Oldham Histories Festival and heritage open days 6 September – 6 October 2018

Discover more about the people, places, buildings and stories across the Welcome to Council’s Histories Festival and Heritage Open Days. This is your chance to find out more about the people, places, buildings and stories in your area. From talks to walks there’s plenty to discover, whether you’re interested in architecture or heritage or just curious about the history around you. All events are free, and there’s no need to book, unless otherwise stated in the event description. Key: disabled access parking refreshments toilets Oldham Local Studies Family History Help Desk and Archives Want to trace your family history Discover the fascinating history of but don’t know where to begin? Our the Oldham area and its people. Our experts are here to get you started or archives date from 1597 and cover help with any problems. an enormous range of subjects. Every Mon and Wed, 2–3.30pm Come along and take part in a range Advance booking required of talks, tours and special events. The Story of My Street 84 Union Street, Oldham OL1 1DN Mary shares the story Open: Mon and Thu 10am-7pm, of Coppice Street and some of its Tue 10am-2pm, Wed and Fri 10am- remarkable residents. 5pm, Sat 10am-4pm Sat 15 Sept, 2–3.30pm T: 0161 770 4654 The Seven Holy Crosses E: [email protected] of Oldham An exploration of the enigmatic medieval crosses that once defined the landscape of Oldham Edge and Health in Oldham before the quest for their location. the NHS Presented by Oldham Historical A fascinating new display looking at Research Group. medical provision in Oldham before Wed 19 Sept, 7–8.30pm the advent of the National Health Service in 1948. Daily – see above for opening times

Researching the First World War Soldier Want to find out the story of a WWI soldier but don’t know where to begin? Our experts are here to help start you on your journey. Sat 29 Sept, 10.30am–12noon Advance booking required Oldham Town Centre Building Stones of Oldham Mayor’s Parlour and Civic A guided tour of Oldham Town Centre’s Silverware Tour iconic buildings and the stones that Take a tour of the Mayor’s Parlour and made them. Meet at Oldham Local view the Trust Silver of the 10th Battalion Studies and Archives. Regiment. Central to this Sat 8 Sept, 2–3.30pm display are the silver drums and bugles Booking required on 0161 770 4654 or purchased by the Ladies of Oldham in email: [email protected] Oldham World War One Walk Join Roger Ivens for a tour of World War One locations in Oldham and the stories behind them. Meet at Oldham Local Studies and Archives. Sat 15 Sept, 10.30am–12noon Booking required on 0161 770 4654 or email: [email protected] The United Reformed Church 200 Years of Town Centre Worship and Witness with guided tours at 10am, 12noon and 2pm 1924 as a memorial to those who had Sat 15 Sept, 10am-4pm fallen in the Great War. 107 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DH Tours available from Thu 6–Fri 21 Sept (weekdays only) 0161 770 4012 for times and bookings The Old Road Through , West Street, Follow the ancient medieval route Oldham OL1 1UJ through Oldham on an informative walk led by Jeremy Sutcliffe. Tues 18 Sept, 11am–12.30pm Oldham Church Booking required on 0161 770 4654 or Built in 1830 the email: [email protected] of St. Mary with St. Peter is a Grade II* Meet at the Peace Garden, corner of listed building. Explore the vast crypt George Street and Union Street. containing vaults that belonged to many Oldham Lyceum mill owners of the town. The legendary A guided tour of one of the most iconic ‘Oldham Giant’ is also buried here! architectural gems in Oldham Town You can also view a memorial and Centre, which has had a facinating exhibition to Oldhamers killed in the and varied history. Spanish Civil War. Thu 20 Sept, 10.30–11.30am Fri 7 Sept, 11am–3pm, Sat 8 Sept Booking required on 0161 770 4654 or 10am–3pm, Sun 9 Sept, 12noon–3pm email: [email protected] Rock Street, Oldham OL1 3UH 95 Union St, Oldham OL1 1QG Meet at the entrance to The Lyceum. Oldham Town Centre Fri 28 Sept, 7pm Ghost Walk Oldham Library, Greaves St, OL1 1AL Uncover some of the ghostly goings- Tickets £5 or for details visit: on in Oldham! A fun walk suitable for www.oldham.gov.uk/liveatthelibrary children 6 years and over accompanied by an adult. Thu 20 Sept, 7–8pm Oldhamers in World War One Booking required on 0161 770 4654 or An illustrative talk by Roger Ivens email: [email protected] exploring the stories of local people Meet outside The Old Museum, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1DN Union Street Walk Take a guided walk along one of Oldham’s most famous streets.

in wartime to commemorate the end Meet at the Peace Garden, corner of of the First World War. George Street and Union Street. Performance Space, Oldham Library, Tues 25 Sept, 11am–12.30pm Greaves Street, OL1 1AL If I Should Fall Fri 28 Sept, 6pm In 1916 Beattie is ahead of her Booking required on 0161 770 4654 time. A bombastic adolescent with or [email protected] a promising future and a talent for writing. At sweet 16, Billy Glover is Beattie’s first love. They live in letters Oldham Poets: The First World sent across the battlefield. Over War in Verse twenty years later, Beattie, like the During the First World War both local rest of Britain, finds herself in another newspapers, the Oldham Chronicle and war. Only this time she’s got a failing the Oldham Standard, published a large marriage and an ageing mother to number of poems written by soldiers at contend with. Living in memories, the front and civilians at home. Staged amidst the bombing, rationing and by Oldham Theatre Workshop, the story gossip can Beattie survive and traces WW1 through these local poets. finally put Billy to rest? If I Should Fall Wed 3 Oct, 6pm explores what it means to be at war – Performance Space, Oldham Library, then and now. Greaves St, OL1 1AL praise on Sunday, 17.00 – 18.00. Uncover some of the unique items Sat 8 Sept, 11am–1pm and on display from our extensive social Sun 9 Sept, 1.30–6pm history collections. As well as historic Mill Brow, OL2 1RT items we are also home to many modern objects that reflect life in Oldham today. The Changing Face of Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL Business in Oldham Open: Mon to Sat, 10am–5pm Exploring the ever changing business T: 0161 770 4653 landscape over the last 50 years. E: [email protected] Wed 12 Sept, 6-7.30pm Manor Mill, Victoria Street, Chadderton OL9 0DD A Stroll Along the Booking required on 0161 770 4654 Oldham Panorama or email: [email protected] The Oldham Panorama is one of the best visual records of the transformation of North West into an industrial powerhouse. This guided tour explores the buildings and people Holy Trinity Church on show in this view of Oldham Built by local firm, Emanuel taken in 1876 by Squire Knott. Whittaker, and consecrated in 1848. Thu 6 Sept, 1pm The church houses Coldhurst’s World War One Roll of Honour and Oldham Microscopical and contains one of the earliest examples Natural History Society of Robert Thompson of Kilburn’s Open Day ‘Mouseman’ carvings. Find out more about the natural Sat 15 Sept, 10am–3pm , with real Godson Street, Oldham OL1 2NZ specimens and historic microscopes. Includes tours of Gallery Oldham’s natural history collection at 11.30am and 2pm. Crompton Sat 29 Sept, 9.30am–4pm Belgian Refugees in Oldham Chadderton During the First World War Following the German invasion St Matthew and St Luke of Belgium in August 1914, many ‘Simply Us’. Find out more about the thousands of Belgian soldiers and life of this once small rural church civilians fled to Britain. This talk tells which today finds itself in a large the story of those Belgian refugees urban community. Additional activities who found sanctuary in Oldham. include ‘Dong Our Church Bell’ on Mon 1 Oct, 2pm Saturday morning and a church Crompton Library, 7 Farrow Street cake café. Concluding with a song of East, Shaw OL2 8QY area. The tour visits the headstones and Roman Forts monuments of some of the victims and A guided tour of the two Roman forts people who involved in the events of the on the Chester to military road. day. No dogs allowed. Please arrive 15 Tours include findings from the latest minutes early. excavations in 2014, 2016 and 2017. Sun 16 Sept, 2pm Meet in the car at Waterworks Booking required on 0161 770 4654 or Road next to Castleshaw Outdoor email: [email protected] Education Centre. No dogs allowed. Barry Street, Oldham OL1 3NG Sat 8 and Sat 15 Sept, 2–3.45pm Castleshaw Outdoor Centre, Waterworks Road, Delph OL3 5LZ Holy Trinity Church Built in 1787 this Grade II listed St Thomas’s Church, Heights ‘Pennine Auditory’ Chapel contains This beautiful landmark 18th Century fine examples of original box-pews. Church built on the hills, Members of Focal Point Oldham will closed in 1960s and owned by the also be exhibiting a range of heritage Churches Conservation Trust is open themed photography. for the viewing of its stained glass Thu 6 to Sat 8 Sept, 10am–4pm, windows, preaching gallery and original Sun 9 Sept, 1–4pm, Mon 10 to Sat stencils from the 1930s. 15 Sept, 10am–4pm, Sat 8 and Sun 9 Sept, 1-4pm Sun 16 Sept, 1–4pm Broad Lane, Delph, Woods Lane, Dobcross OL3 5AN Saddleworth, OL3 5TX Limited on-road parking Christ Church Country Park The church and registers will be open Guided walk at easy pace to hear about for viewing, plus a dry stone walling the important part the to demonstration in the graveyard as part Hollinwood canal played in the area’s of their Eco project. economic prosperity. Meet outside the Sat 8 Sept, 10.30am–2.30pm café at Daisy Nook Country Park car Road, Denshaw OL3 5SB park off Stannybrook Road, Failsworth M35 9WJ Fri 7 Sept, 1–2.30pm and Sat 15 Sept, 1–2.30pm St James’ Church A guided tour of the graveyard telling Roman Road Independent the story of The Fall of Lowerhouse Mill Methodist Church in 1844 that caused the largest loss Open day with photographs and of life to have occurred in the Oldham historical documents. Refreshments and lunches served. Greenacres Tue 11 Sept, 11am–2pm Greenacres Cemetery Roman Road, Failsworth M35 9JR Take a guided tour with Roger Ivens of the cemetery’s World War One graves. Please wear sensible footwear. The Failsworth and Woodhouses Thu 20 Sept, 2–3.30pm Comforts Society Greenacres Road OL4 3HT With the outbreak of the First World War Meet at entrance to the cemetery. large numbers of women and children Greenfield came together at local churches to sew and knit socks, gloves and bandages Christ Church, for the soldiers in the front line. This talk Explore this Grade II listed Victorian tells the story of one such society based Gothic Revival church with spire around a rare collection of personal designed by local architect George archives. Shaw. Church records free to view. Wed 3 Oct, 6pm Thu 6 Sept, 2pm-4pm, Sat 8 Failsworth Library, Oldham Road, Sept, 10am–4pm and Sun 9 Sept, M35 0FJ 12noon–4pm Church Road, Greenfield OL3 7LQ Alexandra Park A guided walk around looking at the history and architecture of this Grade II* listed park. The walk takes Shri Radhakrishna Temple approximately one hour and although Learn more about the history and work reasonably flat and DDA compliant of the Indian Association Oldham. some people will find the walk Established in 1968, this year they challenging. Please wear appropriate are celebrating their 50th Anniversary outdoor footwear and clothing. Meet at throughout the year. Visit the temple the car park on King’s Road. Call 0161 and community centre and discover 770 4067 to book in advance. more about the Indian community of Thu 6 Sept, 10am and Oldham. Wed 12 Sept, 1pm Thu 20 Sept, 9.30–11.30am Kings Road, Oldham OL8 2BH Schofield Street, Oldham OL8 1QJ

Hollinwood Greengate Jamia Masjid Mosque St Margaret’s Church Learn about the history behind the first Exhibition of artefacts, stained mosque built in Oldham and gain an glass windows, fine vestments and insight into the Islamic faith. There will parish registers dating back to 1769. be tours, an exhibition and the chance Refreshments available. Children under to ask the imam, with free refreshments 16 must be accompanied by an adult. served throughout the day. Thu 6 Sept, 10am–4pm (9.30am Sun 9 Sept, 12noon–5pm Low Mass said), Fri 7 Sept, 88 Greengate St, Glodwick OL4 1DH 11am–5pm, Sat 8 Sept, 10am–4pm along. Tours of the bell and clock tower (12noon Sung Mass), Sun 9 Sept, available, plus guided tours of the war 11.30am–6pm (10am Parish Mass, graves in the churchyard at 11.30am 5pm Solemn Vespers and Benediction) and 2pm (suitable footwear - meet in Chapel Road, Hollinwood OL8 4QQ the church). Sat 8 Sept, 10.30am–3pm Asian Women in Business St Thomas’s Church, Glebe Lane, An afternoon exploring the history of Oldham OL1 4SJ Asian businesswomen in Oldham. Tues 25 Sept, 2.30pm Chambers Business Centre, Chamber Mill, Chapel Rd, Hollinwood OL8 4QQ Strinesdale Day and Booking required on 0161 770 4654 Sunday School or archives@oldham. An illustrated presentation by Moorside and District Historical Society of the history of this hill-side school near the Roebuck Inn. Lees Mon 17 Sept, 7.30pm St Thomas’s Church Lounge, Glebe St Thomas’ Leesfield Church Lane, Oldham OL1 4SJ Open day with tea and toast served from 10.30am to 12noon. Tours and guide book are available. Sat 15 Sept, 10.30am–3pm West Street, Lees OL4 5AD The First World War An illustrated talk by Roger Ivens looking at the stories of local people in Oldhamers and the Battle World War One. of the Somme Wed 26 Sept, 7.30pm The Battle of the Somme was one the Trinity Methodist Church, Radcliffe defining moments of the First World Street, Royton OL2 5QR War. In this talk John Fidler recounts his Admission £2 visit to the cemeteries of the Somme Royton Soldiers and the end of and reveals the stories of some of the the First Oldham men buried there. Based upon two unique sets of archives Thu 4 Oct, 11am compiled after the end of the First Lees Library, Thomas Street, World War this talk tells the stories of Lees OL4 5DA Royton soldiers from two different but Moorside intriguing angles. The first follows the St Thomas’s Church, Moorside Royton men who were taken prisoner by the Germans, while the second story Find out more about the history of the looks at those who survived the war but parish with the Moorside and who claimed a pension due to injuries District Historical Society. WWI parish sustained during the fighting. database will be available, with local Fri 5 Oct, 2pm and school photographs on display. Any Royton Library, Rd, OL2 6QJ old images you have please bring them Shaw Conscientious Objection Holy Trinity Church in Oldham Restored Victorian Gothic church with During the First World War, wonderful stained glass, mosaics and following the passing of the conscription carvings. 15 Sept exhibition of paintings act in 1916, many thousands of men by Shaw Art Society, model railway across the country decided to resist exhibition by Nigel Tansley, and Francis compulsory military service, risking jail presents a talk on ‘Old Shaw’. for their beliefs. This talk reveals the Fri 14 Sept, 10am–2pm and Sat 15 stories of some of the 150 conscientious Sept, 12noon-4pm objectors so far uncovered in Oldham. Tues 2 Oct, 6pm Library, St. Chad’s, High Street, Uppermill OL3 6A Uppermill St Chad’s Church, Uppermill Waterhead There has been a place of worship on Holy Trinity Church the parish church site since 1215AD. Heritage weekend. Please see the Explore this Grade II* listed building Holy Trinity Church website for times through parish registers, church and and more details. graveyard tours, a WW1 exhibtion, tours Fri 28 Sept, Sat 29 Sept and 30 Sept of the bell tower and rushcart pennants. Church Street East, Oldham OL4 2JS Fri 7 Sept, 10am–4pm, Sat 8 Sept, 10am–4pm, Sun 9 Sept, 1–5pm Church Lane, Uppermill OL3 6L Waterhead Heritage Walk Explore the history of Waterhead with Saddleworth Historical Society a guided tour led by Roger Ivens. Unravelling the Mystery of a Ruin: Thu 13 Sept, 2–3.30pm Revealing the Medieval Grange Booking required on 0161 770 4654 at Castleshaw, a talk by Norman or [email protected] Redhead. Meet at Waterhead Bus Terminus, Wed 12 Sept, 7.30pm Huddersfield Road, OL4 3NN Saddleworth Museum, High Street, Uppermill OL3 6HS Werneth A guided tour of the park with Jeremy Saddleworth Museum Sutcliffe. Werneth Park was created The museum explores objects and in 1936 from a 19th century estate. history relating to the area - from a Sat 22 Sept, 11am–12.30pm Viking ring found in Greenfield to a Booking required on 0161 770 4654 or loom made in Dobcross. See one [email protected] hundred views of Saddleworth that Meet at Werneth Park Study Centre, have sadly disappeared. Frederick Street OL8 1RB Sun 16 Sept, 1–4pm High Street, Uppermill OL3 6HS Events at a glance

Thu 6 September • Oldham Parish Church • Alexandra Park • St Chad’s Church, Uppermill • A Stroll Along the Oldham Panorama • St Margaret’s Church, Hollinwood • Christ Church, Friezland • St Matthew and St. Luke, Chadderton • Health in Oldham Before the NHS • St Thomas’s Church, Heights, Delph (and then daily) Mon 10 September • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Mayor’s Parlour and Civic Silverware Tour (and until 21 September) Tue 11 September • St Margaret’s Church, Hollinwood • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Roman Road Independent Fri 7 September Methodist Church • Daisy Nook Country Park Wed 12 September • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Alexandra Park • Oldham Parish Church • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • St Chad’s Church, Uppermill • Saddleworth Historical Society • St Margaret’s Church, Hollinwood • The Changing Face of Business Sat 8 September in Oldham • Building Stones of Oldham Thu 13 September • Castleshaw Roman Forts • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Christ Church, Denshaw • Waterhead Heritage Walk • Christ Church, Friezland Fri 14 September • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Oldham Parish Church • Holy Trinity Church, Shaw • St Chad’s Church, Uppermill Sat 15 September • St Margaret’s Church, Hollinwood • Castleshaw Roman Forts • St Matthew and St. Luke, Chadderton • Daisy Nook Country Park • St Thomas’s Church, Heights, Delph • Holy Trinity Church, Coldhurst • St Thomas’s Church, Moorside • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross Sun 9 September • Holy Trinity Church, Shaw • Christ Church, Friezland • Oldham World War One Walk • Greengate Jamia Masjid Mosque St Thomas’ Leesfield Church • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • The Story of My Street Sun 30 September • The United Reformed Church, Oldham • Holy Trinity Church, Waterhead Sun 16 September Mon 1 October • Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross • Belgian Refugees in Oldham During • Saddleworth Museum the First World War • St James’ Church, Derker Tue 2 October Mon 17 September • Conscientious Objection in Oldham • Strinesdale Day and Sunday Schoo During the First World War Tue 18 September Wed 3 October • The Old Road Through Oldham • Oldham Poets: The First World War in Verse Wed 19 September • The Failsworth and Woodhouses • The Seven Holy Crosses of Oldham Comforts Society Thu 20 September Thu 4 October • Greenacres Cemetery • Oldhamers and the Battle of • Oldham Lyceum the Somme • Oldham Town Centre Ghost Walk Fri 5 October • Shri Radhakrishna Temple • Royton Soldiers and the end of Sat 22 September the First World War • Werneth Park Tue 25 September • Asian Women in Business • Union Street Walk Wed 26 September • The First World War Fri 28 September • If I Should Fall - Oldhamers in World War One • Holy Trinity Church, Waterhead Sat 29 September • Oldham Microscopical and Natural History Society Open Day • Researching the First World War Soldier • Holy Trinity Church, Waterhead Oldham Local Studies and Archives 84 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DN T: 0161 770 4654 E: [email protected]