Nostalgic memories of Rochdale's local history

Share your own memories of Rochdale and read what others have said

For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.

Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.

Add a Memory!

It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin

Displaying Memories 11 - 20 of 37 in total

Going dancing in the Town hall and also at the Mecca ballroom which I believe was in Drake St.? I was Sheila Kingston in those days
Yes it was a sort of luxury to have the outdoor pool at Norden, people would descend upon the Riviera every weekend. For me though it was short lived as we moved to Norden in 61 and it closed in 63. I think the Tannery owned the land and the lease ran out. The Tannery later used the changing rooms etc., for storage of hides. I do remember it took ages to get into the water as it was freezing. I remember the Watson ...see more
I remember once a year (c1961) a man used to ride on horseback from Rochdale to Norden dressed as John Wesley (or his brother?) and he used to go up to Bank House Farm where there was the original pulpit from when one of the Wesley brothers preached way back when. I am sure the pulpit will still be there and sure the building may be a listed Grade II, but no idea. I will bet though that this custom of the man riding into Norden has gone . Anybody remember this? Jane Heywood
I was born on Elliot st in dec 1944 in 1945 I was placed in an orphanage in a convent in facit where I spent about two years. I would love to find out about this place,i think it may have been called mount pleasant but I ca'nt find any information about it,if anyone was there at any time or,can give me any information please help.
it was woods shop we had all colors made our fav was sapphire blue with red turn ups and black double stripes on the zipped pockets oh to be 14 agen
I'm writing about my memories of Cronkeyshaw School. It was situated to the north of Rochdale Town Centre in the corner of a large open common grassland area, Cronkeyshaw Common, opposite Falinge Park. After school each day I'd run across this common to my home in Derwent Street. The headmaster was a tall kindly-looking gent, and there was a homely looking lady as one of the teachers. Nativities were an ...see more
Although we lived in Spotland, our family Doctor was a Doctor Gordon a brusque Scot whom I was Little afraid of. His surgery was at the top left side of Drake street. Just after the war. They did house calls in those days. The surgery was filled with round backed cane chairs, and we would move along from seat to seat until it was our turn.
I used to live at Daniel Fold Spot land Rochdale, from 1949 ton1955.  In 1954 my brother Eric was 8 and I was 9. We would play in a nearby valley we called Healey Dell, and we would walk miles along the banks of a stream. There was a Railway line that passed over the Healey Viaduct. I used to climb onto the stone wall by the track and run along it, totally fearless. Whilst my brother ran up and down screaming ...see more
My husband Brian Biggins' maternal grandfather Thomas Wolfenden was 42 and lived in the Lodge Falinge Park. He was a dyer in a cotton mill and had formerly been a farmer's helper. Has anyone got any ideas about how we can find information about why he would be living there?
I used to live on Bury Road and was a keen swimmer. Well I remember if the swimming baths were busy, I used to hop on the Norden bus and go to the outdoor pool at Norden known as the riviera, boy was that water cod, but what great fun was had.