previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 14 SEPTEMBER 2024
New heritage trail to uncover Middleton’s fascinating past
Preview by Steve Cooke
A new heritage trail celebrating Middleton’s rich history is set to launch as part of the national Heritage Open Days celebration this month.
The trail covers 24 fascinating sites across the area, including the Old Grammar School, Long Street Methodist Church and the Grade I-listed St Leonard’s Church, which includes Saxon-era features.
Described in a major architectural guide as a town of ‘considerable individuality, historically important and more distinguished than most in its architecture’, Middleton’s sights have a proud history, with links to radical reformers, the famous Arts and Crafts movement, and even an LS Lowry painting.
Local volunteers, architects, councillors and council staff have carefully selected the sites to showcase the best of the area.
Places to discover include the Ye Olde Boar’s Head. Likely dating from the 16th century, the pub later became a favoured drinking establishment of the late Middleton political reformer, Sam Bamford.
Also included on the trail is St Leonard’s Church, the oldest original church in the Manchester Diocese, and a number of buildings designed by the late, Middleton born architect, Edgar Wood, who was one of the most well-known champions of the famous Arts and Crafts style.
The trail has been broken down into three separate walks and guided walks of these smaller trails will be taking place on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September.
Led by a mixture of volunteers and trained tour guides, the walks will take place at the following locations.
Saturday 14 September
10:30am to 12:30pm (red route – Middleton’s Golden Cluster)
Meeting point – Car park by St Leonard’s Church, St Leonard’s Square, M24 6DJ
This walk will take in Middleton’s Golden Cluster of architecture and history, including Middleton’s oldest church and architectural gems designed by Edgar Wood. Walkers can find out more about the town’s links to the Jacobite rebellion and the Peterloo Massacre as part of the trail.
Saturday 14 September
2pm to 4pm (green route - Manchester Old Road and Alkrington Woods)
Meeting point – Moonraker Sculpture in Middleton Gardens, M24 4DF
This walk will take visitors from Middleton town centre, through Middleton’s parks and green spaces and onto beautiful late 19th century suburbs and stunning Palladian architecture.
Sunday 15 September 2024
10:30am to 1pm (red route – golden cluster and Blue route – Middleton Town Centre and Market Place)
Start point – Car park by St Leonard’s Church, St Leonard’s Square, M24 6DF
In addition to the highlights of the Golden Cluster, this route will take history buffs around Middleton’s mills and town centre. Visitors will find out more about Middleton’s social history and what it would have been like to live and work in Middleton during the industrial revolution.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and cooperation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “As someone who knows Middleton extremely well, I’m still surprised and awed by the sheer amount of history we have here. This trail, which has been carefully put together with the support of the community who are so passionate about their area, will give people a fascinating insight into this important place, which has so many stories to uncover.
“And as Heritage Open Days is a celebration of our country’s wonderful heritage, it’s a fantastic time to launch this new trail. I would love to see people coming along and find out more about Middleton’s past.”
The development of the trail has been supported by Rochdale Borough Council’s Middleton Township committee, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) and HPA Architects. It is part of the council’s wider Middleton masterplan, which aims to further regenerate the area, with proposals including major investments into transport infrastructure and the redevelopment of key areas in and around the town centre including Eastway and Warwick Mill.
Anyone who is unable to make the walks but is interested in doing the trail in their own time can pick up a copy of the trail map at locations around Middleton, including Middleton library. An online version of the trail will also be available on the Visit Rochdale website.
Touchstones’ BFI Film Academy 2024/25 applications are now OPEN!
Preview by Steve Cooke
Your Trust is offering the opportunity to 10 young filmmakers and film fans aged 16-19 to take part in the BFI Film Academy 2024/25
This project will cover practical filmmaking skills, film theory, programming, distribution and certification.
During this project you will work with your fellow young filmmakers, and a range of industry professionals, as you make a short film from start to finish. You will learn about everything from development, production and post-production as you are guided through the filmmaking process, and an opportunity for your film to be screened in a top cinema in Manchester.
Whether you are an avid filmmaker, have studied film or are just starting out with a passion to learn more, then this is the opportunity for you!
If you have any questions or want to chat to a member of the team before applying, email creativecommunities@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk.
To apply visit: https://form.jotform.com/242183505398360
Your Trust is a charity which means that everything earned is reinvested. It also means that they are driven by nothing other than helping our local community live healthier and more enriched lives. That’s why they are called Your; all of their facilities all of our facilities and services are, quite simply, made for us.
AUGUST WITH TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
1,100 concerts have hosted several first-class pianists on our 1935 Challen 8-foot Grand Piano, many in collaboration with other singers and instrumentalists.
August 07: Duncan Honeybourne piano (Royal Academy of Music and Royal Birmingham Conservatoire) with a celebration concert of the piano music of Thomas B Pitfield (1923-99) composition professor at the Royal Manchester College of Music (1946-73). Pitfield was something of an arts and crafts, renaissance man, and vegetarian. Duncan played several pieces including an unpublished manuscript he had discovered in the college archives.
There has been a resurgence of interest in his music lately, through the Pitfield Trust, and Heritage Records is to make a recording (the director was present at this concert). The TLC Challen piano was entirely suited to the C20 British national style.
August 14: Lewis Kingsley Peart (piano): trained at Chetham’s and Trinity-Laban Conservatoire - excellent player and communicator. This carefully crafted recital centred around Grieg’s Sonata Op 7 and miniatures such as Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, opening with a movement from Gade his inspirer and ending with works by Grainger his promoter.
Grainger’s country Gardens are not full of gentle swaying wildflowers but marching bands, madding crowns and riotous hullabaloo. Lewis has a genial and confident manner and introduces with interesting information that quickly establishes him as a trustworthy interpreter. This is matched with an impressive technique.
An appropriate TLC no 1,100 since taking over from the council.
August 21: Tim Kennedy tenor and Joanna Garcia piano: tenor soloist today, Cambridge graduate Tim is also a talented pianist and organist, being a staff accompanist at the RNCM. A fellow staff pianist Joanna holds prizes galore from Manchester University and the RNCM. Parry (of Jerusalem fame) showed his romantic side, followed by Baroque arias, settings of WB Yeats and Danny Boy, and impeccable German and French songs. The finale of popular standards culminated in ‘She’ by Charles Aznavour that proved to be truly fine pieces in their hands.
August 28: Alison Burns cello and Jonathan Ellis piano: Alison is the principal cellist in the Gorton Philharmonic Orchestra. She holds a Fellowship diploma of Trinity College of Music and a diploma of the National Centre for Orchestral Studies. Sonatas by Vivaldi and Samuel Barber, Bruch’s Kol Nidrei and Bloch’s From Jewish Life finishing with Faure’s Sicilienne – demanded an encore the delightful Danse Rustique by William Squire. Accompanied superbly by Jonathan Ellis this was a memorable concert experience. The audience counted themselves twice blessed with players of this calibre.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30 pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 14 September 2024
Pure 80's Festival
A new music festival based in the village of Littleborough; featuring the best performers, tributes and bands that will transport you straight to the heart of the 80s.
Milnrow Calling has glowed up and they are going retro. It is now the Pure 80's Festival hosted at Littleborough Cricket Club.
Get ready for the best 80’s tribute acts and a big-name headliner. Dig out your neon, leather, and lace and join us for an epic day and night!
Katrina - (formerly Katrina and The Waves)
Pat Sharp - 80s DJ & TV Icon
Eltonesque
The Freddie & Queen Experience
Classic Rock Revival
Filthy Animals Rock Band
Host DJ Laura Beth
There will also be a food village which will consist of top local food vendors keeping all the hungry festival-goers happy throughout the day.
Fancy dress encouraged.
£35
All ticket prices include a booking fee.
1pm - 10pm
Littleborough Cricket Club, Denhurst Road, Littleborough OL15 9LD
Saturday 14 September 2024
Riverside Artisan Market
Running on the second Saturday of every month, the successful Riverside Artisan Market returns again to Rochdale Riverside this weekend.
A big thankyou to all our customers for helping us to grow this market every month.
A warm welcome is waiting from over 30 small independent businesses who grow, rear, make or bake what you see. All different, all quality and made by the people you speak to.
From artisan meats to hand made fudge and glass creations.
From room sprays, wax melts, handmade soaps and quirky gift ideas
From preserves, chutneys, oils and vinegars to delicious savoury pies, sweet treats and fresh fruit and veg and so much more.
Come say hi, let us know what you think and while you’re here check out the great Rochdale Riverside and the other lovely places Rochdale Town Centre has to offer.
10am - 4pm
Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1TR
Saturday 14 September 2024
Here Come The Girls
Get ready to be blown away by the ultimate celebration of some of the most iconic female artists of all time!
This multi-diva show is a feast for the senses, featuring the likes of Cher, Madonna, Lady Gaga, Shania Twain, Annie Lennox, Gloria Estefan, Blondie, Katy Perry, Adele, Abba and Bananarama!
With a repertoire spanning five decades, this show is a non-stop party of all your favourite songs from these legendary ladies. Get ready to dance, sing and be swept away by the energy and excitement of this spectacular, fast-paced performance.
Doors open at 7.00pm.
Tickets from £21.50
Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633
7.30pm
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG
Sunday 15 September 2024
Coach House Craft Fairs
We will also be holding a Craft Fair in November.
Free
Phone: Elizabeth 07939 491 545
10.00am til 3.00pm
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AE
Sunday 15 September 2024
Wardle Village Fete - 10th Birthday Celebration
We are so excited to announce the amazing Drum Machine will be joining us for our 10th Birthday Bash.
There will be performances and drumming workshops you can join in too.
You can also enjoy: Donkey Rides, FREE Kids Crafts, Music Performances, Fun Dog Show, Face Painting, Food, Drinks, Stalls, And lots more!
Free
Phone: Michele Way 01706 524141
11am - 5pm
Wardle Recreational Ground, Clough Street, Wardle OL129NL
Sunday 15 September 2024
Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave
This is the ultimate family-friendly rave experience, designed for both adults and children to enjoy together.
Since 2013, Big Fish Little Fish has transformed the family entertainment scene, creating raves that cater to all ages. Their events are a joyous fusion of top-notch tunes, creative activities, and special effects designed to entertain both adults and children alike.
What to expect:
Top DJs playing Hacienda classics and old school anthems
Creative activities
Sensory extravaganza
Baby chill and toddler area
Family-friendly venue
Please book by 12noon, Saturday, 14 September 2024.
£8 per adult, £4 per child, plus booking fee
2pm - 4pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 18 September 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Anne Butterworth soprano, Stephen Taylor baritone & Elaine Marsden piano.
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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