News, Information and Snippets
Addition to Heritage Open Days
Ryecroft Hall Audenshaw built 1850 by "King Cotton" Abel Buckley.
Architect William Hayley.
Home of Austin Hopkinson MP for Mossley. Inventor/ entrepreneur.
WW1 hospital with over 100 beds, British restaurant.
Hall & Park with gardens.
Free parking with disabled access.
Open Sunday 13th September
10-2pm.
Hosted by Audenshaw Local History Society.
Registered with HODS
Peterloo annivesary 2015
You may remember I've contacted you before previously with details of our anniversary events.
This year we will once again be commemorating the anniversary of the massacre with an event outside Manchester Central. This will include marchers following the routes of the original demonstrators; a formal reading of the names of the dead and, for the first time, a re-creation of the map of the event which includes Ashton-under-Lyne.
More details here:
Facebook
It would be good to have Tameside and the memory of the original demonstrators recognised as part of the event and I was wondering if you and any members of the Tameside Local History would be interested in walking into town and join marchers from other Peterloo towns. It would only need two or three people to take part and so acknowledge the participation of those original pro-democracy reformers from our area.
Let me know if you're interested in taking part.
Thanks again for your support,
Best wishes, Chris: daley564@hotmail.com
Saddleworth Historical Society Lecture
Merchants, Money, War and Religion: Humphrey Chetham and 17th Century Lancashire
11th March 2015, Saddleworth Museum, 7:30pm
On Wednesday 11th March, Dr. Stephen Guscott will present an illustrated lecture at the Museum to Saddleworth Historical Society on one of Lancashire's most intriguing figures - Humphrey Chetham.
Best known as the founder of Chetham's Library, the oldest public library in the English-speaking world, Humphrey Chetham was Manchester's most eminent merchant in the first half of the seventeenth century. By his will of 1653, not only was the library established, but a school for 40 poor boys was endowed which today is Chetham's School of Music.
Dr. Guscott will not only examine the philanthropy which made Chetham famous, but also look at his involvement in business, from textiles to money-lending; his acquisition of considerable landed estates in Lancashire; and the role religion and politics played in his life.
Living in some of England's most turbulent times, the grim culmination of which were the Civil Wars, Dr. Guscott's talk will also highlight the public role he played in the county, most notably as High Sheriff of Lancashire during the 1630s.
In 2003, Dr. Guscott wrote the first biography of Humphrey Chetham in 100 years, published by the Chetham Society, and is now a History teacher and Assistant Headteacher in Stockport.
The talk will be held at 7:30pm at Saddleworth Museum, High Street, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6HS. Admission is യ non-members, and free to members.
CLICK HERE FOR A POSTER
Martin Goldsmith from the Heraldry Society - talk Ashton Court Leet Regalia
Tuesday, 14th April at the Gallery Ashton Library Old St
at 2pm
On the 5th July 2011 a jewel of historical and heraldic importance was sold at the auction house of Bonhams of Chester, the hammer falling at more than a respectable 㬠200 including buyer's premium. Auction number 18870 saw lot 342 described in the catalogue as "A 15ct gold and enamel Court Leet Manorial Chain by Elington & Co., Birmingham1912. Composed of four enamelled armorial crests [sic] for Booth, Ashton (with an added blue chevron), Grey and Ashton with two Red Roses of Lancaster between , connected by scroll links, the central panel with the Earls coronet supporting an enamel armorial for the Earl of Stamford and Warrington with depictions of the Mace and Sword behind, cased, weight 750gms".
This magnificent jewel is worthy of a closer examination and analysis. This talk by Martin Goldstraw examines in detail not only the jewel but also other items from the Court Leet sold at the July 2011 auction.
to read more about the regalia click here
Tameside History Club Programme of Events 2015
Click here to download their latest flyer
Manchester Regiment Exhibition - Colours
Click here to download their latest flyer
Exhibition reveals Tameside's co-operative gems
A new exhibition at the Rochdale Pioneers Museum reveals the hidden buildings of co-operation that can be found across Greater Manchester. The #Coopography exhibition is made up of photographs submitted by members of the public of their favourite co-operative buildings. Museum Officer Clare Hirst who co-ordinated the exhibition says "photographs were submitted by Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or by email and we were delighted by the response which included submissions by professional photographers and also smartphone snappers!"
Click to Download a Poster about the Event
ALERT TO ALL HERITAGE GROUPS
PLEASE HELP TO SAVE CURRIER LANE - ASHTON'S ANCIENT HIGHWAY.
CURRIER LANE IS UNDER THREAT ONCE AGAIN
Currier Lane is the last remaining example of what was once one of
many of Ashton's original highways leading in and out of the old Town
Centre around St Michael's Square where the old Court House and Market
Cross once stood, facing the parish church of St Michaels and the old
Baronial Hall.
When the town of Ashton first came into being there were several
highways converged on the centre, Currier Lane, Crickets Lane,
Manchester Road (Old Street) and Scotland Street leading down Hands
Brow to the river crossing into Dukinfield.
The old Baronial Hall of the Asheeton family stood on the land now
occupied by the old labour exchange and railway overlooking Hands Brow
and the entrance into Currier Lane.
As the town developed with the opening of Stamford Street and the
turnpike road to Stalybridge, Currier Lane and Old Street lost their
importance as the main highways east and west of the town. Currier
Lane became a backwater whilst Manchester Road (Old Street) became a
shopping street within the newly expanding town centre.
Crickets Lane (Old Crickety) lost its importance after the building of
the turnpike road to Mossley via Bedford Street and Mossley Road.
Today; a walk along Currier Lane soon revels evidence of its antiquity
by the old footpaths laid with a variety of cobble stones edged with
hand cut curb stones. Until recent times the road surface was also
neatly laid with cobble stones but many of these have now been covered
over with tar macadam by unsympathetic road repair gangs.
In the lower section of the lane the high banks up to Bank Top are
secured by dry stone retaining walls which continue along the lane
until they eventually become garden walls. A look back down the lane
provides a view of the old parish church of St Michaels much the same
as it would have been viewed in ancient times by travelers entering
the old town from the east.
This highway stood undisturbed until 1846 when the railway line cut
across it but fortunately the engineers of the day took a great deal
of care in building a stone bridge with parapet walls which blend and
link in with the garden walls, whilst the road and footpath surfaces
were laid with matching cobble stone in keeping with the ancient
highway. A hump back style bridge was adopted which added to the
appearance of the bridge so as to make it look much older than it was.
Over the years there have been a number of developments but the
general appearance of the lane has remained very much the same with it
still having retained much of its historic look. However the time has
come when this ancient highway is in need of special protection from
further development and a program of restoration is necessary if the
lane is to be saved. Furthermore; together with the surrounding area
which also has some fine buildings and streets there is a very strong
case for the setting up of a conservation area.
The current proposal to replace the old stone railway bridge with a
new brick one as well as widen it is completely out of context with
anything resembling preservation or restoration. The proposed
structure will completely alter the historic appearance of the ancient
highway whilst widening it will only provide a means by which to
increase the flow of through traffic at any future date leading to a
further deterioration to the ancient highway.
Studies reveal there are other alternatives to the rebuilding of the
bridge other than the one being proposed so that its finish look will
remain very much the same as it looks today. The engineers of 1846 did
it and it is still going strong after nearly 170 years. What is it
that today engineers lack that prevent them from achieving the same
results as their predecessors?
Regards,
David Dawson,
(Sent by Helen Orwat)
On behalf of C.L.A.R.A.
Tameside Cultural Events April to October 2014
click here to download your copy.
Forgotten Fields
We would like to invite you drop in to our informal, rolling filmshow as part of the
Manchester Histories Festival...
Friday 28th March,
6 - 8.30pm
The Friends Meeting House,
6 Mount Street,
Manchester, M2 5NS
The films include:
Co-operatives (5mins)
Mosslands (9mins)
Canals (5mins)
Food Riots of 19th Century (5mins)
Role of Night-soil (7 mins)
Please do feel free to invite others who might be interested:
Manchester Histories Festival
Please share the Kindling Trust facebook link
for the Celebration Day
http://goo.gl/UlxWjg
Hope that you can make it! Look forward to seeing you there...
Fiona
Co-ordinator of Forgotten Fields project - exploring the food heritage of Greater Manchester
Romiley Remembers
A group known as 'Romiley Remembers' would love to hear from anyone who had family memories of living in the areas of Romiley, Bredbury or Woodley during the First World War and would be prepared to share them with the group can contact Angie Clarke at clark.theateam69@btinternet.com they would be grateful for any contribution to help with their commemoration event next year.
Denton History Society Exhibition
Denton under the Reigns of Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth II, Saturday and Sunday 12th and 13th of October. Click HERE to download a poster.
Some latest NEWS for Heritage open Days
Old Chapel (Unitarian) Chapel, Dukinfield will be open on Sunday 15 September from 1.00 to 6.00pm. We have an exhibition showing our connection with Beatrix Potter and her maternal grandparents in our beautiful neo-Gothic chapel and our crypt will be open with its mysterious well.
St Ann's Catholic church in Ashton's flier for the HODs weekend. If you are able to circulate it to any contacts who might be interested, I would be very grateful. click here to download.
Tameside Cultural Events: October 2013 - Arpil 2014 click here to download a leaflet. From 'Wild Woods', 'Tameside History Club', 'Art Workshops' through to 'Cinderella' !!! There's something for everyone튍
Life in a Cigarette Factory
Mary Owens book about life at Senior Service and Patreiouex before them - a book launch at Tameside Local Studies Library, Saturday 21st September between 11.00am and 1.00pm.
Heritage Open Days
Please click here to download leaflet advertising all the various events and venues open for the weekend 12th-15th.
Two Years in a Gulag - Frank Pleszak
As promised, here are details of meet the author/book signing event of local author Frank Pleszak - the book chronicles his father's journey from Polish village, through the Russian gulag system and WWII Polish Army service to Denton. Saturday 27 July 11.00am-1.00pm at Tameside Local Studies and Archives Centre. Click here to download a poster
A new exhibition at the Manchester Regiment Museum all about National Service. Click to find out more
Hyde War Memorial Trust and Gee Cross WI up-date
The Hyde War Memorial Peace Day Service this year is to be held on Sunday 30th June at 2 pm at the Cenotaph on Werneth Low, followed by afternoon tea down at the Werneth Low Visitor Centre. St.John's (Mossley) Band will be playing for us until 4 pm.
Gee Cross Community Well Dressing Event will take place on Sunday 14th July, starting at 2 pm outside the Grapes Hotel, Gee Cross, with Adamson's Band playing for us.
This year the W.I. have chosen 'Newton Hall' as their theme and so we are hoping for a lovely day and a big crowd.
Tameside Heritage Film Project
Tameside Heritage Film is a creative collaboration moving image project celebrating Tameside's people, towns, heritage and future. The project is looking for local people to get involved with the creation of the Tameside Now & Then film.
The project will culminate in a live performance by Ashton Brass Band accompanied by a screening of the Tameside Now & Then film on Saturday 14th September 2013 at Albion Church, Ashton Under Lyne as part of TMBCɮspire Tameside Stage and Screen Project and Heritage Open Days.
The project is being curated by Mossley based artist Richard ⢡rus䡷son of Woodend Artists and there are many ways to get involved including:
Local filmmakers can create and submit short films that document, celebrate and show off Tameside as it is now and how it used to be. Films should be up to 5 minutes long and silent and could live action, animation, documentary, image montages visual poems etc.
We are especially keen to track down archive footage and home movies footage of events and happenings in Tameside. So if you have old super 8 films or VHS videos of the Whit Walks, Local Markets or everyday working life in Tameside that you would like to share please get in touch. We are also interested in old photos of the area, people or events that youke to share please get in touch and are working in partnership with Tameside Local Studies and Archive Centre to create the film and make it available to people after the performance.
Ashton Brass Band are also asking for suggestions of local music or brass band tunes that evoke memories of Tameside which will then be performed as part of the concert, you can get in touch with the band directly via www.ashtonband.co.uk
The performance and screening venue is a magnificent gothic style church built in 1895 in the heart of Ashton-Under-Lyne and is sure to be a unique experience and tickets are available from the Tameside Council website.
If you would like more information, have films you are interested in being included or would like to get involved please contact Richard via:
tamesideheritagefilm@gmail.com
or visit our website: http://www.tamesideheritagefilm.co.uk
we堯n facebook/tamesideheritagefilmproject
and work in progress will be viewable online at: vimeo/tamesideheritagefilm
Update on Open Meeting on 8 April 2013
the Friends of Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel
The Consultants gave a very full presentation about their proposals to an enthusiastic meeting. We await news from English Heritage as to the final form the reports will take and the next steps.
Tameside Arts and Events May-December 2013
Click Here to download a leaflet
the 66th Division in the First World War
Talk by Rob Thompson on 7th May click for more information
Hairlooms
New exhibition at Portland Basin Museum. Hair is very much part of our identity. For thousands of years we have cut it, grown it, curled it, straightened it, shaved it, extended it, plaited it, dyed it and pinned it - all influenced by the fashion of the time. Click for more details
Manchester Regiment 1945-58
New book signing at Manchester Regiment Museum of Captain Bonner's new book Friday 26th April 12 noon - 1.00 pm click for more details.
CBA North West Spring Conference
The Mesolithic of North West England: Current Research
May 11th 2013
Upper Hall
The Friends Meeting House
6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS
Click for more details and for a booking form
Hollinwood Canal Society
Anyone fancy joining a walk along the line of the Hollinwood Canal and returning by tram?
Sunday 7th April.
Follow this link for details.
http://hollinwoodcanal.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/events-canal-and-tram-walk.html
The History of Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel
at Old Chapel Unitarians, Dukinfield on Tuesday 9 April at 7.30pm Alan Rose and Roy Parkes will be talking about the History of Old Hall. Supper will served following the talk. Admission . Raffle 50p per ticket in aid of Old Chapel Funds.
Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel Open Meeting
DATE: Monday 8 April 2013
TIME: 10.30 am
PLACE: Old Chapel (Unitarian) Schoolrooms, Crescent Road, Dukinfield, SK16 4EN
This is a chance for you to hear what the future might hold for Old Hall Chapel.
At present Architects are studying the building and are preparing proposals to stabilise it as a 'controlled ruin'. An archaeological dig has taken place but has been put in abeyance until the structure is completely safe, when it can resume. A Conservation Management Plan is also being drawn up covering matters like access, security, general appearance of the site, educational opportunities, signage, digital and traditional interpretation, and so on.
The recommended proposals will be ready to be revealed at the meeting on 8 April, when the Architects will make a full presentation. Also present will be representatives from English Heritage who are paying for the Study and who will be able to explain the next steps in the campaign to save the Grade II* Listed Building.
Please bring along anyone you know who might like to express an opinion, or just learn about what is happening to this building, the oldest in Dukinfield.
If you can't come but have something to ask or say, please e-mail me, phone on 0161-330 8730, or text on 07532 209 249.
Roy Parkes -Secretary
roy.parkes1@ntlworld.com
Friends of Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel
visit our page for more details of the work of the friends
Centre Stage 䨥 Art of Harry Rutherford
28 February to 8 June 2013
Central Art Gallery, Old Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7SG
Harry Rutherford has an unusual distinction as an artist. Not only did he record the birth of television for the BBC, he also played a starring role in it. This exhibition features Rutherfordడinting of the first TV transmission from Alexandra Palace which was based on his own illustration for the cover of the Listener magazine, commissioned by the BBC in 1936.
The painting sparked Rutherford࣡reer as a TV artist and presenter, BBC producer Cecil Madden spotting his remarkable facility drawing and creating a series of programmes over the next 20 years to showcase his talents as a draughtsman.
From the very beginning of Harry Rutherfordࡲtistic career in the early 1920s he was fascinated by the glamour of the stage. He was encouraged in his passion by Walter Sickert, the most important British artist to paint the music hall and arguably the most influential artist of his day, who acknowledged Rutherford as his llectual heir튍
Hyde born Rutherford is well known today as a major Northern artist whose paintings of mill girls, factories, street and pub scenes are highly sought after. This exhibition shows the full range of his work but also highlights his role as a chronicler of the birth of TV. Rutherford painted the first live broadcasts from concert halls and also documented the transition of many theatres to cinemas as music hall slowly died out. He painted a number of portraits of celebrities, including bull fighters, actors, musicians and sporting heroes, many of which will be seen together for the first time in over thirty years.
The exhibition features works loaned from galleries across the region and from private collectors. It is the first time many of the paintings have been displayed in Tameside. Call Central Art Gallery on 0161 342 2650 for more information.
Newton Hall Book Launch
To all members, you are invited to attend The launch of the Newton Hall book which will be held on the 2nd April 2013 2pm at Local Studies by Dr. M. Nevell and Brian Grimsditch who will be signing copies of the book.
Refreshments- tea/coffee biscuits will be in the Atrium.
We hope you are able to attend.
What's on in Tameside Museums this Spring
click here to download a copy of their leaflet - lots of activities for children and grown ups alike.
Gay J Oliver 14 February 2013
Next Meeting of Ashton Civic Society
I wanted to pass on the information about the next talk hosted by Ashton Civic Society. Tuesday 26 February, 7:30pm at Welcome Inn, Wellington Road, Ashton.
Subject "Manchester Theatres" by Ray Hoerty (Blue Badge Guide).
All welcome. Non-members
Thanks to Roy Needham for this information
Here is a brief update about progess on saving Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel
Ivan Wilson, Architects, of Clitheroe, having been chosen by English Heritage to undertake a Stage 1 Study in to the condition and future prospects of the building, have now started work, and hope to finish by 31 March 2013. They will prepare a new planning application and an application for a Stage 2 grant from English Heritage for a substantial part of the expense of actually carrying out the stabilisation work, hopefully over the ensuing 12 months. They are being assisted in their work by, amongst others, Mike Nevell, the author of many books about the history of Tameside, who is doing a survey of the area within the curtilage of the building, totally inaccessible at the moment. He will investigate reported burials in the Chancel, possibly from the Civil War period, including maybe Sir Robert Duckenfield's son. Evidence may also be unearthed of an earlier medieval chapel on the site.
The Committee are being kept informed of progress and if you want to learn more or have your say about the building's future you will be welcome to attend any of our meetings as follows: Mondays 28 January, 4 March and 8 April 2013, at 10.30am, all at Dukinfield Old Chapel Schoolrooms, Crescent Road, SK16 4EN.
Gay J Oliver (Web Manager)6 February 2013
Heritage Environment Records
February 20th Wednesday 7pm at Local Studies Norman Redhead will be talking about the Heritage Environment Records.
We had to postpone a couple of talks before Christmas. We have re-arranged one
of them for 7pm on Wednesday 20 February at the Tameside Local Studies and
Archives in Ashton. Norman Redhead from the University of Salford will talk
on ProtectingTameside's Heritage.
If you are intending to come along please phone the library on 0161 342 4242.
Details of the talk are given below.
Exploring and Protecting Tamesideȥritage: the role of archaeology planning and the Historic Environment Record.ꠍ
This illustrated talk will look at the role of Greater Manchesterࡲchaeology advisers in understanding and protecting the areaਥritage using case studies from Tameside. The Historic Environment Record, which holds information on the archaeology, historic buildings and landscapes of Tameside, will be explained. There will be an opportunity to look at the archaeology near to where you live and to see how the local landscape has changed over time.
Hope to see you there.
Sue Mitchell 6 February 2013
ﴠa Rotter in the Lot勉>
THEY may originally have been drawn from the legal, financial and stock-broking sectors, but the men of the 6th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment proved themselves in battle at Gallipoli and on the Western Front in 1918. Their story is recounted by author John Hartley in his book ﴠa Rotter in the Lot튍
On Tuesday, December 4, at 7.15pm, John will be giving a free talk at the Museum of the Manchester Regiment in Ashton-under-Lyne Town Hall. There is no need to book a place. For inquiries contact curator Garry Smith on 0161 342 2254 or e-mail garry.smith1@tameside.gov.uk.
www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries/mom/eveninglectures.
DUKINFIELD OLD HALL CHAPEL - press release 4 November 2012
After many years, there is a glimmer of hope for a Tameside Grade II* Listed Building, over 400 years old and in a dangerous condition.
Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel, near Globe Square and the Peak Forest Canal, is a small Tudor chapel, now with only 3 walls and no roof. It is close to the site of Dukinfield Old Hall, the home of the Duckenfield family, Lords of the Manor. The Hall was demolished in 1950.
Its place in history springs from the Civil War period of the 1640s and 1650s. Probably it was the first religious building to house a congregation of Independents, or ﮧregationalists稯 rejected the authority of the Church of England. George Fox, who later founded the Quaker movement, spoke there, possibly for the first time. Then the congregation split over the question of the Trinity, leading to the first group of Unitarian worshippers outside London.
䒳 one of the 100 most important buildings in the history of Christianity in England鳠the bold claim of Roy Parkes of the Friends of Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel. rtunately we donനink it can ever be restored, itയo far gone, but it could be stabilised to stop it deteriorating further and collapsing completelyꄡrren Ratcliffe RIBA (Historic Areas Adviser and Buildings Inspector at English Heritage) said 襠building is at risk.
English Heritage are working closely with Tameside Council, the Friends of Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel, the Heritage Trust for the North West, the Greater Manchester Archaeology Advisory Service, and the current owners, to assess the Chapelలesent condition, the cost of stabilisation and options to enable the public to have limited access and to learn its history. If funds are secured for the repairs, the Greater Manchester Building Preservation Trust will take over care of the building from the present owners.
If you want to learn more, come along to the first AGM of the Friends, on Friday 16 November 2012 (11am), at Old Chapel Dukinfield Schoolrooms, Crescent Road.
Details from: Roy Parkes at 0161-330 8730:
roy.parkes1@ntlworld.com
www.tamesidehistoryforum.org.uk/dukinfieldoldhallchapel.htm
(photos available on web-site but please acknowledge copyright)
Darren Ratcliffe, English Heritage: darren.ratcliffe@english-heritage.org.uk
First World War soldier Tommy Atkins marches into Ashton Town Hall
Do you have a relative who served in the First World War trenches? Ever wondered what day-to-day life was like for a private soldier on the Western Front in 1914-18?
On Tuesday, November 6, at 7.15pm, you have your chance to share some of the experiences of a Great War serviceman when the Manchester Regiment Living History Society gives a free presentation at Ashton-under-Lyne Town Hall as part of the Museum of the Manchester Regimentॶening talks programme.
Stewart Cook and Brian Walton will give people the opportunity to wear First World War British uniform and to handle the type of equipment British Tommys carried.
This is the second in the 2012 series of free, early-evening talks which give people a chance to know more about the Manchester Regiment, highlighting lesser-known aspects of its history.
There is no need to book, and there will be plenty of time for questions as well as a look around the museum. For media inquiries contact curator Garry Smith on 0161 342 2254 or e-mail.
Friends of Dukinfield Old Hall Chapel AGM
Advance notice of the Friends of Dukinfield old Hall Chapel AGM Friday 16 November 2012 at 11.00am at Old Hall Chapel, Dukinfield schoolrooms click here for further information
Change of Speaker in November for Tameside History Club
This is just to let you know that the History Club talk on Weds 21st November will now be taken by Jennifer Holt of the Lancashire place name survey and will talk about place names, our history and why your country needs you.
If you would like to book for this talk please phone us on the number below to secure your place.
Local Studies and Archives Centre Tel. 0161 342 4242
Sign the Petitions to Stop Further Destruction of the Archives at Ruskin College
Please sign the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/120/368/331/stop-further-archive-destruction-at-ruskin-college-oxford/
Please also forward this as widely as possible to stop further destruction of the material culture of Ruskin.
