Town opens doors to its heritage treasures

SOME of Rochdale’s grandest buildings are set to open their doors to the public as part of the annual Heritage Open Days festival.

The town hall, former manor houses, churches and the old fire station are among the architectural gems taking part.

Running from Thursday to Sunday, September 7-10, the festival is a oncea-year chance to take part in events and activities which bring local history and culture to life.

As part of the event Egyptologist Dr Margaret Serpico will also give a free talk on Thursday, September 7, from 6pm7.30pm at Touchstones about the ancient Egyptians and the artefacts that form part of the museum collection.

Christ Church in Healey will also open its doors once again and there will be an exhibition of historical documents, with original letters from founders Jacob Tweedle and Albert Royds.

A heritage fair is being held at Christ Church on September 9 with home bakes and craft stalls, children’s activities and fun and games.

Music recitals are also taking place from Thursday to Sunday, noon-2pm.

In Littleborough Hare Hill House will be dressed as it would have been in the 1950s and 1960s when it served as the town hall for the former Littleborough Urban District Council.

The Littleborough History Centre, located within the 1880 station building on Platform 2 at Littleborough Station, is also open during the weekend.

Coun Janet Emsley said: “Have you ever walked or driven past one of our beautiful buildings and wondered what it was like inside?

“Well, now you can find out, on our Heritage Open Days. Treat yourself to some quality time discovering your heritage, check out your surroundings, you are guaranteed to find something to delight and surprise you.

“If you work it carefully you can visit all the sites over the four days! What will you discover this year? ”

Full details of this year’s Heritage Open Days programme, and how to prebook onto the free sessions, is available online at link4life.org/hods.

Copies of the brochure can also be picked up from the Visitor Information Centre at Touchstones Rochdale and at local libraries and leisure centres.

●●Rochdale Town Hall, St Chad’s Parish Church and Hare Hill House in Littleborough will be opening their doors as part of the Heritage open Days festival

●●Also opening their doors will be (clockwise from top left) Christ Church, Healey, the Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum, Bamford Chapel and St Edmund’s Church Falinge

●●Coun Janet Emsley is urging people to take a look inside some of Rochdale’s historic buildings