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.

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Displaying Memories 31 - 37 of 37 in total

Although I lived in London I spent much of the summer holidays with my Auntie Mabel and Uncle Bill in Greenhill Avenue, Rochdale. I was 12 then and spent a lot of the time on Lenny Barn with the local children. The rest of the time I remember was at a nearby park which I suppose was Falinge Park where I watched the Park Follies. I remember there was an Uncle Cliff and Auntie Jean and some very glamorous (to my young ...see more
My grandparents were teachers at the school from 1895-1909. John Frederick Wiilkinson and his wife Lydie Wilkinson, who was French. He taught Maths and she taught French and German. I am told all records of the school were destroyed. I am trying to find any photos of them with pupils and staff of the school, any Registry books at that time.  John had lost an arm in his youth and Lydie also played piano and ...see more
Sadly Mum died 3 years ago - MARGARET MALKIN, nee HALL - but I always remember her saying "Green gym knickers" was what they had to wear. No doubt she hated them.
I was born in Rochdale in 1934. I attended Champness Hall Sunday School, 1940 -52, which was situated just below the Rochdale Observer offices (on the left of the photo). It was a large Methodist Central Hall with offices used by local people, a large auditorium used for concerts (eg Halle Orchestra) and public occasions (eg local speech days, visiting choirs etc). In the 1950s Drake Street was still home to a number of ...see more
My initial impression of this particular print; which is typical of the 1960's and which is now a very busy road, is that it is a reverse image of Cutgate looking up Edenfield Road, with Cutgate Baptist Church being shown on the right hand side whereas it should be on the left. The area of bushes just below the Church is now occupied by Cutgate Shopping Precinct. Does anyone agree?
My first memory of Rochdale town hall was seeing the King and Queen on the balcony in 1937 when they were on their coronation tour. Another visitor seen there was Gracie Fields. During my childhood, (1930-1945) I remember seeing the Pace Egging play in the Town Hall, a fascinating and traditional event. Later I took part in meetings there of the Youth Council. Only recently did I discover that my ...see more
I spent my years living in Langley Middelton Manchester england uk, from 1970, till 1980, i lived thier from beening seven years old till i turned 15 yrs old, i lived with my dad Tony, my sister Christine, and brothers Pauil and Allen farrow, we lived at 37 helvellyn drive,, i went to St Marys C F E Nusrey school, primary, and juniour schools which was a cross the road from St Mary's C F E ...see more