Rochdale is best known as the home town of Gracie Fields and the start of the Coop. However, our visit looks at two locations, both of which will have been familiar to Gracie.
Our day starts at the town hall. Rochdale's fabulous Grade-I Victorian Gothic town hall is renowned worldwide for its unique and detailed architecture. The building was opened on 27th September 1871 by George Leach Ashworth, then Mayor of Rochdale at a cost of around £150,000. In March 2024, it re-opened following a four year renovation project.
On arrival we have tea or coffee in the town hall café and then split into two equal groups for a tour of the building. One at 11:15 and the other at 11:30. Be aware there is no seating on this tour and there will be staircases enroute although the website does indicate Rochdale Town Hall is fully accessible, so lifts are available for visitors who want or need to use them.
The tour of the town hall will finish around 12:45 when we rejoin the coach for a short ride to the Fireground where we are to have a buffet lunch with tea / coffee.
Fireground is the location of Rochdale's restored 1933 fire station building. We will have a short introductory talk about Greater Manchester's firefighting story and plenty of time to view the historic fire engines, equipment and uniforms etc. Read more about this fascinating museum here.
Travel will be in 34-seater coach. Pick up points:
- Otley (Boroughgate, Chevin Court) at 8:00 am
- Burley in Wharfedale (Red Lion) at 8:10 am
- Ilkley (Railway Road outside Boyes) at 8:30 am
- Addingham (The Fleece) at 8:45 am
The cost per person to include local pick-ups, coffee, lunch, guided tour of the Town Hall and Fireground Museum is just £49.
Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email giving details of how to pay and asking where you wish to join the coach.
We expect to be back in Addingham by 5:30 pm.
NB. Refunds will not be made unless we are able to fill your place with someone on the waiting list.
This event is for existing members only.
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