Chadderton Town

in conjunction with the
Area Committee

Chadderton Historical Society, and

Chadderton & Failsworth Rotary Club.

News

of the

Year

 

Green Flag Award Foxdenton Park.

Great excitement was aroused when it was confirmed that Foxdenton had been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award . This award is based on the following criteria.

 
The photograph below, shows Steve Smith, Manager of Parks and Open Spaces. The Mayor of Oldham Cllr, Ann Wingate, and members of the Friends of Foxdenton.

Also in Attendance were Michael Lawson, Secretary of the Chadderton Historical Society, and Mark Johnson it's Chairman.

Image with kind permission of the Oldham Chronicle.
 

1. A welcoming Place.

2. Healthy, Safe and Secure.

3. Sustainability.

4. Well Maintained and secure.

5. Conservation and Heritage.

6. Community Involvement.

7. Marketing.

8. Management.

Awards are given on an annual basis and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag Status.

Foxdenton has an excellent cafe, well maintained bowling green, childrens play park, sensory garden, tennis courts. The grounds and gardens are well maintained by the Authority. Additionally, focus for children and adults is provided by the Chainsaw artist, Richard James who recently Tree Sculptured the Heron aesops fable.

The Award Ceremony was held at Leeds Armoury on 26th July, attended by officers of the Council and four members of the Friends of Foxdenton Park.
 

2006

 

Christmas lights Switch-on 2006

This year the lights were officially switched on by Manchester United legend Jack Crompton, with the assistance of Cloe Walsh chosen to represent the young people at the event.

Image by Arthur Chorley, official photographer for the Chadderton Historical Society

Old Trafford Greats

JACK Crompton

The Chadderton Area Christmas Lights Sub-Committee were fortunate to secure the services of Jack Crompton for the 2006 switch-on in Chadderton.

Jack was incidental in the Manchester United winning the 1948 Cup Final against Blackpool. who had the legendary Stanley Matthews playing against the team. Jack pulled off several brilliant saves to keep United in contention when they were 2-1 down and also started the move which led to the winning strke by Stan Pearson.

 

For further information of this very successful event, please access

the Christmas lights page.

Christmas Lights

 
Chadderton Hall & Park

2006 saw the awarding of Green Flag status. This is a very prestigious award, in fact Chadderton has now got two out of the six currently awarded in the Oldham Borough. The other is Coalshaw Green. Green Flag status isn't for life. It has to be reapplied for every year, so getting the park up to the standard is a commitment to maintain it at the standard.

Image by kind permission of John Johnson

The Bowling Pavilion has been renovated and is now a very successful Cafe. The Pavilion Cafe, as it is now called is a franchised business, offering a selection of different dishes which can be enjoyed outside if the weather allows, or inside the well furnished interior.

The application of New Opportunities fund, has allowed the conversion of one of the underused tennis courts into a Multi Use Games Area (allowing football/netball/basketball) together with a teen shelter opposite.

Money from the Swallowfields development has been used to upgrade the childrens play area. Also small "garden centre" is operating as a Social Enterprise company.

The Park Department Apprentices have cultivated a shrub Garden near the main entrance of the Park. This project was a one off design and build project as part of their training. It is now maintained as part of the park's on going maintenance.

Friends of the Park meet three times a year, essentially in the spring, summer and autumn.

Chadderton Hall Park offers contrasting park experiences with formal traditional features on its upper terrace such as maintained gardens, play areas and bowling greens etc, while its lower terrace by the river has the feel of a small country park.

In summer evenings the Park enjoys the benefit of security patrols provided by Pride Security.

A coalition of north Chadderton churches currently organise a well attended family fun day in the park on an annual basis usually on the Saturday before Whit Sunday, and on the Whit Sunday itself it holds an open air service.

A crudely carved stone head was found in the Irk where it flows through the park and is now in the stewardship of Chadderton Hall Junior School. It is believed to be of iron age origin and is associated with pagan tradition. It has a "cigarette hole" in the mouth which is believed to enable evil spirits to escape. The head went on display with similar heads from the north west at an exhibition at the Manchester Museum together with the "Pete Marsh" mummy in the late 1980's.

 Acknowledgement: Cllr Jeremy Sutcliffe for the update on Chadderton Hall Park.

 

Town Crier

Opening Chadderton Day

with Michael Lawson in attendence

 

The Buckley Belles at the beginning of their routine. They gave a magnificent energetic show worthy of any professional performance.
 

Youth Football team before penalty shoot out .
 

Balloon & Badgemaking in Progress.

2005

 

 

 

St. Herbert's Amateur Dramatic and Entertainments Society

S H A D E S

 FUTURE PRODUCTION:

 

Ticket prices are:-

Wed - Thurs:- £6.00 Adults and £4.00 Concessions.

Fri - Sat:- £6.00 (No Concessions).

Tickets available from the St. Herbert's Parish Centre, or telephone 624 5856

 

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Shades have been nominated for a NODA award for their production of Aladdin which was their production over Christmas 2004/05.

NODA's recognise the best amateur productions across the North West of England and North Wales.    

Acknowledgements: Information provided by the Advertiser.

 

Christmas Lights switch-on

 

Please access the Christmas Lights page, for full details of the very successful event by the Youth of Chadderton.

 

 

Living Christmas Tree

On Tuesday 15th November,2005, Members of the Chadderton Area Christmas Lights Sub Group were on hand to plant the first living Christmas Tree. Christmas Lights Switch-on to take place on 25th November at 7 00p.m at Chadderton Town Hall, procession from the Chadderton Precinct at 6.30p.m.

The picture shows Area Committee member Julie Kirkham planting the tree, with Area Manager, Mark Simmons and Michael Lawson, Secretary, Enid Johnson, from Chadderton Historical Society, watching.

 
Thirtieth Anniversary
Chadderton Historical Society.
As a pre-cursor for this very important celebration, trustee Christine Dennis arranged a presentation at our usual meeting place, Chadderton Library, on 3rd November 2005. Our Town Crier announced the presentation of a Edwardian Tankard for Michael Lawson, Secretary, and an etched 1920's water jug to Mark Johnson, Chairman in appreciation of the hard work and commitment to Chadderton and the Society. Christine Dennis said: "The Society's existence is due to the dedication of Michael and Mark. and their voluntary contributions to the preservation and promotion of Chadderton have made a huge difference to the community."

Mr Lawson commented, " I enjoy the fact that we have a flourishing society. People are interested in the area in which they live".
 

On Friday 19th November, an informal, but nevertheless, extremely enjoyable buffet was prepared at Foxdenton Hall. Congratulations to all those involved.

 

Quotations taken from Oldham Chronicle November 16th 2005

 

 

 

Tudor Banquet

at Foxdenton Hall

The New Year opened with Chadderton Historical themed January celebration. This year it was decided to have the Tudor Banquet, but because of proposed alterations to the Library and lack of space, the venue was moved to Foxdenton Hall.

This was an inspired decision as there could be nowhere more suitable than this historical building.

Most of the ticket-only guests arrived in Tudor dress, and were greeted by a drink of Mead, made originally by the monks to finance their monastries. Period music was played and heraldry was displayed.

The Society's thanks were extended to Christine Dennis, and Margaret Scott for their sterling work and enthusiasm in bringing this magnificent occasion to Foxdenton Hall and making it so memorable.

 

 

 

 

 

2004

 

Christmas

Lights Switch-on

November 26th 2004

 

The illuminations were even better in Chadderton, this year as with the help

of the Shopping Centre the lights were continued to beyond the Yorkshire

Bank, and along the precinct shops themselves.The big seasonal switch-on

was performed by Craig Gill, the drummer from 'Inspiral Carpets' who was

joined by the Town Crier, Father Christmas, and performers in costume from

St Herbert's pantomime.

  
 Photograph with the kind permission of Greater Manchester Newspapers.

A concert of Christmas Music was provided by Baretrees Wind Band, North

Chadderton School Band, and South Chadderton School and carols were

sung by local brownies. Later there was a raffle and an auction to supplement

funds for the Christmas lights, a signed Latics football provided by Oldham

Athletic, and a drum skin with the famous 'cow' sign, provided by Inspiral

Carpets. Letters of thanks were sent to Craig Gill and Gary Bostock, who was

incidental in persuading Gill to do the honours, as well as all those that had

worked so hard to make this switch-on, the glorious occasion it turned out to be.

 

 
 

 

Mill Architect is Honoured

Wednesday 29th September 2004

Lancashire's Great Mill Architect

Born Wykeham Place, Chadderton, in 1858

 

One of Chadderton's most notable figures was honoured by the unveiling of a blue flag on the 29th September, 2004 at Chadderton Central Library., 'Wykeham Place', Middleton Road. His great grandson Sir Philip Stott performed the Ceremony in the presence of the Deputy Mayor of Oldham Metropolitan Borough, Councillor Kay Knox, and her consort, Councillor Jim McArdle. The unveiling was witnessed by a founder member of the Chadderton Historical Society, Mr Michael Lawson and its Chairman Mr Mark Johnson.

In total Sir Philip designed more that 124 mills both spinning and weaving. Twenty-eight of these commissions were abroad.

 

For further information, please access Chadderton Historical main site :

Chadderton Historical Society/Sir Philip Sidney Stott

Acknowledgements: Extracts from the booklet produced for the unveiling,

and available from Chadderton Libraries. Price £1.15.

  

 

Party Night in Lancashire Style

Society members enjoyed a 'reet gud do' when their January meeting took the form of a Lancashire  Night (or rather Lankysher Neet!). What more gradely food can a fair clemmed native of the Red Rose County have than black peas, followed by potato pie, and good sticky parkin? For t' cotton meisters up at t' big 'eawse the war sum apple pie! In the local history quiz that followed the winning team was J. Travis & Co. (A true Lancashire cotton spinning firm if ever there was!) who gained 13 points out of a possible 15.

Thanks to all who made the evening a great success, especially those who came in traditional Lancashire costume.

 

Bare Trees Community Wind Band.

Triumph for Chadderton.

After receiving two highly commended awards for the last two years, this year Bare Trees were over the moon about receiving an Outstanding Performance Award at the National Festival for Youth at London's Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The Band is made up with pupils from Bare Trees Primary School, and older pupils whe have now moved to the Secondary School, altogether 40 members. The band also has dancers, sisters Danielle and Gemma Wilson, who gave a spirited dance to the "Stars and Stripes"

Copies of the CD of the music played by Baretrees Band are available from the school, telephone number 0161 620 8121.

 

 

2003

 

Friends of Foxdenton Park

 20th December 2003
FRIENDS OF FOXDENTON PARK STAGE
STYLISH PARTY OF HISTORIC IMPORTANCE.
On 20 December 2003 the newly formed Group "Friends of Foxdenton Park" staged a Christmas celebration in Foxdenton Hall. The Hall was magnificently decorated in traditional style and entertainment highlights included brass band music, mulled wine, hot mince pies and traditional carols.

Margaret Scott, Secretary of the Friends Group said "after much sad neglect of Foxdenton Hall our Group decided to take the bull by the horns and try to breathe some life into this wonderful historic building. We are looking forward to organising further events in 2004 with the aim of involving the local community and promoting and safeguarding the facilities of the Park and Hall".

The Group would like to thank everyone involved who gave so generously of their time and talents and made this event such a huge success. Further information about the Group can be obtained from Margaret Scott :-

(email -margaret@foxden40.freeserve.co.uk)

 
  

 

Lancashire Day

 

November 27th was celebrated in style by Chaddertonians proud of their Lancastrian heritage. The Town Crier, Reg Lord, led the procession through the centre of the town, reading the 'Lancashire Proclamation' at various points, commencing at the Town Hall steps. As in previous years, shoppers and bystanders were just as keen to acknowledge their allegiance to their real county -that of the Red Rose!
 

   

Chadderton Christmas Lights

21st November 2003

 

Chadderton Christmas Lights

A well known sports personality, Andy Ritchie, formerly Oldham Latics, Player Manager, switched on the Chadderton Lights.

 -------------------------------------------------

Chadderton's Town Crier (Reg Lord, a member of Chadderton Historical Society), ushered people from Chadderton Precinct at 6.45 to arrive at Chadderton Town Hall for 7 p.m. Also a Father Christmas was in attendance. The Town Crier introduced Andy Ritchie who was greeted very enthusiastically.

A full programme of Christmas music and carols was provided by North Chadderton High School Band and a specially formed Brownie & Guide Association, Christmas Choir sang popular Carols.

Refreshments were provided in the Town Hall Ballroom provided by Local Businesses and members of the Area Committee Christmas Lights Working Party.
 

The Lights were extended to the Chadderton Sports Centre, and hopefully next year, the Library will be included.

 This Noticeboard was displayed outside the Town Hall during the extent of the Christmas lights 2004. It was donated by Barry Duckworth Signs who also did the Fascia Merry Christmas.

The Chadderton Area Committee also extends its thanks to all who have so generously and enthusiastically donated their time and energy to making this year's switch-on such an overwhelming success.

 

We can only get better.

 

 

BBC GMR INTERVIEWS 

28th October 2003

 

Reg Lord, Town Crier. 

On 28th October 2003, the GMR bus parked in Chadderton Precinct to interview local people.

Reg Lord, Chadderton's, now official Town Crier, who lives in Chadderton, and is a Salford University Lecturer in Accountancy, was interviewed. In answer to a question from Jo Kearsley, he replied, "We felt for a while there was a need for events within the township to be remembered for the cultures and traditions that go on". Firstly, it was an one-off, and Reg Lord volunteered for the first Lancashire Day celebrated by Chadderton Historical Society, 27th November 2002.

Since then, it has grown and he has now received his first stipend- Two Fat Hens ever y Feast of St Chad's on 2nd March.

Oh Yeah, Oh Yeah, Oh Yeah,

to the people of the ancient township of Chadderton,

within the hundredth of Salford in the historic county of Lancaster,

Know ye that this day November 27th in the year of our Lord two thousand and three,

the fifty-first year of reign of her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11,Duke of Lancaster, is Lancashire Day.

Let this day ever mark the people's pleasure in the excellent distinction of True Lancastrians, proud of the Red Rose, and loyal to our sovereign Duke,

God Bless Lancashire, and God Save The Queen, Duke of Lancaster,

 

And so with the ringing of the traditional bell, and the Loyal Toast, the interview came to a close.

Jo Kearsley later said, she really enjoyed Chadderton with its individual style and willing volunteers.

 

 

Shirley Hamer, Co-opted Member of Chadderton Area Committee.

 

Shirley Hamer, a co-opted member of the Chadderton Area Committee, was the next to be interviewed, and in answer to Jo Kearsley' s query. agreed that Chadderton's Area Committee , unlike most committees was not 'boring', and in fact just the opposite. 'It is a Committee where people from the general public all attend. We get ideas from the general public about what they would love from Chadderton, to make the place a more pleasant place to live, happier, and brighter for all groups, whether they be young or old.' A member of the public came up with the idea for the Christmas lights. In answer to the question, '"Oldham is only up the road, why have the Chadderton lights?". Shirley replied that "Oldham wasn't Chadderton'" and "all these little townships in the Borough of Oldham, have their own identity and we thought we should have our own festivities" So it has gone from strength to strength, Each year Chadderton will extend the lights, all from donations from local businesses and the Area Committee adds its backing . "In the dark days of Winter, it is so beautiful to see these lights and eventually we are hoping the whole of Chadderton Town will be ablaze with illuminations". Shirley emphasised that the Christmas Lights were the most public spirited of the suggestions and advertised the Switch-on 21st November, 2003, when Andy Ritchie, the well known and very popular football personality would be officiating. Shirley invited any members of the public who wish to attend, to come and can promise a great night out.

Jo Kearsley then went on to ask Shirley about the Chadderton Calendar, again brought to the Area Committee by a member of the public, each page/month being sponsored by Local Businesses and Authorities. Even the police have sponsored a page, which can only be good for community relations. Shirley was very enthusiastic about the Community Police involvement.

Of course the Chadderton Area Committee is just not about Christmas Lights and Calendars, members of the Public come forward about their concerns for their local area. Subjects such as Litter, Dog Fouling, Roadworks, Motorway Network, Traffic Noise, Parks and their upkeep, Waste Collection, Markets, are frequent items on the agenda. Also of course, local organisations can apply for grants to help with their projects.

 

Altogether, it was a most successful event , and Jo Kearsley suggested it may be an idea to come to Chadderton, twice a year.

    
 

 

  

  

7th June 2003

Whitsuntide Fun Day

Organised By 'Churches together in Chadderton', the event proved a great success on a day when the sun shone brilliantly.

 

Photograph by kind permission of John Johnson
 April 26th 2003

 

St George's Day Celebration.

For the second year running, our Society teamed up with the Chadderton and Failsworth Rotary Club to organise and present an appropriate and stirring celebration of our national day and patron. This took place in the Edwardian Ballroom of Chadderton Town Hall on Saturday 26th April. Mossley Championship Band provided patriotic music, whilst the evening's entertainment also included dancing and an excellent buffet. The Chadderton town crier was also in attendance to make suitable announcements about the occasion.

Members of the Chadderton Historical Society, celebrating St George's Day on Saturday 26th April 2003

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Last updated 16/2/08 copyright Chadderton Historical Society 1999/2008