Police to put their history on display
AN exhibition will celebrate 160 years of policing in Rochdale next month. Visitors can also tour the rarely-seen Victorian police cells and old magistrates court in the town hall, as part of the event, which is taking place during the Rochdale Feel Good Festival.
Based in front of the town hall on Friday and Saturday, August 11 and 12, the exhibition will include a collection of iconic police cars, vintage fire vehicles, police horses, uniforms, archive photography and memorabilia.
It will provide an insight into the history and the heritage of policing, criminal justice, civic enforcement, crime and punishment in the town.
Guided tours every hour will take visitors to the cells which formed part of the original police station together with the beautifully preserved magistrates’ court room which was in regular use until 1971.
Coun Janet Emsley cabinet member for neighbourhoods, community and culture, said: “This will definitely be one of the more unusual elements of the festival but certainly a very interesting one, providing a fascinating insight into the history of policing in the borough from the inception of Greater Manchester Police to the present day.
“I’m sure the guided tours of the old cells and courtroom will prove popular too and I hope families will drop by and learn more about Rochdale’s fascinating policing past during the festival.”
The 160 Years of Policing in Rochdale Exhibition runs on both days from 11am to 5pm and is free.
Rochdale Borough Police began life on February 28, 1857, one year after the County and Borough Police Act of 1856 made the provision of a police service compulsory in all areas.
Captain John H Callender was appointed the force’s first chief officer and began work on March 11, with instructions to recruit and train officers to begin patrolling the streets two days later.
Rochdale Feel Good Festival will be headlined by indie rock band Razorlight. The festival includes live music across indoor venues, a main stage sponsored by The Flying Horse Hotel, a quality food court and family entertainment.
For more visit rochdalefeelgoodfestival. co.uk, go to facebook. com/feelgoodfestival or connect with the festival on Twitter @FeelGoodFest.