in it from Chadwick's dye works, which is where the new estate now is, called "Swallow Fields". We played with the other local lads at a game called "Ducky". We went to hide while one person stacked a pile of bricks. Then he had to look for us. Without being seen, we had to run and throw a stone at the bricks and shout, "Ducky!" The last person to do so had to rebuild the bricks. You don't see kids playing those sorts of games these days.

[Concluded in November's edition]

Lancashire Toasts

Most people are aware that within our great county of Lancaster we have the privilege of making the loyal toast in the following manner: "The Queen the Duke of Lancaster". However, a less well-known Lancashire Toast is:

Meight w'en w'ir 'ungry,

Drink w'en w'ir dry,

Brass w'en w'ir short on it,

An' 'eave'n w'en wi dee!

No translation should be necessary for all true sons and daughters of the Red Rose County!

Postcard of Chadderton

The card portrays four local scenes, each representative of an aspect of our history: Chadderton Church (St. Matthew's); the Town Hall; Foxdenton Hall; and th' Iron Donger railway bridge, crossing the Rochdale Canal. The card proudly bears the title: "Chadderton - in the Historic County Palatine of Lancaster".

They have been selling very well in recent weeks, one outlet being the Tourist Information Office in Oldham, and it certainly looks as if a second order will shortly be placed with the manufacturers! Plans are also in hand to produce a second card which will possibly feature scenes such as Chadderton Fold; Healds Green; the Shopping Precinct; and Coalshaw Green Park.

Web Site

Our main site continues to be popular, and to date almost 13,500 people have logged on to it. It can be found at www.chadderton-hs.freeuk.com

Ó Chadderton Historical Society 2005

 


 The Griffin

Newsletter of the Chadderton Historical Society

=========================================================================

No. 33 *1975 - Thirtieth Anniversary - 2005* May 2005

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COMMENT

Constituency Recognition at Last?

The provisional recommendations for Parliamentary Constituency Boundaries in the Greater Manchester area have recently been published. Locally, the three wards of Chadderton will be grouped with the two wards of Royton, as previously, and also with three wards of Oldham.

However, the Oldham wards have been altered substantially with Medlock Vale (formerly St. Paul's), and Alexandra now being taken out of the constituency and replaced by St. Mary's. The two wards of Coldhurst and Werneth remain.

The outcome of these changes is that Chadderton's electors now form 37.3% of the total electorate, which is the largest of the three parts of the parliamentary division. In addition, for local government purposes, parts of the township of Chadderton are included in the adjacent wards of Royton North, Royton South, Coldhurst, and Werneth, so that Chadderton's total share is even greater than 37.3%. With 1,113 hectares, Chadderton is also the largest of the three sections in terms of area.

For many years our Society has been of the opinion that the name 'Chadderton' should form part of our constituency name, and has continued to pursue this important matter of identity. In recent years, both the local Liberal Democrat, and Conservative Parties have been supportive of this objective, the latter stating that the omission of Chadderton "is quite clearly an anomaly which needs rectifying."

Following the last general election in 2001, our MP, Michael Meacher, re-stated his own position: "I have said in the past that I would be pleased to see Chadderton in the constituency name and I still believe that Chadderton should be included." It is a very relevant fact that since Michael Meacher became our MP in 1970, the only wards to have been continually represented by him in Parliament have been the three wards of Chadderton, and the single Oldham ward of Werneth. Despite this, Chadderton has never been acknowledged in this respect.

Chadderton Historical Society has compiled a very persuasive argument in favour of the inclusion of the place-name Chadderton within our constituency title, and our representation has now been submitted to the Boundary Commission for England. Whatever other proposals may be put forward for redefining the constituency's boundaries, it is our belief that our request has a good chance of being adopted, and that Chadderton, somewhat belatedly, will be given its rightful recognition at Westminster.

BAE Systems

- the End of an Era-

The news that Chadderton's greatest asset, our aircraft factory on Greengate, is to close can only be greeted with dismay for it marks the end of a significant chapter in our town's industrial history. The factory, which opened in 1939 as A.V.Roe's, and later became part of the Hawker Siddeley Aviation group, has been in decline for a number of decades and is now only a shadow of its former self.

However, its place in national (and indeed international!) history will be secured for all time, for it was here in Chadderton that the most famous bomber of the Second World War, the Lancaster, was designed by Roy Chadwick, arguably the world's greatest aircraft designer. Some 3,050 of these planes were built at the site, and this represents over 40% of the total number constructed here, and elsewhere in Britain and Canada. During the post-war period the Chadderton factory designed and produced the magnificent Vulcan, a delta-winged bomber which was part of Britain's defence system until the early 1980's.

Whilst aircraft production will no longer be associated with Greengate, future generations will continue to appreciate that the blue eagle, which proudly adorns the crest of Chadderton's coat-of-arms, represents forever our once most prestigious industry. In writing his Golden Jubilee history of the factory in 1989, Harry Holmes stated that he wished to "touch on why Chadderton is internationally famous." For nearly seventy years the factory was, indeed, well-known throughout the world, and in turn it was never reluctant in proclaiming its allegiance and loyalty to the town of Chadderton. It will be missed!

Society's Thirtieth Anniversary

This month marks the 30th Anniversary of the formation of our Society back in 1975. Founded in the Old School at Healds Green, a building dating from1789, the Society has become a well respected organisation not only within our borough of Oldham, but also in the wider north-west region. Naturally, such an anniversary deserves recognition by members, and it is planned that a social event will be held later in the year to celebrate our achievements during this long period.

A Successful Area Committee!

Appreciation of these bodies would seem to vary throughout the borough of Oldham, with some people finding little purpose in their existence. Others complain that they are merely talking shops leading to dissent and infighting. Attendances also appear to show much variation from area to area.

It was most gratifying, therefore, to read in the local press that a survey of the six area committees within the borough suggested that "Chadderton Area Committee appears to be the most successful, boasting an average attendance of around 30 to 50 locals." Its Chairperson, Councillor Jim Greenwood, commented that the assembly was "a good example of local democracy working. … [It] isn't a forum for councillors but for the public to give their views and influence decisions made."

This is a sentiment with which our Society totally concurs, and we would encourage even more Chaddertonians to attend and make their own positive contributions to the life and well-being of our township.

 

Early Chadderton Memories

A Series of Reminiscences by Society member Alan Clegg

No. 7 "Oh, to be a farmer!"

This was always my desire, to go into farming, but things did not work out quite as planned. However, I would walk up our backs off Middleton Road, turn left up Thurland Street, climb over the farm gate in the Bell Pond field (now Oakbank Estate), down by Barratt's wall, over another gate, across Chadderton Park Road, and on to Sherratt's farm.

Mr. and Mrs. Sherratt, Edith their daughter, and their lads George, Charlie and Fred, always welcomed us on the farm as long as we were well-behaved. One friend of mine, fondly remembered, was Tommy Fogg, who used to come with me to the farm. He lived at 'Moss Lea', Oakbank, next top Parkside House, with his mum, dad, and sister. Sadly, he was killed in a motorcycle accident some years later. Incidentally, we have lived in this house, the same one as Tommy, for nearly forty years now!

On the farm we would help to bring in the cows for milking, which was all done by hand in those days, help to feed the calves, and at hay-making time rake up, and do many other jobs, which were none too strenuous for young kids.

What I do remember well were the horses on the farm. Dolly was a white, placid, shire horse. Bonny was a huge, dark, cantankerous brute who would chase us out of the field if in that frame of mind. There were also two horses brought in together, named Betty and Darky. Betty was a beautiful, light-brown mare, and a real power-house. She would glide up Park Road, which was unpaved at this time, with a full cart load of 'muck', as though there was nothing in the cart! Darky was a more gentle horse, good-natured, but not so full of beans as Betty. The story was that she had had a foal before arriving at the farm.

There was also Molly, a lighter horse usually used in the milk float, but also used at hay time for lighter, raking-up jobs. Lastly, there was Benny, an old horse with a real curve in its back. It looked like Cyril Smith had ridden it frequently! This horse was a real character. It knew where home was and, if not watched, would head for it. In other words, it knew when it had had enough and wanted to go home.

Sherratt's also farmed Roughs Farm, just down a farm track which eventually became Baytree Avenue. Roughs Farm was still there after the avenue and Mills Hill School were built. Sherratts took over this farm when Charles's senior brother, George, died, and they then farmed over 100 acres, including both farms, with land running down to the canal (now Drummer Hill Estate), and the other side of Baytree Avenue. This included the plots with Tin Tacks ponds, and down towards Drummer Hill Village, i.e. a large section of what is now Firwood Park Estate.

Sadly, only Edith and Fred remain of the Sherratt family, and of course all the land is built on, barring a few acres around the farmstead. As for me, with all these great memories, I did eventually get into farming, although not quite how I first imagined it. I ended up for twenty-odd years on the technical sales of Grain Driers, selling installations to arable farmers all over the north of England, so my dreams came true to a certain degree

Postcard of Chadderton

During the year the Executive Committee sanctioned this project and we now await the delivery of the first batch of postcards. They portray four local scenes, representative of the various aspects of Chadderton's history - the Town Hall (civic); Foxdenton Hall (manorial); Chadderton Church - St. Matthew's (ecclesiastical); and th'Iron Donger railway bridge, crossing the Rochdale Canal (industrial). Each card will carry the title: Chadderton - in the Historic County Palatine of Lancaster, thus proudly asserting our history and heritage.

Commemorative Mug and Merchandise

The latest addition to our official merchandise is a commemorative mug to mark the thirty years since our Society's formation. It portrays the Chadderton coat-of-arms in true heraldic colours, on each side, with the words: 'Chadderton Historical Society, 1975-2005' printed between. Other merchandise on sale includes ties and scarves, and key rings, all with the Chadderton coat-of-arms. For all these items, which add greatly to the prestige to our Society, we are grateful to Trevor Ashworth.

St. George's Day Celebration

Once again Chadderton Town Hall was ablaze with English flags, and resounded with true patriotism, as Chadderton and Failsworth Rotary Club, and Chadderton Historical Society, combined to celebrate our country's patron saint, and England's national day on 23rd April. Thanks to all who supported the occasion, and the 'Oldham Chronicle' for their excellent coverage of the evening's events.

May Day at Foxdenton

The 'Friends of Foxdenton' welcomed the month in true English style, as they commenced their new season of events at Chadderton's 17th century Manor House. Warm weather encouraged large crowds, on Sunday 1st May, as the Chadderton Academy of Dancing performed their traditional dances, including the 'Spider's Web', around the May Pole. A full programme of events is planned for the Sundays of the summer months. Please give the 'Friends' your support.

Metropolitan Map - A Borough of Seven Townships

Earlier this year the Society published its map of the Metropolitan Borough of Oldham, showing its seven constituent townships: Chadderton, Crompton, Failsworth, Lees Oldham, Royton, and Saddleworth. The map also had illustrations of the armorial bearings associated with each township. The purpose of the map was to emphasise the reality, as observed in the Urbed Report, that our borough consists of seven towns, each with its own town centre, and that the town of Oldham is not synonymous with the borough of Oldham. All 60 councillors received a copy of the map which is to be distributed widely throughout the borough during the year.

 

Archive Material

Thanks to the following for their donations of material to our archives:

1. Anonymous donor: selection of old books including volumes on cotton spinning.

2. Jack Halliwell, Chadderton: Photographs of demolition of Vale Mill chimney in 1964; Chadderton Council Medical Officer's Reports for 1897-1900 1900, and 1913.

3. Joanna Marlow, Chadderton: photographs of original Sportsman's Arms c1912, Nile Mill Football Team in 1910, cotton mill workers c1910; Denton Lane School book of tables, etc. 1952; Commemorative Booklet for Dedication of St. Saviours's Church in 1962; Nimble Nook Club Rule book c1952; several artefacts, etc.

4. Margaret and Jack Dixon (Mansfield) via parishioner of St. Herbert's Church, Chadderton: 21 books on Lancashire, Manchester and the North West.

5. Roger Holden, Stockport: Article in the 'Industrial Archaeology Review' on the Elk Mill, Chadderton, the last cotton mill to be constructed in Lancashire.

6. David Needham of Saddleworth: Article, to be published, on Chadderton's brass bands, with several photographs.

7. Gordon Simpson, Scowcroft Farm: Information on the place-name Mills Hill.

8. Alice Hadfield (member): Old newspapers with account of life of William O'Neill, of the Sun Mill.

 

email address:: chs@chadderton-hs.freeuk.com

Last Modified: 30/9/06 Copyright Chadderton Historical Society 1999-2006


 Index Page
Members of Parliament for Chadderton
History of Local Government
News of the Year,
Sponsors Christmas Lights
Sir Philip Sidney Stott, Blue Plaque
Geoff Tootill Baby Computer
Worship and Education
Family History & Research
Chadderton Organisations
The Constitution
Chadderton Hall
Foxdenton Hall
Chadderton Cotton Industry
Programmes of Events 2000-ToDate
Heritage Centre
Membership/CHS Publications.
Favourite Links
Henry Taylor
Peterloo Massacre
Geoff Tootill_Baby Computer
Lydia Becker,Suffragist
Avro History
Chadderton Listed Buildings
Visitors Guide to Chadderton.