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- COMMENT - 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. 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! 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. 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. 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.] 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. 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. 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! 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] 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. 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). 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! 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. 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. 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 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. 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]
Constituency Name-Change
Congratulations and Thanks, 'King' Sid!
First 'Chadderton Day'
On Council Business!
(3) Chadderton - Near Oldham?
Whitsuntide Fun Day
St. George's Day
Chadderton in Hit Parade?
Memories from Afar (Part 2)
Society Trustee Honoured
Postcards of Chadderton
More on Chadderton Avro
Archive Material
Macabre Footnote
Website
No. 36
February 2006
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".
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Chadderton
Historical Society 2006
========================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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'. 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. 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'. 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. 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. - 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! 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. 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
What makes a Chaddertonian?
British Library Invitation
Lancashire Day
On Council Business!
(1) The Civic Ball
Blue Plaque to Computer Scientist
Newsletters Received
The Griffin Quarterly Newsletter of the Chadderton Historical Society No. 34 1975 - Thirtieth Anniversary - 2005 August 2005
============================================================================
- 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 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
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