Heritage Open Days celebrates the nation’s fantastic architecture and culture by offering free access to properties that are usually closed to the public or normally charge for admission.

Every year on four days in September, buildings of every age, style and function throw open their doors with a once-a-year chance to discover hidden architectural treasures and enjoy a wide range of tours, events and activities which bring to life local history and culture. Free of charge and literally on people’s doorstep, Heritage Open Days is an event for everyone, whatever their background, age and ability.

Co-ordinated nationally by the Heritage Open Days National Partnership, the event thrives on the enthusiasm and expertise of local people. Thousands of volunteers from all walks of life share their knowledge and memories with some 800,000 visitors every year, making Heritage Open Days England’s largest voluntary cultural event. Organised by Link4Life Arts and Heritage Service

This information is available in large print on request.www.link4life.org/whatson

A Not normally open to the public

B Limited Capacity

C Children Under 10 not admitted

D Full Disabled Access

PDA Partial Disabled Access

DP Disabled Parking

HLF Heritage Lottery Fund grant awarded

KF Child/family-friendly property/event

P Parking available

T On site toilet facilities

DT On site disabled toilet facilities

W Entry charge waived for Heritage Open Days

Link4Life is the trading name of Rochdale Boroughwide Cultural Trust. Registered Charity No: 1118610

Welcome to Heritage Open Days 2014

Celebrating 20 Years of Opening the Doors

Key to Symbols

Heritage Open Days 2014

Free to explore!

Thursday 11 - Sunday 14 September

Healey Dell History TrailHealey Dell Heritage Centre & Tea Rooms, Dell Road, Shawclough, Rochdale, OL12 6BGJoin Rangers on a historical walk looking at the industrial heritage of Healey Dell Nature Reserve. Meet at the Heritage Centre.Saturday Trail: 1.30pm-3.30pmBOOKING ESSENTIAL: Please telephone 01706 373421 or call at Hollingworth Lake Country Park Visitor Centre, Rakewood Road, Littleborough, Rochdale OL15 0AQ

P T The Regal MoonThe Butts, Rochdale, OL16 1HB Rochdale’s Regal Moon pub was once the Regal Cinema and played an important part in the town’s social life from the 1930s. The pub’s ground floor has been refurbished to reflect the cinema’s style and the upper circle is no longer in use. For Heritage Open Days, tours of the circle will show the original décor and bring back memories to local cinema goers. Age limit: 16+ for tours. The tours are unsuitable for persons who have difficulty with steps, but full accessibility to the Regal Moon. Thursday, Friday & Saturday Tours: 11.30am and 2pm (Tours will last 30 minutes)BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Ring 01706 924928 or book in person at the Visitor Information Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ (Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm) or email: vic@link4life.org

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Rochdale Town HallThe Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1ABGuided tours of this magnificent Grade I listed Victorian Gothic Town Hall will be available. Opened in 1871, the building designed by W H Crossland is renowned for its fine stained glass, newly restored Minton floor tiles, paintings, carvings and ceramics. The building has a great story to tell about the growth of Rochdale and its’ place in the world. Refreshments will be available. Meet at reception for tours. Saturday Tours: 11am, 12noon, 1pm Sunday Tours: 10am, 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYA D DP DT P T

Rochdale Arts & HeritageResource CentreEver wondered about what is not on display at Touchstones Rochdale? Come and see the wonderful objects we house in the Arts and Heritage Resource Centre and take a tour with Karen Heatley, who looks after the museum collection. This tour looks at the amazing collections of the borough; you will have the opportunity to see items ranging from Egyptian artefacts, some over 5000 years old, to grandfather clocks and works of art. Artist Hannah Leighton-Boyce will also be on-hand to talk about her new project ’Instruments of Industry’ inspired by the collections. The location details will be given on booking. Refreshments will be available. Minimum age: 5 years.Saturday Tour 1: 11am-12noon Tour of the store followed by a talk at 12noon-12.30pm with artist Hannah Leighton-Boyce about Instruments of Industry.Saturday Tour 2: 1pm-1.30pm Talk with artist Hannah Leighton-Boyce about Instruments of Industry followed by a tour of the store at 1.30pm-2.30pmBOOKING ESSENTIAL: Ring: 01706 924928, email vic@link4life.org or call in person at Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ (Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm)

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The Old Police Station (TOPS)22 Hind Hill Street, Heywood, OL10 1AQ ‘TOPS’, The Old Police Station, was Heywood’s Police Station back in 1935. In 2007, it was converted to managed work space, but the building still contains some original features in the courtroom and police cells. ‘TOPS’ remains an iconic building and is worth a visit! Refreshments will be available.Friday Tours: 10am-11am, 1pm-2pm & 3pm-4pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Telephone 01706 924928 or book in person at Rochdale Visitor Information Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ (Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm) or email: vic@link4life.org

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Guided Walks, Tours & Talks

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A Talk: Allegorical Rochdale: What the Touchstones Rochdale Friezes SayTouchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQDr. Emma J. Stafford, Senior Lecturer in Classics, School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds, will examine the sculptural images which can be seen on the outside of the Touchstones Rochdale building. The south frieze, designed by C.J. Allan of Liverpool, was carved when the original Carnegie Library building of 1884 was extended in 1903 to include an Art Gallery and Museum, and included figures representing Science, Art and Literature. The south-west frieze was added when the building was again extended in 1912 to include two new galleries, and represents Victory crowning various Arts and Crafts. In the talk we will consider the use of such allegorical images on late Victorian and Edwardian public buildings in Rochdale and the surrounding area, including Todmorden’s Town Hall (1875). We will see how these compare to public sculpture in bigger cities such as Manchester and Liverpool, and how they fit into a tradition which extends all the way back to ancient Greece and Rome, while expressing the civic pride of their own day. Refreshments will be available. Saturday Talk: 11am-12noon (45 minutes talk followed by 15 minutes Q&A)BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Please telephone 01706 924928 or call at Rochdale Visitor Information Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ (Tuesday to Saturday 10am-5pm), or email: vic@link4life.org

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In the Footsteps of Samuel Bamford St Leonard’s, Middleton Parish Church Car Park, St Leonard’s Square, New Lane, Off Long Street, Middleton, M24 6DE Delve into ‘Enlightenment Middleton’ and the Peterloo Massacre, through the life & times of Samuel Bamford (1788-1872) a weaver, poet and radical born in Middleton. Samuel became known as the one who had sympathy with the difficulties of the working class and turned his attention to demand better rights and working conditions. His main claim to fame came when he led the Middleton Contingent to St Peter’s Field on 16 August 1819 (Peterloo Massacre). The guided walk aims to give an impression of the Middleton which Samuel knew. Event not suitable for children under the age of 12 years. The trail is unsuitable for pushchairs or wheelchair users. Supported by the Edgar Wood & Middleton THI. Duration: 1½ hours. Ends at The Olde Boar’s Head, Long Street, Middleton. Saturday Trail: 2pm-3.30pm BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Ring 01706 924928 or book in person at Rochdale Visitor Information Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ (Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm) or email: vic@link4life.org

Touchstones Rochdale –Blue Badge Guided Heritage TrailThe Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ

In support of Heritage Open Days 2014, join us on this free Blue Badge Guided Heritage Trail that will commence and finish at Touchstones Rochdale where you will learn about Rochdale’s architectural heritage; gain insight into how Rochdale became world famous as the birthplace of the worldwide co-operative movement and can reflect on what life was like in Rochdale during the 19th century. The walk includes some steep inclines and some steps. Touchstones Rochdale is an exciting Arts & Heritage centre with a Museum, Art Gallery, Local Studies Centre and Visitor Information Centre, so why not combine your walk with a look around the building. The guide will meet visitors in the reception area of Touchstones Rochdale. Saturday Trail: 2pm-3.30pm

BOOKING ESSENTIAL: Ring 01706 924928 or book in person at Rochdale Visitor Information Centre, Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ (Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm) or email: vic@link4life.org

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Frieze

Thursday 11 SeptemberPioneer Grave Promenade (FREE, donations welcomed) 2pm-3pmFifteen of the original 28 Rochdale Pioneers are buried in Rochdale Cemetery. Take a stroll around a selection of the graves with staff from Rochdale Pioneers Museum and find out about the lives of the individuals buried there. Meet at Rochdale Cemetery’s main entrance on Bury Road, Rochdale, OL11 4DG. Weather permitting.BOOKING ESSENTIAL.B

Friday 12 September Co-operation on Wheels Tour (FREE, donations welcomed) 1.30pm-2.15pmDid you know the leader’s yellow jersey in the Tour de France is sponsored by a French financial co-operative? Did you know the Co-operative Wholesale Society makes bikes for the Post Office? Take a guided tour of the ‘Co-operative on Wheels’ special exhibition and discover more about co-operation and cycling. You will see a range of bikes from delivery bikes to the latest road bikes used by to-day’s professional cyclists plus the skinsuit worn by Bradley Wiggins in 2004 as the World Individual Pursuit Champion! BOOKING ESSENTIAL. D DT HLF T

Friday 12 September From Factory Floor to Front Line (FREE, donations welcomed) 10am-3pmLearn about the experiences of co-operative employees during the First World War with material from the National Co-operative Archive. There will also be a chance to see a demonstration of the newly available online learning resource. BOOKING NOT NECESSARY, DROP IN. D DT HLF T

Saturday 13 September How Rochdale Changed the World! (FREE, donations welcomed) 10.30am-11.15amTake a guided tour of 31 Toad Lane, the birthplace of the global co-operative movement and find out how 28 people from Rochdale changed the world! BOOKING ESSENTIALD DT HLF T

The museum will be open for Heritage Open Days 2014:Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pmBOOKING ESSENTIAL activities, please phone 01706 524920 or email museum@co-op.ac.uk or call atRochdale Pioneers Museum, 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale OL12 ONU.

Rochdale Pioneers Museum31 Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL12 ONU

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All Saints Church, HamerFoxholes Road, Rochdale, OL12 OEFGrade II listed Victorian church with steeple. Designed by the renowned architect J. Medland Taylor, this stone built church was constructed in 1866. Of particular interest are the elaborate stained glass windows, especially the east and west windows and the original church organ by Hill and Son. There will be a Teddy Bear Hunt for children to enjoy, suitable for ages 2 to 8 years. There is full access except for three steps to the high alter. Thursday to Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sunday: 1pm-4pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYA D DP DT KF P T

All Saints & Martyrs Church, Langley Wood Street, Langley, Middleton, M24 5GLCelebrating its fiftieth anniversary this November, All Saints & Martyrs is the home of the ‘Langley Cross’. Designed by the internationally renowned artist, Geoffrey Clarke RA, it is quite unique. The rugged structure, cast in aluminium, stands 37 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Whilst it portrays the brutality of the ancient Roman practice of crucifixion, it also lends itself to a contemporary interpretation, with many levels of Christian symbolism able to be perceived when contemplating the cross. Other works by Geoffrey Clarke, including ‘The Crown of Thorns’ can be seen in Coventry Cathedral. Church registers going back to 1964 will be available to view for visitors who may have past links with the church. The organ is a traditional pipe instrument built in 1964 in the most modern fashion of the time, by the well-reputed firm of Rushworth and Dreaper of Liverpool. Its cost was approximately £4,600. There is a children’s area. Refreshments will be available. Friday: 12noon-4pm, Saturday: 12noon–4pmSunday: 2pm-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DT P T

All Souls Parish Church, HeywoodRochdale Road East, Heywood, OL10 1QUThe church will be open for visitors to wander at will. There will be a short history and guide leaflet for visitors to use during their visit. Special features are the stained glass and carved reredos of the Last Supper rescued from a local redundant church. Refreshments will be available. Friday: 12noon-2pm, Saturday: 10.30am-3pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYDP DT KF P PDA T

Bamford Chapel United Reformed ChurchNorden Road, Bamford, Rochdale, OL11 5PQBamford Chapel United Reformed Church was opened in 1801 and is a Grade II listed building. Whilst there have been changes and additions to the fabric over the years, it has always formed an integral part of the village and retains many original features. It seats approximately 300 people on two levels. The gallery remains in weekly use. Part of the original organ screen has been retained although we now have a Makin Electronic organ. On the southern side, school rooms and a large upstairs hall were added and to the northern side a residence for the Minister, now known as the manse. This is our second invitation to the general public as part of the national Heritage Open Days and will enable anyone to come along and take a peep inside our building. Stewards will be there to provide a warm welcome. Brief information cards will be available, along with light refreshments. Access information: Wheelchair users may need to gain access from the rear of the property. Helpers will be available to direct. Saturday: 1pm-4pm, Sunday: 1pm-4pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYP PDA T

Greater Manchester Fire Service MuseumMaclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DNFire appliances (1741-1972), equipment, uniforms, medals and models including a Victorian fire station and blitz tableaux will be on view. Refreshments will be available. Visitor parking is available in the museum yard (entrance via Richard Street at the rear of the old Fire Station). Friday & Sunday: 10am-4pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYDP DT P PDA T

Places to Visit

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Hollingworth Lake Country Park Visitor CentreRakewood Road, Littleborough, OL15 0AQCome along to our Arts & Crafts Festival – Make and Do - organised by Rochdale Countryside Service. This exciting Family Fun Day offers lots of stalls, demonstrations and have-a-go craft activities, just drop-in. The Visitor Centre will be open from 10am-4pm. General enquiries: 01706 373421. Sunday event: 11am-3.30pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARY D DP DT KF P T

Holy Trinity Church, Parkfield, MiddletonArcher Park, Middleton, Manchester, M24 4AHThe church was designed by architect George Shaw of Saddleworth and consecrated in 1862. The pews and lectern are also designed by him. There are 15 stained glass windows dating over 100 years. We have a unique war memorial in church. Joel Halliwell VC is one amongst many other names listed in our WW1 memorial plaques. We also have a Brindley & Foster pipe organ. Refreshments will be available. For more information, please refer to http://www.holytrinityparkfield.org.uk Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 12noon-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYPDA T

Horse Carrs (Open Door, a Baptist Church)Shawclough Road, Rochdale, OL12 6LGHorse Carrs, built in 1865, was the home of silk mill manufacturer, Thomas Watson, who was also a benefactor to the town of Rochdale. Visit the building and talk to our historian about the history of the Watson family and the building. View the pictorial history of the building to current date and enjoy a slide show, then visit the Coffee House for refreshments. There will be some activities for children available. Thursday, Friday: 10.30am-4pmSaturday: 1.30pm-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYDP DT P PDA T

Golden Mosque Islamic Cultural CentreLower Sheriff Street, Spotland, Rochdale, OL12 6TG

This family event will feature a tour of this newly built Mosque, including discussions, questions and answers about Islamic beliefs and the positive role Muslims play in British society, displays of Islamic books, arts and presentations. The Mosque is built over 3 floors, which includes the ground floor which is the main prayer hall, the balcony and the lower ground floor which is also used as a community hall. The prayer hall in each Mosque is oriented in the direction of Mecca, towards which Muslims face during prayers. In Britain, Muslim worshippers face south-east. Prayer halls are open and uncluttered to accommodate lines of worshippers who stand and bow in unison. Only through getting to know one another on a personal level can people of different faiths build bridges of understanding and tolerance.

All people of all faiths are welcome to attend and to meet their Muslim neighbours. There will be activities for the whole family. We would advise all visitors that you will be requested to remove any footwear you will be wearing at the entrance. This is not due to religious rituals; it is an attempt to maintain a clean prayer area for the Mosque’s congregation throughout the building. Both men and women are requested to dress modestly when visiting the Mosque. We have two car-parking locations in the Mosque’s grounds; one at the main entrance area and the other on the lower ground floor, accessible via Holland Street.Saturday & Sunday: 2pm-6pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DT P T

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Littleborough History Centre Littleborough Station, Station Buildings, Platform 2, Railway Street, Littleborough, OL15 8AF This heritage centre is based in the original station buildings at the entrance of platform 2, Leeds bound side. For Heritage Open Days, there will be local history information, photographs and artefacts pertaining to Littleborough. World War 1 memorabilia will be on display. Disabled access is via the ramp to the station. Saturday & Sunday: 12noon-3pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYDT P T

Long Street Methodist Church, Middleton(The Edgar Wood Centre)Long Street, Middleton, M24 5UE The church and schools were built in 1900 by the foremost Arts and Crafts architect of the area, Edgar Wood who was described by Pevsner as “that remarkable….Manchester architect”. It is an outstanding Grade II* listed building incorporating Arts and Crafts, Art Nouveau, Medieval and Modern stylistic elements into a magnificent whole. Not suitable for children under the age of 10. Access information: Disabled access is via the rear door on Grey Street. Ring the bell for assistance. In the church there are four steps between the chancel and the nave. In the church hall there are five steps between the hall and a further two rooms. Friday: 1pm-4pm, Saturday: 10.30am-4pm Sunday: 1pm-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYDP DT PDA T

Milnrow Parish Church, St James the ApostleSt James Street, Milnrow, Rochdale, OL16 3JT This Victorian Parish Church designed by George Street (who was the designer of the Royal Courts of Justice in London), has interior stonework carved by the foremost Victorian stonemason Thomas Earp and glorious stained glass windows. It has historic connections with the Byron family and is the burial place of David Brooks, one of the original Rochdale Pioneers of the co-operative movement. Not suitable for children under 12 years. Access information: There is very difficult access for wheelchair users and disabled people as there are seven steps at the entrance. Thursday & Friday: 10am-4pm, Saturday: 10am-12noonSunday: 11.30am-3pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYT

Rochdale Parish Church, St Chad’sSparrow Hill, Off Drake Street, Rochdale, OL16 1QTThe Parish Church has stood on the hill overlooking the town for well over 1000 years. Built and rebuilt over the generations, it has stonework dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries. Splendid stained glass windows including ‘Faith, Hope and Charity’ window by Edward Byrne-Jones. Thirties film star Gracie Fields was baptised in the 13th century font in 1898. Furniture and carvings have connections with the Byron family, Lords of the Manor, until the poet Byron sold out in the 1800s. The Queen paid a royal visit in 1994 to see the church’s 21st century role. This is a family friendly venue, suitable for all agesThursday & Friday: 2pm-4pmSaturday & Sunday: 12noon-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP P T

Spotland Methodist Chapel, SpotlandRooley Moor Road, Spotland, Rochdale, OL12 7DQSpotland Methodist Chapel is a Grade II listed building, the only Methodist chapel remaining in the area in its original form. The chapel had its centenary in 1996. Come along to see some magnificent stained glass windows and hear the fine Binns organ. Light refreshments will be available. Access is from Tenby Street, off Rooley Moor Road, Spotland. Thursday: 1pm-4pm, Friday & Saturday: 11am-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DT P T

St Aidan’s Church, SuddenManchester Road, Sudden, Rochdale, OL11 3NHThis Grade II listed building is a fine example of the work of architect Temple Moore in the earlyEnglish style with an interesting outside pulpit and excellent Father Willis organ. There will be refreshments available. The church is open on 1st, 3rd and 5th Wednesday of every month, 10am-4pm. Friday, Saturday & Sunday: 2pm-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT P T

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St Clement’s Church, SpotlandWillbutts Lane/Edenfield Road, Spotland, Rochdale, OL11 5BEThe church was built in 1835 by Lewis Vulliamy with a panelled gallery. The Foundation stone (1832) is laid in accordance with Masonic rule. The church has strong links with the co-operative movement of 1844. The second vicar, Reverend W H Molesworth was known as the ‘Co-operative Clergyman’. Refreshments will be available. Saturday: 10am-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT P T

St Edmund’s Church, FalingeEdmund Street, Falinge, Rochdale, OL12 6QFCommissioned by Albert Royds, this fascinating building’s unique architecture has strong Masonic symbolism. Stewards will offer tours of this architectural gem. The church is now under the care of the Churches Conservation Trust. Refreshments will be available. Saturday & Sunday: 11am-3pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYP

St James Church, AshworthChapel Lane, Rochdale, OL11 5UPA 500 year old church, the building dates from 1789. The church has stained glass windows and sits on an attractive hilltop site from where you can see Jodrell Bank on a clear day. The church has a large graveyard with mature trees and slab graves. On the Saturday, the church will be decorated for Harvest Festival celebrations on the Sunday. Flower arrangements being made can be observed on the Saturday. Following the Harvest Festival service on Sunday, refreshments will be served in the Parish Hall on School Lane. The Parish Hall has partial wheelchair access, toilets not accessible. Saturday: 10am-12noon & 2pm-4pm Sunday: 10am-12noon & 3pm-4pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT P T

St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, RochdaleDowling Street, Rochdale, OL11 1EX The sanctuary mosaic cost four thousand pounds and was designed by Eric Newton, the son of LehmanOppenheimer and Edith Newton and was completed on 31st October 1933. The central figure being that of Christ the King, a feast day established by Pope Pius X1, his papal coat of arms and the coat of arms of Bishop Henshaw are on the side walls. We have extensive information leading back to when the church was first build with photographs of previous clergy, parishioners and much more. Inspired by our mosaic, come along and create your own mosaic. We have a friendly team of parishioners who will guide you round the church. Everyone is welcome. Refreshments will be available. Parking: There is parking available on the Parish Presbytery car park next door to St Johns.Friday: 12noon-4pm, Saturday: 10.15am-4pm Sunday: 10.15am-4pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT P T

St Leonard’s, Middleton Parish ChurchSt Leonard’s Square, New Lane, Off Long Street, Middleton, M24 6DE This Grade I listed church, famous for its early Norman carvings and columns, has a notable history. Come along to admire the Flodden Window and rare, memorial brasses. This is the oldest church in the Diocese of Manchester. The wooden steeple, added to the tower in 1666, gave rise to the sobriquet, “A wooden steeple for a stubborn people!” 2014 is the 300th anniversary of the installation of 6 of our 8 bells. There will be bell ringing demonstrations and visits to the ringing chamber. (Please note: There is a narrow, steep spiral staircase to the bell ringing chamber). Refreshments will be available. Parking is available in St Leonard’s Square. The church, with its unusual steeple, is quite a landmark overlooking the Olde Boars Head Inn and Jubilee Park. Friday & Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sunday 2pm-4pmD DP P PDA T

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St Mary’s Church, BirchLangley Lane, Birch, Middleton, OL10 2QJ A modern church building with many of the original features from the old church; this includes the unusual and decorative altar. There are interesting gravestones in the churchyard. A display of old photographs showing the old church and Birch Village will be on show. Refreshments will be available.Saturday: 1pm-3pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD P T

St Paul’s Church, NordenEdenfield Road, Norden, Rochdale, OL12 7SJ In Victorian times, Norden was a remote village serving the mills and mines that dotted the landscape. St Paul’s church cost about £3000 to build and was consecrated in 1861 by the Bishop of Manchester. Visitors are also very welcome to our Sunday service at 10.15am and there will be an opportunity to look around the church after the service between 11.30am and 12noon. Parking: Available at the Parish Hall on Blackpits Road, turn left at the bottom of the hill; about 200m from the church. Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sunday: 1.30pm-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYDP P PDA T

St Thomas’ Church, NewheyChurch Street, (off Huddersfield Road) Newhey, OL16 3QS We plan to hold both organised and self-guided tours of the church which had to be completely restored after a devastating fire in 2007. Visitors will be able to see where the rebuilding work was carried out and admire the skill of the dedicated craftsmen who have restored the building back to its former glory. The church has an outstanding carved pulpit and font. The large fully restored organ, which was kindly donated by St Pater’s Church in Loughborough has now been installed and we hope that visiting organists from other churches might like to come along to play. We are planning some children’s activities on the Friday afternoon when we will be inviting the local school children to visit. Event not suitable for children under 5 years old. Refreshments will be available. All the church is accessible, except the Chancel which is up three steps. Friday: 2pm-4pm, Saturday: 10am-3.30pm Sunday: 11am-3.30pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT P T

Parish Church of Heywood, St Luke’s York Street, Heywood, OL10 4NNA splendid Victorian Gothic church, Grade II* listed (1862) of majestic proportions with impressive stained glass, reredos, pulpit and war memorial. St Luke’s is deemed to be a showcase of Victorian art featuring sculpted stonework, encaustic tiling and wrought iron. There will be guides around the church to assist visitors. Ring the Chapel Bell and badge making will be available for children. Refreshments will be available. Saturday: 10am-2pm Sunday: 2pm-3.30pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYP PDA T

St Martin’s Church, CastletonVicarage Road North, Castleton, Rochdale, OL11 2TEA Victorian church extensively modified (mainly internally) into a 21st century multi-purpose building, functioning both as a church and community rooms. Guided tours will be available. There is a stair life available. Saturday: 1pm-4pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT HLF P T

St Mary in the Baum ChurchSt Mary’s Gate, Rochdale, OL16 1DZRochdale’s ‘Hidden Gem’ is a rare example of the work of Sir Ninian Comper and is the only remaining example of his work in the north of England. Built in 1911, the church has an unusual arrangement with the main aisle, chair and sanctuary on the south side with the Jesus Chapel on the north side. Pillars and roundel windows are from the original church of 1742. The church has an excellent carved oak screen. There will be a Quiz Trail for children to follow. Refreshments will be available. Large car park is 100 yards away; a half-mile walk from the town centre; opposite Rochdale Pioneers Museum.Saturday: 10am-4pm, Sunday: 11am-3pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT T

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The Old Grammar SchoolBoarshaw Road, (opposite Bardsley Street), Middleton, M24 6BR Free school of Queen Elizabeth 1, founded in 1572, and beautifully restored Tudor building. Guides will be available to assist visitors with tours. Parking is available for 20 cars off-road.Friday: 10am-4pm, Saturday: 10am-4.30pm Sunday: 1pm-4pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYDP DT P PDA T

Touchstones RochdaleThe Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ

An exciting Arts and Heritage Centre with Museum, Art Gallery, Local Studies Centre, Café, Visitor Information Centre & gift shop. Find out more about the town’s heritage by signing up for the Blue Badge Guided Heritage Trail from Touchstones Rochdale on Saturday 13 September. Bookings apply – see Guided Walks & Tours on page 3. Also, parked outside Touchstones, for Heritage Open Days, we have invited the YellowaY Motor Coach Museum to take part from 10am – 4pm on Saturday 13 September, so come along for a great experience. Refreshments will be available. Limited disabled parking outside the centre.Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 10am-5pm BOOKING NOT NECESSARYD DP DT P T

Wardle Village Heritage Event 2014Wardle and Smallbridge Community Building110 Wardle Road, Rochdale, OL12 9ERThis is the second year for Wardle Village Heritage Open Days event. Come along to view the interior of the former Wardle Urban District Council Offices opened in 1936, designed by architects Butterworth & Duncan of Rochdale and now in use as Wardle & Smallbridge Community Centre. The ground floor now contains The Rates Room, recently opened as a Public Enterprise and serves refreshments and home made cakes to visitors. Upstairs will be open to the public with an exhibition by Wardle and Smallbridge History Group of its local history collection which includes an exquisitely detailed set of model buildings representing the hamlet of Watergrove prior to inundation when Watergrove Reservoir was constructed in the 1930s. Other detailed models of prominent buildings in the Wardle & Smallbridge district will also be on display to the public. Those visitors who wish to see more of the heritage of Wardle Village, situated a short distance away, are welcome to follow a Heritage Trail set up by the History Group, around the village and showing areas and buildings of historical interest. Maps of the Trail will be available for download from the History Group’s website at www.washg.co.ukSaturday: 10am-3pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARY PDA T

Wardle Village ChurchWardle Square, Ramsden Road, Wardle, Rochdale, OL12 9PEThis former Methodist building built in 1878 housing Local Ecumenical Partnership known as Wardle Village Church (Wardle Methodist Chapel and St James the Apostle C of E church, together for over 20 years). The church will be open for viewing with a small exhibition of war memorabilia to commemorate the start of World War 1. Refreshments will be available.Saturday: 10am-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYDT P PDA T

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Middleton Golden Cluster Month 2014Every Tuesday & Friday Afternoon in September What’s the connection between a Scottish king, killed in battle 500 years ago, Manchester’s Peterloo Massacre of 1819, an internationally renowned Art Nouveau architect and the invention of bottled beer? The answer is Middleton, a town which boasts an amazing collection of historical facts and they’re all to be told during Middleton Golden Cluster Month. Three mediaeval buildings, St Leonard’s Parish Church, The Queen Elizabeth 1st Grammar School and the Olde Boar’s Head and England’s first Art Nouveau church, Long Street Methodist Church (The Edgar Wood Centre) will open their doors free of charge on Tuesday and Friday afternoons from 1pm and 4pm when these stories will be told and more. Further information available from Rochdale Visitor Information Centre on 01706 924928 (Tuesday – Saturday 10am to 5pm) or email: vic@link4life.org

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YellowaY Motor Coach Museum Outside Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQA real treat for Rochdale folk seeking nostalgia will be a visit to the town by the mobile YellowaY Motor Coach Museum. The original YellowaY Motor Services Ltd operated luxury coach services from their Rochdale base from 1932 to 1988, taking locals on their annual holidays and day trips in great style to destinations all over Britain. The YellowaY HQ and depot were located on Weir Street, now the site of Number One Riverside. This mobile museum is housed in an original 1976 YellowaY coach, converted into what is probably Britain’s smallest motor museum. Visitors will be able to view the collection of YellowaY memorabilia on Saturday and dream of Wakes Weeks holidays gone by. Touchstones Rochdale is just short walk the Town Hall and Broadfield Park on the opposite side of The Esplanade. Refreshments will be available in Touchstones Rochdale. Saturday: 10am-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARYDT T

Middleton’s Grand Day OutMiddleton Gardens & Middleton Golden Cluster BuildingsDuring the weekend of Heritage Open Days 2014 and when Middleton’s Golden Cluster buildings will be open for this event, a land train running every half hour from Middleton Gardens will take people on a tour of the Golden Cluster buildings and return. There will be activities for children in the town centre including Merlin’s Magician, face painting, bouncy castle and children’s rides. This event has been organised by Middleton Town Team. Saturday: 10am-4pmBOOKING NOT NECESSARY – Enquires: Rochdale Visitor Information Centre 01706 924928 or Middleton Town Centre Management 0161 653 4990

Find out more Set beneath hills and wild moorland at the edge of the Pennines, the borough’s beautiful landscape is dissected by tranquil waterways and lakes where you can explore a fascinating heritage. The borough of Rochdale includes the towns of Heywood, Littleborough and Middleton, each with their own unique flavour and attractions. Here you’ll enjoy a lovely area with beautiful historic gems. With award winning restaurants and bars, and surrounded by stunning countryside, the borough of Rochdale is a great place to discover.

Based at Touchstones Rochdale, the Arts and Heritage centre, our Visitor Information Centre’s friendly staff can provide you with information on local walks and tours, as well as events, attractions and accommodation.

Our wide range of free leaflets, including walking trails, will help you explore Rochdale’s unique history at your leisure. You will also find a comprehensive range of regional and national holiday information and gift shop.

Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ

Rochdale Visitor Information Centre

Open Tuesday - Saturday 10am - 5pm01706 924928 vic@link4life.org