Hyde Cheshire Blog

Hyde Market And The Mall

2012-01-27T10:33:00.001Z

Here's three pictures Dave has come across of the market.They appear to have come from a newspaper or magazine but we don't know what date the photos were taken. Dave says if they were all taken at the same time the cars in the third photo it suggests that it was in the 1970s.

Cheers Dave.. these are great.

Grapes Hotel

2012-01-26T00:08:00.000Z

I've often wondered who Bells & Co. were... I always knew the Grapes as a Robinsons House. It seems Bell & Co Ltd brewed at Hempshaw Brook Brewery, Hempshaw Lane, Stockport was founded by Avery Fletcher in 1835 and was acquired by Smith & Bell in 1850. Registered in 1898. The brewery was then acquired by Frederic Robinson Ltd in April 1949 with over160 other tied houses.

http://www.thegrapesrestaurant.co.uk/Home.html

The old pub is seeing a new lease of life.. especially at the weekend when it attracts folk from far and wide.. Marcello the landlord had the pub refurbished and a fine Italian restaurant was added. The Grapes is a lovely old building that has changed little considering.. and the refurbishment made great use of many of the original features, like the stained glass windows and fireplaces. There's a link above which is well worth following just to read the menus.. long may the Grapes be a part of Gee Cross.

Gower Hey Woods

2012-01-25T00:30:00.005Z

I notice that they have started to build a pond in Gower Hey Woods. This area has been a dark ,unwelcoming part of the woods for many years. It's a great improvement and sterling work by Gower Hey Conservation Group.

I'm looking forward to seeing all the wildlife it attracts !

Gower Hey Wood Conservation Group

The group are a voluntary organisation whose aims include maintaining and improving the general environment, enhancing wildlife habitats, and providing a place of enjoyment for local people and visitors.

Working in partnership with the Council and its Countryside Ranger Service, the group meets several times a year to plan activities and share information.

If you are interested in joining the group then contact
Stuart Manson on 0161 368 8883

Not the first time a pond/lake as been in the woods.. and by the sound of the description above from the book A History Of Hyde it was once a very nice sight indeed... I'm sure it can be and will be again if this group have anything to do with it.

Thanks to Dave for the above two pictures which he took in November last year

Mottram Old Road Post Card

2012-01-24T00:08:00.002Z

Below pictures supplied by Dave

The first two photos attached are what Dave has taken today, the first being the original photo, and the second is one he's cropped and skewed to try to match the view in the postcard.

The third attachment is the view from Google Streetview of the spot from which Dave took the photo, and the fourth one is from Google Earth showing Mottram Old Road from the viewpoint up to the buildings shown.

Dave thinks the actual viewpoint for the postcard was down the slope to maybe level with where you can see the horse in the top to pictures, as the hills in the background on the postcard look a bit lower down than in his photo (you can just see the distant hills faintly on the postcard).

Thank you Dave for a great update

Greenfield Street School around 1948

2012-01-23T00:10:00.000Z

Picture from Fred Booth

Can you name anyone?

Zion (hikes)

2012-01-22T00:18:00.000Z

Easter Hike From Zions

Another great photo from Fred Booth... Fred told me these hikes were very popular and enjoyable. Can you put names to any not mentioned.

Another Photo from one of the many hikes.
Maybe someone out there can help us with the location and date ?

The Stage Builders ( Zions)

2012-01-21T07:13:00.003Z

This is the team who helped to build a stage at Zion's in the 1950s, picture supplied by Fred Booth.. far right.

Albert Clithero with Fred Booth

Walter Beaumont

I wonder if there's anyone reading this that might know any of the others who are not named.. and maybe a picture of the stage from that time would be a nice addition to this post.

UPDATE
Here is a photo from one of the many pantomimes at the Zion circa 1950's
Any help on when and what the production was would be welcomed :)

Booth's Taxi's

2012-01-20T00:07:00.010Z

A great picture of Fred Booth at the wheel of his taxi, it says on the back of this photograph "Ibbotson's of Market Street - Fish & Chip Shop.

AMA 71, taken on what is believed Park Road April 9th 1933

Booth's Taxi's and Coaches would have been a regular sight around Hyde at one time... I recall the coaches and the garage off Dowson Road... but know very little about the company... I'm sure in old publication there must be adverts for them.. Did you use their taxi's or recall a coach trip.. if so let us know.
I've been informed that an A and H Booth, Bus and Coach Hire are working out of Grosvenor Garage... I do hope this is still part of the original Booth family.

Seasonal shot !

2012-01-19T00:30:00.000Z

As we are about to get some snow this weekend, I thought I'd post this lovely shot of the top of Joel Lane to get us in the spirit. :)

I can't remember who sent the shot in - if this is yours, please drop us a line so we can add your name.

Thanks :)

Hyde Cafe

2012-01-18T12:13:00.000Z

I've only ever heard of this cafe... I grew up hearing it mentioned in my childhood, so when scanning the pictures that Fred Booth kindly left with me I was more than pleased to see these. I'm hoping our comment section gets a few memories from your memories of this place .. I look forward to reading them.

Lamb Inn

2012-01-17T00:03:00.000Z

Robert Henry Bagshaw
Licencee

Market Square

2012-01-16T00:08:00.003Z

Painting by Hyde Artist Harry Rutherford

Dave Williams as come up trumps for us again... Here's a rare view on a postcard of the Market Square, complete with the stone seating, and the base of the fountain as well. We've been trying to get a picture of this since we started the blog and this is the best that as turned up so far...

Now for the Future

Hyde Outdoor Market Redevelopment

Hyde is to get a new market and civic square as part of a £1.2 million project to improve the town centre and attract more traders and shoppers.

A well-attended public consultation meeting took place in July. Opinions were given by businesses, traders and residents, and Tameside Council has taken these on board as it finalises the scheme.

The proposed plans are now on public display in a variety of community venues including the outdoor and indoor markets, Clarendon Shopping Centre, Hyde Town Hall and Hyde Library.

Pending planning approval, works are due to start early next year and be completed by September. The works will be done in phases so that the market remains open throughout as will the indoor market, located within the Clarendon Shopping Centre.

In addition to the physical improvements, the Council is committed to supporting existing businesses in Hyde and to attracting new ones.

http://www.tameside.gov.uk/hyde/redevelopment

Proposed Layout

To see the plans in PDF Format clock below

http://www.tameside.gov.uk/hyde/redevelopment/worksphasing.pdf

http://www.tameside.gov.uk/hyde/redevelopment/plan.pdf

I wish the council and the Town all the very best in this venture and hope that shops and shoppers come back to Hyde in greater numbers than of late. Plan's such as this should be welcomed with open arms. What worries me is that as this venture is about to start the planning department have granted the change of use to three more shops as food takeaways in the last two weeks. Surly Hyde as more than it's share.... and Market Street is every bit as important as the Market Square.

Zion Rose Queen 'Marian Wilkinson'

2012-01-15T03:01:00.001Z

Another great photograph from Fred Booth... he says this one was taken around 1938.. and the Rose Queen is Marian Wilkinson. I hope someone reading will recognise themselves or their relation.

Doesn't she look proud

I hope we find the people on this picture

Fred tells me that he is the little boy seen here, what a great picture this as been to work on... more so as I have been able to scan it myself which as allowed for the close ups to be so clear.

Gee Cross Council School / Enfield Street School

2012-01-14T00:01:00.004Z

Gee Cross Undenomination School 1901
Head Mistress is Mrs M. Williamson

Gee Cross Council School 1904
Headmaster Mr Nuttall

Gee Cross Council School 1904
Headmaster Mr Nuttall

Gee Cross Council School 1907
Headmaster Mr Nuttall

Enfield Street School Around 1924/25

On the top row is Leonard Saxton and on the front row is Alice Booth who was born 1914

A fantastic collection of early school photographs from what started as Gee Cross Council School and finished it's school days as Enfield Street School. All these pictures have been donated by Fred Booth. Fred has donated many great pictures and these will be shown over the following weeks. I sure some of these family are still in the area of Gee Cross... I see a few who remind me of Gee Cross folk. both from my school days and even one or two now who resemble people I know.

Hyde Public Baths

2012-01-13T01:11:00.009Z

The following is taken from Tameside's website. tameside.gov.uk

It shows Hyde Baths which stood on Union Street.

To the right of the Baths is the Public Library and Union Street Congregational Church.

The Baths in Union Street were opened on May 4th 1889

They were designed by the Town Hall architect, J.W. Beaumont, but the North Cheshire Herald commented at their opening that they were "not perhaps so handsome externally as could have been desired".

The building contained six slipper baths, a laundry, a men's plunge bath, a smaller ladies plunge bath, thirty-eight dressing boxes and a gallery capable of holding several hundred spectators.

The success of the baths was reflected in the number of champion swimmers produced by the town and in the Hyde Seals Water Polo Team, three times world champions (1904-1906).

Many thanks to Tameside.gov.uk !

The pages below are scanned from the Borough Of Hyde Abstract Of Accounts 1914 - 1915

If you know of any more of the Borough Account Books I'd be most interested in them.

Iron Bridge

2012-01-12T13:00:00.000Z

Here's a nice postcard of the Iron Bridge on Dove Fold.
Circa 1910.

ABC Lane further explained.

2012-01-11T01:00:00.000Z

After reading the post the other day, CeeCee has sent us a description of ABC Lane which was written in The History of Hyde.

Very interesting reading and something I was unaware of.

Thanks CeeCee !! Much appreciated.

Disappeared Mills

2012-01-10T17:42:00.000Z

James North Factory formerly Slack Mill.
Now demolished.
The photo is taken from the top of Bradbury Street.

Photo supplied by Dave.

Local Dialect Quiz

2012-01-09T00:00:00.000Z

I came across this local dialect quiz from Barbara Sole who has published a couple of books on Hyde local history. There are 50 expressions in dialect, maybe not all Hyde but certainly within a few miles.
I will leave it on the blog for a few days, then publish the answers later in the week. Right here goes:-

1,   Intitot Is'nt it hot ?
2, Giuzit Give it to me
3, Summatsupoersor Something is the matter or something
4, Gerritetten Get it eaten
5, Geroffit Get off it
6, Supwithee What is the matter with you ?
7, Smarrerweeim What is the matter with him ?
8, Iampgorrit I Haven't got it
9, Azzeeginiter Has he given it to her ?
10, Esmiatonreet Is my hat on right ?
11, Eez gooinoom He is going home
12, Asts gorrit reight Have you got it right ?
13, Isit themum Is it your mother ?
14, Asta gorrit withy Have you got it with you ?
15, Purrimineer Put him in here
16, Ayampt eared nowt I haven't heard anything
17, Thelate gerra newun You will have to get a new one
18, Easezitintiz-burraberritiz He said it isn't his, but I bet it is
19, Lerrus gerrus andswesht Let us get our hands washed
20, Summoremz gorragerroff Some of them have got to get off
21, Wiv gorra gerruz imbux We have got to get our Hymn books
22, Tham gerrit lernt You will have to learn it
23, Shut thigob Close your mouth or shut up
24, Owzeene How is he now
25, Aberritintiz I bet it isn't his
26, Comforus arpastate itmornin Come for me at 08:30 in the morning
27, Nardenden watdardooin Now then, what are you doing
28, Asta seenim ontelly Have you seen him in the television
29, It dunt marrer It does not matter
30, Lerrus gurrat pixchers Let us go to the pictures
31, Asta gorra tanner Have you got sixpence
32, Eenose nowt abartit He knows nothing about it
33, Eez gunna gerrit He is going to get it
34, Lerrer gerontbus Let her get on the bus
35, Eedurnt purrized undert watter He dare not put his head under water
36, Eesezeeantadit He said he had not had it
37, Oowurriwee Who was he with
38, Ateldim burreewont lessen I told him, but he would not listen
39, Lerrim purrizaton Let him put his hat on
40, Astle clowt thee if the duntgioor I will hit you if you don't stop it
41, Tintintin It isn't in the tin
42, Gerary tergithianandweeit Get Harry to give you a hand with it
43, Eez gorriz atooam He has his at home
44, Thawantsta wesh thi eeroli aht You want to wash your ears out
45, Wivgorracar We have got a car
46, Thakkan ifthe wants You can if you want to
47, Eeez nobbute babi He is only a baby
48, Tantad nowt dunnatit as I nose on It hasn't had anything done at it as
far as I know
49, Canta kumpter owerowse tunneet Can you come to our house tonight
50, Weerzt gaffer. Where is the boss ?

Best of luck, unfortunately there will be no prizes.

Green Lane /ABC Lane

2012-01-08T12:34:00.002Z

A lovely old postcard of ABC Lane/Green Lane.

An up to date picture taken by Dave.

Sam Marshall Hats Postcard.

2012-01-07T11:46:00.001Z

Here is another postcard concerning an earlier post we did on Sam Marshalls Hat Warehouse.
Seems like he was quite famous for his hats, Countrywide!
sam-marshalls-warehouse

Heyd Market by Bill Lancashire

2012-01-06T11:06:00.001Z

HEYD MARKET

Heyd market’s changed a lot tha knows

Sin a used goo when a were smowe.

Owd cobbles, gas leets an wooden stalls av o’gone

A dunna know what’s appened to em owe.

Now a conna remember like mi owd Granddad did

About tooth-puller who sat in a tent.

Wi a brass band outside to drown out screams

Were it true, or just summat he dreampt.

There were other tales a yerd as weel

Like Harry Gilbert, an owe watches he sowd.

An Mrs Goodwin wi her big pile o’ pots

They’d allus attract a good crowd.

Mrs Crossley were famed for her curtins

There were cotton, velvet and lace.

And you could get veg from Riskit Riley

Now he were a top dirt-track ace.

Next to pie stall gathert ‘market committee’

From all ower town they came.

And when they weren’t arguing politics or pigeons

They’d pick Heyd’s team for’t next game.

Now on Saturday neetes, so av often bin towd

Market were late to wrap up.

And folks ud usually hang around

So they could get thi Sunday lap-up.

Now a con remember dobby horses

Swing boats, an owd Jock’s stall.

An a con remember Mester Nightingale

Meckin toffee int thowd market ’all.

Wi ’is little stove an thowd copper pan

Tha could wach him meckin his stock.

Ther’d bi cough candy, pear drops an humbugs

Bur his best wert Godley Rock.

He’d pull and raunch it ower a big hook

An cotch it afore it could sag.

Then he’d rowel it out an chop it up

An tha could buy it fer a penny a bag.

Every September Wakes ud come

Now a allus thowt it funny.

No matter ow easy games ud look

Tha could count on losin thi money.

There wert caterpillar, spider and jungle ride

Dodgems, waltzer ... it could cost thi a mint.

An after black puddin an pays, if tha didn’t end up sick

Tha could be sure thad bi gooin wom skint.

But thowd days ave gone an market’s bin dun up

It’s owe becum modern, hygienic an clean.

It’s getten paviours, an planters and colourful stalls

But thi sell nowt nobber trainers an jeans.

Harbour Farm

2012-01-05T11:25:00.001Z

Harbour Farm in Newton... no longer there and to be honest I'm not 100% on where abouts it was. I know the Council Estate off Talbot Road is named after the farm, but I've not been able to find out who farmed there. Any information would be appreciated.

Update

Map from 1910

Present day map.

Looking at the previous two maps it appears that Harbour Farm was at the crossroads with Leigh Fold.
Let us know if you have an more information on it !

Pole Bank

2012-01-04T14:35:00.001Z

A lovely old colour postcard looking towards Pole Bank House.

How tranquil it all looks.

Looking down Market Street

2012-01-03T16:07:00.003Z

A nice shot taken by John Morris, circa 1990's, I think.(Thanks Dave) :)

The Shepherds Call pub behind the ladies on the left, Swinton Insurance (now gone) and Hopwoods Barbers (also now disappeared).I think the china shop is still open on the corner of Church Street on this photo (now Bargain Booze) - was it called Grays China Shop? - but looks for sale. Note the 210 bus coming up the hill to Gee Cross. The service now sadly defunct.

St Georges Church

2012-01-02T22:33:00.005Z

I think this postcard view of St Georges Church and the allotments is great!

I didn't know it was known as Church Brow Gardens though!

A great colour postcard courtesy of Dave !
It's better than the first postcard!

Grants Pictures

2012-01-01T18:04:00.000Z

Thought I'd start 2012 with a few of the pictures which were shown throughout last year... not all have been seen on the blog, but I think most have. Grant took these in the early 1990s, he contacted us and asked if they were suitable for use on here... I snapped his hand off... of course.. these are the kind of pictures we hope will turn up for us... and we are always grateful when they do. If you have any such pictures knocking about we love to see them and feature them here in 2012... all the very best to you all we look forward to bringing you another years worth of memories.

A Happy New Year to All !

2012-01-01T01:02:00.000Z

Enfield Street Class 2 1971/72

2011-12-31T00:02:00.009Z

Another Up Date this one from Stephen Woolley

Adrian Sherratt, Karen Sudbury, Christine Holland, Deborah Rowlandson, Sharon Moiré, Stuart Valentine, Harry Clarke, Christine Sowter, Helen Booth, Tracey Wylde, Miss Meredith, (Teacher). Michael Hawker, Paul Hawker, Gary Coleman, Lyndon Boot, Stephen Shard, Stuart Eaves, David Roberts, Andrew Marshall, Nicola Bowker, Kathryn Marsden, Martina Abyanca, Simon Stewart, Jennifer Goldthorpe, Jacqueline Booth, Karen Conner, Bev Sowter, Susan Smith.

Cheers Stephen

The Wheatsheaf

2011-12-30T02:18:00.000Z

Joshua Cheetham Booth outside The Wheatsheaf on Manchester Road

We have been very lucky to get some pictures donated by Fred Booth.. Fred's ancestors have farmed and lived in these parts for hundreds of years. Apart from the Booths, his relations include the Cheethams and the Bagshaws... I'll show many more of Fred's pictures in the New Year.. these will include water-colours paintings of Cheethams Fold Farm, Gee Cross, Booths Taxi's, Booths Cafe (Hyde Cafe) Zion Sunday School, Enfield Street, The Lamb Inn and much more.

Cheethams Farm (Holly Farm) Demolition (disappeared farms)

2011-12-29T00:30:00.006Z

We recently got sent a couple of photos from Martin Taylor with this description...

"I have been meaning to find these photos for you for a little while and got the motivation to scan them in this afternoon.

The bottom photograph is of the Rising Moon pub taken from Cheetham’s wood. The date on the back of the photograph says January 1977. Those fields are covered with houses now.

The top one is earlier, if my recollection is correct, but not much because I didn’t own a camera and I was not often trusted with my father’s!. Taken from my bedroom on Talbot Rd., the scene is the demolition of Cheetham’s farm at the bottom of Matley Lane. You can see Shaw Hall Avenue in the background.

Thanks Martin, great photos !

Updated with a scan from an old A to Z belonging to Dave.

Here's a scan of the bottom end of Matley Lane which shows the farm named as Holly Farm right opposite Shaw Hall Lane... Dave notice that on Cartwright Street the map shows a Cheetham Street... so the name was known in this area. On the corner of Muslin Street (Talbot Road) and Matley Lane where the Bay Horse Pub is now it mentions a Well... Ian as left a comment about a row of terraced houses that around there called 'Well Row' and that his mum grew up there. I'm sure this row was built by the mill owners of Shaw Hall Mill which was opposite and a tad further back from the road.

The picture above shows the 'Sports Ground' at Newton Hurst which shows up on Dave's old A to Z map... top right can be seen the chimney of Shaw Hall Mill a tallish gable can be made out just right of the centre top of the picture... this building looks to be the same as the one in the first picture sent in by Martin.

Whit Walks 1950's

2011-12-28T00:30:00.003Z

Here is a rather splendid photograph of the Whit walks circa mid to late 1950's.
They are walking past the cottages next to Pole Bank.
Don't the children all look smart !

The cottages as they look today.

Thanks to John T for this great photo!

Keep them coming.

Apple Street view

2011-12-27T11:04:00.000Z

Here is a lovely shot of Apple Street /Cock Brow.

I'm always rather tired by the time I get to the top - the views are stunning once you make it though

Apparently, Apple Street is the longest Street in Hyde - not sure how true this is as I've never measured it personally ! I haven't got a tape measure long enough :)

Another great photo by Stephen Burton - Many Thanks !

Hodge Fold, Hattersley

2011-12-26T13:27:00.000Z

A postcard of Hodge Fold in Hattersley.

What a lovely tranquil picture !

Incidentally, I always thought that this area was classed as Broadbottom.

Maybe the boundaries changed over the years?

Happy Christmas Day Everyone !!

2011-12-25T09:15:00.000Z

Bothams Hall
By Stephen Burton

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T13:09:00.002Z

Merry Christmas One And All

Tom, Nancy, Dave, Paul

...

Hyde Park View

2011-12-23T10:03:00.004Z

Picture and Words By Duncan Nield

Some thoughts to go with the pictures

The bandstand provided the focal point (and perhaps still does) for the Whit Walks through Hyde. This was particularly big business in the 60’s. All the local churches, youth groups and fraternities would process through Hyde with their various banners, flags, insignia and regalia on a Sunday afternoon and congregate in the park for hymns accompanied by a brass band. For my part ( Duncan Nield) I marched with my Sunday school from Zion’s in Gee Cross. Which is when I first met one of the blog founders Nancy Morris. Other young uns in our class were Jane Morris, Martin and Pip Wilson, Philip Park and Iain Broadhead.

The bandstand looks better now than I remember but still retains its original grandeur.

The playpark has changed a lot. It used to have a mini steam train that you could ride on back and forth. But the current playground has far more things to do on it than the old swings, slide and umbrella.

The picture of the footpath that drops off in the centre, was where many of us used to emerge from Hyde Grammar in the early 70s when fiddling time off from PE. The Path drops down into a valley that was part of the school cross country run and up the other side was the school buildings, tennis courts, football and cricket pitches. (The tennis courts and football pitch are now a police station). There were various strategic ‘gaps’ in the school fence and during PE, we would take in in turns for couple to bunk off as two missing from the ranks of 30 or so was never noticed, and head for the refreshments hall to buy Mambos and Jubblys and feed the rabbits ( now where the stone arrangement is in one of the pictures).

My Gran (Margaret ‘Peggy’ Nield) used to own a greengrocers in Hyde which was located on a shopping street that disappeared when they dug the trench for the M67 to go through. She lived on Shelly Grove off Lodge Lane and my younger sister and I spent many weekends with her up there. She always saved loads of carrots, cauliflowers and cabbages that were past there best to take us to the park to feed the rabbits.

Credit to the park keeper – great job, all looking good !

Duncan Nield

Hyde Festival Theatre Pictures.

2011-12-22T09:00:00.001Z

The Festival Theatre in Hyde is home to several amateur groups in the area whose combined efforts mean that in one season there can be as many as eleven or twelve productions ranging from drama to musicals, from dance to pantomime.
It is the only live theatre venue in Hyde.

Hyde Festival Theatre

If anyone has any stories to share about the Theatre please send them to us - We'll be happy to hear (and share) them :)

St. Georges Post Card

2011-12-21T09:02:00.000Z

I can't recall seeing this post card view of St. Georges before.

Roy Hood - Disappeared shops

2011-12-20T00:30:00.000Z

Todays photographs show Roy Hoods Greengrocers shop which used to stand on Stockport Road in Gee Cross.

The photos were taken by Nick Clarke in 1982.

I really miss the personal touch of shops like these.... People used to go to them to socialise as well as shop.
Are you being served?

Outside the shop.

Lovely fresh carrots !

As the building looks today, courtesy of Google maps.

Many Thanks, Nick , keep them coming - all very much appreciated ! :)

The Railway Hotel

2011-12-19T00:03:00.001Z

The Railway Hotel on Simpson street was named for its close proximity to Hyde Central railway station. The pub closed down in the 1980's and is now a workshop.

Picture and description by Paul Taylor

Thank's to Paul for the picture and information, I spent many a Sunday night in the vault of this pub playing on the pinball machine with Chris Douglas, Dave Harrison, and Pete Hambleton. I recall it changed hands at least twice in the 1980's... Alf Beeley took it on, along with the Royal Albert.. and I'm sure it was Alf that changed the name to The 10 Houses.. it was while under this name that live bands would play here.. that was until it was bought to the councils notice a music licence had not been granted for the place. After Alf left a Transvestite took over the pub.. that had to be 85/86. The pub did well for a time as the landlord was a bit of a curiosity.. I don't think Hyde had seen the likes of him running a pub before... the nearest we had was 'Aunty Eric' selling his dolls and such like on the market. I think it was mid 87 when the doors of the pub shut for the last time and Hyde lost another pub. I was running the Royal Albert at the time it shut and some of it's dinner time customers came over to the Albert.

Brookbank House, Castle Folly

2011-12-18T02:34:00.000Z

Brookbank house is situated on Mottram Rd, Godley and is now a day nursery owned by the Treetops Nursery group. The house was built by Joseph Hibbert, the sixth of fourteen children of Randal Hibbert, who was born in 1769. The Hibbert family of Godley played an important part in the history of Hyde and it's neighborhood, figuring amongst the pioneers of the cotton industry, and probably no local family had supplied more leaders in various branches of public life.

The castle folly was probably built around the mid part of the 19th century, the reason for building is unknown.

The following article is from the North Cheshire Herald around 1996:-

As mentioned the house is now owned by Treetops Nurseries. In researching this blog I contacted their head office in an attempt to take a modern photo of the castle folly, but was turned down even though I am CRB covered. They said they had no objections to the blog, but stressed they did not want anyone asking for permission to look at or take photo's of the folly. Tom fortunately came up with a modern photo from the back of the site, near to Godley Brook. Thanks for that Tom.

St Georges Netball Team

2011-12-17T12:46:00.003Z

The following was sent in by JohnT.

It is of the school netball team from St Georges Junior School, year 1951/52.

Why did all the headmasters of the day look the same?

Thanks John, much appreciated.

A very sad day.

2011-12-16T00:56:00.001Z

I think we all knew it was inevitable that this day was coming and that Tameside Council had no intentions of saving it, but at least we tried. :(

Painting of the soon to be demolished chapel by John Morris

The Hyde Club

2011-12-15T00:00:00.007Z

This building stands on Bowling Green Street.
It is, as the street name suggests, a crown bowling club.

If anyone has any knowledge of this club and its history, please get in touch !

The club shown on a 1910 map.

Hyde Photographic Society also meet here on a Monday.

This Society was founded in 1954 by a group of keen photographers, to promote photography in the Hyde area.

S.H.M.D.

2011-12-14T07:41:00.002Z

In October 1899 the Stalybridge, Hyde, Mossley and Dukinfield Tramways and Electricity Board was formed. We have covered this before and that post can be found from the 'Label' section on the right hand side of the page, under S.H.M.D.

Knott Lane

Dave took the two pictures in this post and said I've never noticed this before. It seems to be an electricity sub-station, and it appears to have originally been built to service the tramway system.

This got me thinking about how many of these S.H.M.D. sub stations are still about around Hyde... or anything else that bares the initials. If you know of anything let us know please... or any information or memories of S.H.M.D.

The Norfolk Arms Disaster 1st April 1829

2011-12-13T00:30:00.003Z

This photo has a bit of the Norfolk Arms Pub on it to the far top right.

The pub has such historical importance to the town that I can't believe that we haven't come across a photo of the pub in its entirety yet.

The Hyde Cafe is also shown in the photo

The Blue Plaque located on the former site of The Norfolk Arms, Hyde was unveiled in March 2001 in memory of those who died in "May's Downfall".

From Tameside website

Throughout the reign of George IV, the depression in the cotton trade continued and produced the circumstances which led to one of the most appalling disasters of our industrial history - the event known as "May's Downfall".

In the summer of 1828, the cotton trade was in such a bad state that the masters announced a reduction of wages. The reduction was firmly opposed by the operatives and a great strike commenced which rapidly spread throughout the district. At Stockport the struggle was extremely bitter, neither side showing any desire to give way. In Hyde a better spirit prevailed and soon the mills in Hyde were all working full-time. However, the harmony did not continue. The operatives of Hyde were contributing each week from their wages towards the support of the people who were out on strike in Stockport, as a result of which their employers issued a notice on 24th March 1829 that the manufacturers, whose mills were working, intended to reduced their wages by 10 per cent every 14 days until the Stockport hands returned to work.

The Fateful Day

To discuss the threat, a meeting of operatives was held in The Norfolk Arms on 1st April 1829. In its day The Norfolk Arms was the principal hotel in the area and said to be the oldest commercial hotel. The room in which the meeting took place was fifteen yards long and seven yards wide. It was only expected to hold approximately 300 people, but there were nearer 700 present when the accident occurred.

John Dawson, one of Hyde's principal operative orators, was the chairman and was seated in a large chair belonging to a lodge of Oddfellows, placed near the middle of one of the side walls of the room. A man named Tobias Wood then began to speak, insisting on the working classes having a fair remuneration for their work. He had just cried out "It is bread we want and bread we must have," when an awkward crush took place, caused by new arrivals trying to crowd into the room. The chairman was appealing for order when part of the floor gave way and numbers of the audience fell into the gaping gulf which appeared. The weight of the people who fell with the floor broke through the floor of the rooms beneath and the unfortunate victims crashed into the cellar, amongst beer barrels and stillages, heaped one upon another in a distorted state. The portion of the floor which collapsed was only six yards square and the fact that over 200 persons were precipitated down the hole is evidence of the extreme closeness with which the occupants of the room were packed. Many who were standing upon the unbroken part of the floor were actually propelled into the gulf by the thrust of the living mass around them. The chairman narrowly escaped; barely more than a foot of sound flooring separated his chair from the edge of the hole. Seven young women were seated on a bench fastened to the wall and when the floor gave way they found their feet and legs suspended over the gulf, but they managed to hold on to the seat until they were rescued.

The scene in the cellar was dreadful - 29 persons were killed and many injured. When the cellar was searched, after all the bodies had been extricated, over 120 hats and 50 bonnets, shawls and cloaks were found.

The Verdict

The verdict at the inquest was "Accidental Death", but the belief for many years, persistently held by a large number of operatives, was that the disaster was the result of foul play. There is, however, no doubt that the jury's conclusions were correct.

The Casualties

The names and ages of those killed were:

Anne Adams (13)
William Bartley (22)
Richard Boam (27)
Robert Broadbent (21)
Betty Bromiley (21)
Alice Brown (19)
Joseph Cartledge (23)
Daniel Clough (17)
William Crooks (21)
Maria Heys (23)
John Hill (19)
Joseph Higham (19)
Thomas Howarth (21)
Eliza Howarth (22)
John Hunt (26)

Edward Morton (20)
George Newson (21)
Mary North (21)
Anne Penny (16)
Levi Rowbotham (60)
Ellen Shelmerdine (25)
Sarah Slater (11)
Anne Stead (23)
Deborah Swindells (19)
Thomas Swindells (22)
Heny Stafford (24)
Levi Thomas (24)
Joseph Ward (23)
James Williamson (25)

(There are minor discrepancies with regards to several of the dead according to different sources)

The Aftermath

On Sunday 12th April 1829, the Reverend James Brooks, minister of Hyde Chapel, preached a funeral sermon to a crowd of over 6,000 people in a field off Kingston Brow. Following the disaster, a relief fund was started for the benefit of the sufferers. The amount raised was£703 16s. 10d.

The disaster was known as "May's Downfall" because a Mr. John May was the landlord of The Norfolk Arms at the time.

The Norfolk Arms closed in 1960 for the redevelopment of the market centre and the licence was transferred to a new public house on Knott Lane called the Apethorn.

Thanks to Paul H for the photograph and Tameside for the history behind it.

Very much appreciated.

Another tantalising view of of The Norfolk Arms

Picture supplied by Fred Booth

Whit Walks 1966

2011-12-12T01:34:00.002Z

These two rather fabulous photos were lent to us by David.

They show the Whit Walks in 1966 and were taken at the bottom of Market Street just below Union Street. The houses are long gone but the shops still remain, albeit different business's now.

Savilles was a cobblers and the shop next door was a newsagents ,so I'm told.

Todays view courtesy of Google maps.

Many Thanks, David. Much appreciated ! :)

Views from Holy Trinity Church Tower

2011-12-11T02:45:00.001Z

Below are a few photographs taken from the top of the tower of Holy Trinity Church back in the mid 1990's.

Hyde in Lights

2011-12-10T00:45:00.000Z

I finally timed my shopping trip to take in the christmas lights...
Well worth the wait, I think !

Hyde Seal Swimming and Polo Club.

2011-12-09T00:11:00.000Z

Here is a photograph showing Hyde Seal Swimming Club circa 1970.

I recognise a few faces on here but the only name I can come up with is Ruth Grantham who is on the front row, 5th left.

If anyone knows any more names please let us know so we can add them.

HISTORY OF THE CLUB

Hyde Seal Swimming Club was established in 1895.
They were World Water Polo Champions in 1904,1905 and 1906 and English Water Polo Champions 1903/04/05/08/11/12/13/20/24.

The club used to be based at Hyde Baths but since their demolition it now uses Denton baths and Copley Recreation Centre.

The following article can be found on Hyde Seals website... hydeseal

"A stunning statue of a seal was revealed at Hyde Town Hall on Friday 25th May 2007 to commemorate one of Britain's least known but most impressive sporting achievements.

The statue recognises Hyde Seal's treble in the world water polo championships between 1904 and 1906.

Hyde Seal's men's team travelled to Paris in 1904 as English champions. They took part in a competition organised by the French newspaper L'Auto and defeated the defending champions, Brussels, 14-2 in a match which was played in the River Marne.

The team included George Wilkinson who went on to captain Great Britain to the Olympic water polo gold at the 1908 games in London and at Stockholm in 1912. Hyde Seal returned to Paris in 1905 and 1906 to retain their title but the club's achievements did not end then.

In the ensuing years it has produced swimmers such as Lillian Preece and Sylvia Platt-Rogers.

Counciller Jackie Lane said: "Hyde's Seal's achievement cannot be understated. Hyde Seal has continued to do the people of Hyde, and indeed Tameside, proud in the 100 years since those victories in Paris. It is only right that the borough should regognise that through our ongoing and innovative street art project."

The unveiling took place at Hyde Town Hall Olive Bowker who won Leadbitter Knott Challenge Cup as schoolgirl champion of Hyde in 1932 and 1933 was there.

The group's championship trophy, the Spirit of the Whirlpool designed by Max Blondat, was at the unveiling as well as a ball from one of the finals and several medals".

George Wilkinson

George Wilkinson, like many sportsmen of his day, went on to be a publican and was the landlord at the Wheatsheaf pub.

Werneth Low In The Snow

2011-12-08T00:03:00.001Z

What a stunning photograph this is. I'd like to thank Tony Husband for this great view. I've had the pleasure of seeing many of Tony's photographs now.. he might be better known for his cartoons but the artist shows through in his photography work as well..

Thank to Paul Brooks for sending this in.

Stockport Road View ( Again)

2011-12-07T10:22:00.000Z

This is a view from Stockport Road... but can you tell just where from? as I'm not 100% sure.

Hyde "Grand Prix" Cycle Race

2011-12-06T00:30:00.000Z

Here we have some photos of Hydes "Grand Prix" Cycle Race taken in 1952.
I have to admit that I know nothing of this race and hope someone can fill in some history on it, in particular, who won that year and who presented the trophy.

Corner of Mottram Road and Lumn Road. Brook Street is in the background ,to the left.

The same view in 2010

Same view today courtesy of Google maps.

Just turning up the corner of Lumn Road from Mottram Road. The Co-op building is to the right of the picture.I love the cobbled road although I bet it wasn't very comfortable to cycle over !!

...and we have a winner...!!

The winner is presented with the cup !!

Fantastic photos loaned to us by Tony Downend and taken by his Father.
Thanks very Much Tony, much appreciated ! :)

Old Isaac's or Cloughfold Farm

2011-12-05T00:01:00.001Z

Clough Fold Farm

Old Isaac's

On the Cheshire Tithe map of 1836-51 the area is shown as 'Old Isaac's', alas I've not been able to find out any more about the name or if a man called Isaac once lived there.. the date stone below might hold the answer. The area was owned by Thomas Howard according to the plot details, but the farm was occupied by a Betty Clough, maybe this is when the farm became came known as Clough Fold Farm.

Whilst looking at the Tithe map I checked out some of the plot names which I found interesting.

Old Isaac’s, 14 Perches. Described as a Garden

Ben Meadow, 1 acre 2 rods and 37 perches. Described as a Meadow

Ben Croft, 25 perches. Described as a Orchard

Cow Lane Field, 4 acre’s 3 rods 31 perches.Described as a Pasture

Butty Meadow, 1 acre’s 2rod’s 10 perches. Described as a Meadow

The Ordnance Survey map of 1910 now shows the area named as Cloughfold Farm. My dad and my grandfather before him had a series of allotments on land belonging to Cloughfold farm. Eventually this land and more like it was sold for development. I have very fond memories of how the allotments looked and the comradeship of the men who worked them.. Dads had it's own well which was well used by all the allotments until a standpipe was made available.

The map now shows a modern view of the area and the development of housing, The 'Clough' name still lives on in the road Clough Fold Road.. and the farm is still standing in the same place but was rebuilt in 1905 after a fire.

The date stone shows this building dates back to 1717, and was indeed rebuilt in 1905... what is interesting is the initials I. A. Could this be the Old Isaac's initials, and if so could the A be for Ashton.... The Ashton's have farmed in Werneth and Gerrards and hereabouts for donkeys years.. and if it was the Ashton's maybe the plots named Ben Meadow and Ben Croft are named after an Ashton also, as Benjamin was a family name that shows up in future generations.

I am more than pleased to be able to show this post today as I thought the farm building had been demolished around the time Clough Fold Road was built. I have to thank our Dave for the pictures and for bringing back so many memories of happy times spent in this area in the early 1960s. Cheer Dave

View of Hattersley

2011-12-04T12:07:00.005Z

Here's a nice shot of Hattersley as seen from Werneth Low.

Mottram church can be seen middle/top of the photograph.
It's such a beautiful area.

Thanks to John Hopwood for the photo !

All but one of the Tower blocks were demolished around ten years ago. Waterside, Underwood, Hattersley,Chapman, Sandybank, Fields and Honiton Courts were built in the early 1960's . The 14 storey building were 110 ft high so, after demolition, the difference to the landscape was major!
Tameside Court is the only one now remaining.

The following is taken from an Advertiser article published in 2003...

Farms lose out to vast housing estate

"THE swinging sixties saw great changes in the physical appearance of the towns of Tameside.
At Hattersley, the farms and scattered cottages gave place to a vast estate to house Manchester's overspill.
Hyde's boundaries were extended to include the area, although all the costs were met by Manchester. Building began early in the sixties and the first families moved onto the estate in May 1963.
They were welcomed by the Mayor of Hyde and received free milk and sausages from Wall's factory at Godley.
By August 1964 there were 4,000 people in Hattersley, served by just one doctor !!"

Mottram Church

Views around the 'Gib'

2011-12-03T10:39:00.000Z

We have Nick Folwell to thank for these pictures... he was inspired to send them in after seeing some of the pictures Dave as shown on Gibraltar.

Gatepost to what was the 'Big House'

Remnants of one the Air Raid Shelters

A great view of the weir from the Haughton side

Great picture Nick... all of which bought happy memories from my childhood flooding back... keep your picture coming in everybody, it's always a pleasure showing them here.

Views from Werneth Low

2011-12-02T06:00:00.010Z

The following pictures were sent in by our regular contributor and reader Susan Jaleel.. Susan took these on Werneth Low on 22nd May 2010 - the evening of which, she says, had been the hottest Spring day for a long time .

Thank you Susan... always a pleasure to open an email and find pictures attached... feel free to send in any you have that we could show.

Hyde's Local Artist

2011-12-01T00:30:00.000Z

I thought it was about time we celebrated Hyde's very own Artist !

So, todays post is about the life and times of Harry Rutherford.
A very talented man, indeed.

This leaflet was given to us by John and Doreen Morris.
Many Thanks for sharing !!

Ridling Lane

2011-11-30T00:58:00.004Z

As we were discussing Ridling Lane and Harolds Shop the other day I thought I'd show this photo today. Harolds, or Matts, depending on which generation you come from is the shop on the corner of Ridling Lane whilst George and Kathleen Bennetts newsagent shop is next door but one going down the hill (you can see the awning ). Sadly the paper shop is no longer there but the corner shop is still going strong.
Deal Street is just past the parked car.

Ridling Lane

A recent shot courtesy of Google maps.

The site of Hiltons sweet shop on the opposite corner of Ridling Lane - The best penny tray in the world, now a house.

Photo's Sent From New Zealand

2011-11-29T00:10:00.002Z

We do enjoy checking the emails that you send in... more so when pictures are sent as well... We were very pleased to have been contacted from New Zealand by Bren and Al Maddocks. I'll turn the post over to Al.

"I found some 6 x 6 slides but unfortunately they have deteriorated over time and are in very bad condition. I have tried to restore the slides but with not much success, these are the best so far.

Werneth Low War Memorial and a youngster interested in what Bren and I were doing. As you can see the colours are fading leaving a pink cast.

September 1966 to december 1969 I worked at Godley Footwear. There were 2 factories, Bottom Street and at Douglas Street. The following 2 photographs where taken on a sunny day in 1967. at the Bottom Street Factory.

Janet and John. Janet was a machinist I think and John a sewing machine mechanic. John was Irish a great feller with a great sense of humour.

Phyllis and Pauline both were machinists. They are sat on the wall at the main gate. Sorry I cannot remember any surnames.

There must be plenty of old employees of Godley Footwear still around and just to help them remember me, I looked a lot like this feller, only with dark hair and more of it.

Cheerio for now, Best wishes from Bren and Al Maddocks.

Thank you for them post Al.... I hope some folks stop by and read this who recall you and Bren.... or maybe others will send in some pictures like these of past work mates... would be nice if you could make contact with friends past.

Fox Holes Farm and Thistley Fields Farm

2011-11-28T13:30:00.000Z

A couple of pictures of old Hyde Farms.

Fox Holes Farm

Thistley Fields Farm

Circa 1910

Circa 2009

R.I.P. The Globe

2011-11-27T00:23:00.004Z

Just thought I'd post these few photos to show people who remember The Globe Public House what it is looking like since it closed its doors to the public.
It's such a shame to see another once great pub now being used for flats.

Views from Lumn Road

Looking up Ridling Lane

Theatre Royals Last Program

2011-11-26T00:03:00.001Z

Graeme Green as kindly provided us with all the pictures and information in this post, which we are very grateful for. Graeme says....

I came across the last Cinema program printed from June 1993...

In the early 1990s, the London based owners decided to close the Theatre Royal down in August 1993 as they considered it a liability. The theatre was full for the last few days of business, with people still offering support to Hyde's last local cinema. The final film to be shown was Walt Disney's classic, The jungle Book.

Pictures and information by Graeme Green

Stockport Road Views

2011-11-25T00:02:00.005Z

Looking up Stockport Road towards the cemetery, date around 1906

Looking down Stockport Road just past the cemetery, the Clarkes Arms is just visible in the distance. Date around 1906.

Pictures and information from Paul Taylor

Old Postcards

2011-11-24T00:30:00.000Z

Two nice postcards here.

First one is on Green Lane looking towards Mottram Old Road & the second one is an unknown location but thought to be on Werneth Low.

Both Postcards look from the same era judging by the boys shirts.

Hyde Park Band Stand

2011-11-23T03:07:00.000Z

I've fond memories of this bandstand from different times in my life.. earliest memories are of school summer holidays when a few sandwiches, crisps and a drink of pop would be our picnic out on the grass whilst watching a band or a Punch and Judy show. We would meet up with our Aunty Doris and my cousins and enjoy an afternoon together. Happy days indeed.
The bandstand was also a place we would 'hang about' at school dinner times... hoping to get a glimpse of the girls from Flowery Field school... and then later on if you'd been lucky enough to get a date meeting the same girls.. I'm lucky if I could make it up the steps never mind chasing a girl around it for a kiss..

1920s

1960s

November 2011

Do you have memories of the bandstand?

Windy Harbour

2011-11-22T00:30:00.006Z

A nice photo of the view from Windy Harbour.
Quite spectacular on a clear day!
Photo circa 1980's we think.

Thanks to John and Doreen Morris for this lovely shot!

The four pictures below were taken today (22,11,2011)

By Dave

Great Pictures as always Dave

A photo of Windy Harbour probably in the 1990's. I think that the restaurant had just shut down at the time. Paul.

Views Around Hyde (3)

2011-11-21T14:31:00.001Z

These are the two photos I took in Gower Hey Woods only days apart - on 26th and 30th November - last year.

Dave

Thanks to Dave for these pictures from last November... as we are now approaching the same date I'm wondering if we are in for a similar sight soon... it as certainly been cold enough at night... yet the seasons still seem to be mixed up with flowers showing and both dead leaves and buds on the same trees. I've noticed that the Holly trees are very full of berries, and the birds are visiting the garden in greater numbers. Grit salt is being advertised, and snow shovels are for sale on the market.

If you have pictures to share off the views you come across this winter please send them in and we can show of the beauty of Hyde in winter.

Hyde Scout Week 1960

2011-11-20T08:00:00.001Z

Below are a few pages from a 44 page booklet produced for the "Hyde Scout Week" held in April 1960. There are two forewards, one by Charles McClean who was the Chief Scout of all England and the other by Alan Jolly who was the Mayor of Hyde at the time. Items covered include the annual "Bob-a-Job" week, Wolf Cub pack, Scout group packs, Queens scouting and many more.

Front Cover of booklet.

"Flannagans" or "Flanagans" ?

2011-11-19T00:30:00.001Z

Dave noticed this a while back and was reminded of it when Nancy did a post last week on Adverts from 1968.. one of the adverts was for 'The Moulders Arms' which this pub used to be called.
The Moulders dated back to the 1860's.

Dave has a great knack for noticing such things and I hope he shares others with us.

Postcard of Gee Cross

2011-11-18T00:27:00.001Z

Here is a nice postcard sent to us by Arthur C...... It shows Stockport Road in Gee Cross.
Not a car in sight - just a horse and cart!
The Post Office building is still there today, alas now a house and not the much missed Post Office which was the hub of the community...

Gee Cross in a more genteel era!

Hyde Little Theatre Production.

2011-11-17T00:30:00.017Z

A little bit of promotion for Hyde Little Theatre's latest production.

If you are looking to start your Christmas celebrating early then why not help support your local Theatre group whilst having a really great night out !

Be there or be square !

Croft Street /Albert Road Junction.

2011-11-16T01:18:00.001Z

Here is a photograph of the shop at the Croft Street and Albert Road Junction.

The shop was there for many years but is now sadly closed its doors as many of the small corner shops have. It was an owned by an old lady called Ma Thickett when I was a teenager. She was notorious for selling 1 cigarette and 2 matches in a 2 oz triangular paper sweet bag to the older "braver" kids on the way to Hyde Town Hall disco on a Thursday night.

Not guilty, Mum , if you're reading this ;-)

A recent shot taken from Google maps.

Commercial Street or Hoviley

2011-11-15T00:03:00.001Z

Top end of Commercial Street

Bottom end of Commercial Street

But Hoviley still thinks it is there.

Posted on behalf of Dave

Hyde Mystery Photograph

2011-11-14T08:00:00.002Z

Another mystery photograph for which I am seeking information. I am fairly sure the photo was taken somewhere in Hyde. There is an advert for the Scala picture house, and for pet supplies. The large building wall to the left is a bit baffling. Just who are the men in the picture, where are they and what are they doing. It's over to you.

If anyone is interested I have a quantity of my book available (Hyde The Third Selection) for sale at below half price. They are brand new and are now at £6.00 + £1.50 P & P (original price £12.99). Please e-mail me at taylorpaul@btinternet.com if interested.

At The Going Down Of The Sun

2011-11-13T00:01:00.034Z

This is one of our Dave's favourite photos of Werneth Low, which he took in 1994. He calls it 'At the going down of the sun.......' he sent this in a while back to post as a favourite place photo.. but I thought then it would make a great start to a post I had planned for today..

The pictures below were sent in to us last December by Arthur Heywood who took these pictures whist touring the war grave sites of Belgium.. Dave tells me that before he goes he researches where the soldiers lived and takes a stone from there about's to place on the grave.... what a thoughtful thing to do.

76512Private George Kay

Age 37

1st/7th Bn. Cheshire Regiment

Son of Susannah Kay, of Hyde, and the late William Kay; husband of Eliza Kay,

Of 55, Tom Shepley St., Hyde, Cheshire.

HOOGE CRATER CEMETERY

Belgium

1592 Private Harold Smith

Age 18

1st/6th Bn. Cheshire Regiment

Of Castle Street Newton, and 10 Cheetham Street Hyde

WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY

Belgium

Private 16515 John Heywood

Age 25

13th Bn. Cheshire Regiment

Son of James and Esther Heywood of 5, Albion Streer Hyde.

WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY

Belgium

Private 71638 John Morris

75th Coy, Machine Gun Corps. Infantry

(Formally 36837 Cheshire Regiment)

Of 30 Brook Street Hyde

HYDE PARK CORNER (ROYAL BERKS) CEMETERY PLOEGSTEERT

Belgium

Lance Corporal 10108 Joseph Leech

Age 26

10th Bn. Cheshire Regiment

Son of George Leech

of 2 Ellen Street Godley Hyde

LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY

Belgium

Private 19997 John James Riley

Age Unknown

10th Bn. Army Cyclist Corps

Attached to 1st/22nd Bn. London Regiment

Formerly 387 Welsh Div. Cyclist Coy

Of 81 Nelson Street Hyde

Private 1073 Thomas Mather

Age 22

1st/6th Bn. Cheshire Regiment

Son of James Henry and Ellen Mather

Of 124, Stockport Road Gee Cross Hyde

WULVERGHEM-LINDENHOEK ROAD MILITARY CEMETERY

Belgium

Private 49657 William Wilson

Age 21

13th Bn. Cheshire Regiment

Son of Mary Wilson, and the late Robert Wilson

Of County Council Dispensary Beeley Street Hyde

BERKS CEMETERY EXTENSION

Belgium

Some more adverts from 1968

2011-11-12T13:18:00.001Z

Adverts taken from a Hyde United programme from 1968.

Moulders Arms - there's still a pub in this building - Flannagans Bar !

Not many coal merchants about nowadays !

Is there still a garage of some sort here?

Ah, Meschia's ! Such great memories of this place. We're still on the hunt for a photo of Meschia's Milk bar - if anyone out there has one, PLEASE send it to us ! :)

Thanks to Graeme Morris for these adverts !!

LEST WE FORGET.

2011-11-11T13:30:00.003Z

Gone,but NEVER Forgotten.

View of long gone shops.

2011-11-10T00:30:00.000Z

The other day we had a couple of people mention Kayes gift shop that used to stand opposite the Bush pub on Market Street. Here is the row of houses and shops that Kayes stood with.
The White building in the middle was the Laundry which was owned by Harry Rutherfords brother. Kayes shop is the first shop after the laundry going up Market Street.
James North factory (formerly Slack Mill) which dominates the photo is a familiar building to all Hydonians above a certain age!
I'm not sure of the date of the picture but I'm guessing at late 1970's /early 1980's as the houses look derelict and ready for demolition?
Anyone out there have any ideas?.

Thanks to Ron P. for a super photo.
It certainly brought back a lot of memories for me !

Hyde from up High !

2011-11-09T01:35:00.002Z

Todays picture is an unusual view of Hyde's Clarendon Shopping Centre taken from the top of Chartist House.
I love how the cars on the Multi storey car park are made to look like toy cars.
John Grundy House is at the top in the middle , the Old Supermarket is top right with the Town Hall showing in the background to the left. Beeley Street, where the Lads Club used to stand, is middle,left.

Photo taken circa 2004

View Of Bennett Street

2011-11-08T08:45:00.000Z

I've been looking for older pictures of Bennett Street Newton.... and I've found them very hard to come across. If you'd like to add any pictures of Bennett Street.. or memories and information please do so. You can email to hydonian@gmail.com and when we have enough I'll make one big post of them.

Sam Marshall's Warehouse

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000Z

The following was supplied by Dave.

It shows Sam Marshall's Warehouse which, by the looks of things, sold all kinds of clothes, ties, hats & umbrellas amongst other items !
Looks a very well stocked place indeed!

Sam, if that is him pictured, looks very proud of his business and quite rightly so !

This is the location of the warehouse .
221 Market Street, which is just below the Co-op building on the corner of Queen Street.
This area was a thriving centre for shops and businesses.

Cemetery Postcard

2011-11-06T12:00:00.001Z

Here's an old postcard of the Cemetery gates. Unfortunately there is no date on it.
Probably taken not long after the cemetery opened in 1894

A recent view taken from a similar angle courtesy of google maps.
Not changed a great deal really !

From this angle the spire on the chapel can be made out.

Newton Railway Depot

2011-11-05T08:18:00.003Z

I know very little of Newton Railway Depot, yet it must have been a very busy place at one time. If you have anything to add I'd be very pleased to hear it.

A few more local railway photographs:-

Mottram Old Road & the new bridge over the L.N.E.R Line, c 1930's

67403 Train leaving Hyde Junction Station in 1953

76008 & 76030 Trains at Godley Station in 1973

Hyde Central Railway Station in the 1960's

Ashton Brothers Views

2011-11-04T08:31:00.001Z

View from Park Road

View From Lodge Lane

Thank you to Grant for these pictures, he took these in the early 1990s

Aerial View

2011-11-03T00:33:00.000Z

JohnT sent us an aerial view of part of Gee Cross with Dowson Primary School, on York Road Fields, central. Gower Hey Woods are to the right of the picture.
It is pre 2003.

Dowson Primary school pre 2003

It just reminds us how much lovely open space we have in the area!

Many Thanks, John!

Notable Visits to Hyde

2011-11-02T00:30:00.003Z

Dave sent us these interesting newspaper clippings of more notable visits to Hyde with the following information....

" Here are 4 more newspaper clippings of visits to Hyde by notable people. Three give you the dates, the one of Montgomery says it was 10 years after his victory at El Alamein - which was in 1942, so his visit would have been in 1952."

Harold Macmillan on Hyde Market.

Field Marshal Montgomery meets workers at Ashton Brothers in 1952

Many Thanks, Dave.

Crossroads

2011-11-01T11:05:00.002Z

The Crossroads at the top of Joel Lane, close to Werneth Low. This was once a very popular spot for walkers and hikers, particularly in Victorian times. In 1838 horse racing was established on Werneth Low near to the Hare and Hounds Inn. The first day of racing over 6000 people attended The last races were held in 1850, abandoned due to lack of interest.

Picture & Information from Paul Taylor

......

I should think this area is one of the most photographed in Hyde... even today it is a lovely spot to rest awhile and watch the world go by. As for the race meetings I wonder how they would fare today. It seems every other farm now offers stabling for horses... Gambling is now thrust into our living rooms almost hourly, never mind daily maybe the crowds would be tempted back.. Can you imagine the problem these days with parking... still I'm sure Tameside could levy a change out of it, if they can do it at the top of the multi-story car park, the top of Werneth Low must be very tempting...

Free Library and Technical School

2011-10-31T09:38:00.000Z

Picture and information from Paul

The present Library on Union Street was originally opened as a Free Library and Technical School in 1899. The children's library was opened later in 1931 by Thomas Middleton J.P. Date of the above picture around 1906

..................

The above set of pictures were taken by Dave Williams

The Queen in Hyde

2011-10-30T00:30:00.006+01:00

After discussing the Coronation crown in another thread in the past few days, I received this interesting article off Dave, our resident photographer, and thought it deserved an airing on here !

The Queen's visit 1968

Thanks Dave, as ever !

Nancy's Post

Up dated by

Tom & Dave with help from T.D.

When Dave came up with this picture of the above Crown there was a discussion about when this picture was taken... there was a Crown exactly like this in Hyde Park for the Queens Coronation in 1953, then we thought of 1977.. but I did not recognised the policeman.. and at that time I thought I would have... Luckily we contacted one of Hyde's Finest' (now retired) who was able to throw some light on this... he sent us this message.

"I don`t think its 1977 - I came to Hyde in 1974 and by 1977 knew all the officers on the division- I don`t recognise this one. I think this was taken during the days when Hyde was Cheshire County Police. The coat he is wearing does not appear to be GMP issue, also the blue of the shirt collar is darker than those I wore. If he was a Hyde Officer in 1977 he would have the letter G on his epaulette above his number, he appears to have the Cheshire County Insignia on his right shoulder. I might be wrong, but could it be 1968 when there was a royal visit to the Borough?"

After another discussion with Dave about this we now think that the above picture is from the Royal Visit in 1968... if there's any more pictures out there from this visit we'd love to see them... my thank to T.D. for his help with dating this.

I do like it when a post comes together like this.. Team work at it's best.. :O)

NTA Printers

2011-10-29T12:15:00.001+01:00

Here are a few aeriel shots of NTA Printers before it became Ricky Hattons Gym.

The Building was known as Andrew House officially.

I always thought they had the coolest phone number in Hyde - 368 0000. I wonder if the gym took over this number?

Taken from Market Street side

Taken from Queen Street side

Taken from Market Street side looking uphill

I remember this site long before NTA Printers were there.

I recall running the length of Queen Street , where my Nan lived, cutting across the spare ground that NTA was built on, behind the billboards and through the garages, to a grocers shop on Market Street called Wilds, to get a loaf of Champion bread and two bottles of sterilised milk and a treat if there was any change (there always was ) :)

Ahh .... happy days !!

The George Pub - "Now and Then".

2011-10-28T10:29:00.000+01:00

Todays post shows how the George Pub looks now and a comparison shot of how it used to look.

I used to love this pub.
It was a nice friendly place to meet friends, did great food and had some really excellent live music acts on.
Such a shame it was one that disappeared.

More Hyde Park..

2011-10-27T00:30:00.001+01:00

Here are a couple more photos of Hyde Park from Tony.

View from the bottom gates ,winter 1952

The same view taken in 2011
How much more overgrown it looks in the second photo !

Thanks as always ,Tony !

Hyde Shops

2011-10-26T09:49:00.000+01:00

Can you name this shop?

What I'd like to do is a series of posts on Hyde shops... we all have certain memory's of our favourite shop, or shops that mum might have dragged you around whilst shopping. Maybe you or a relative worked there, or just shopped there. Whatever your memories are I would like to hear them... either in the comments of this post or even better by email at hydonian@gmail.com. What would be great is if you have any pictures of the shops or adverts about them. The shops might not be the subject of the photo you have but can be seen in the background.. that is fine we could still use it.

Pictures are best sent scanned and attached in an email... or if you don't have access to a scanner let us know and we could arrange to scan them for you. I'm sure something could be sorted out.

Castle Steps in Hyde Park

2011-10-25T00:30:00.000+01:00

A couple of "before and after" shots from Tony.

Hyde Park "castle" steps in 1952
Is the path in the background, going up the hill, still there?
I like the little flower beds, next to the stream.

..and in 2010

It is so much more overgrown in the later shot.

Thanks Tony, for sharing with us :)

Mount Pleasant, Barmhouse Lane, Godley

2011-10-24T08:56:00.002+01:00

The following is an extract from an interview with a Mr Morris of Barmhouse Lane, Godley on March 19, 1985. The interviewer was Norma Woods, who was a member of the Hyde Historical Society. The society were very active in the researching of the local history of Hyde in the 1980's. They produced many booklets on the subject.

"The end cottage in Barmhouse Lane was originally a pub called the Mount Pleasant Inn, which closed some 130 years ago. The Lane originally started as Tetlow Fold Lane. In the cellar of the cottage was an old well, which presumably was used for cooling the beer. This has now been covered due to flooding.

The cottage has been in the family for 130 years since it closed as a pub. Godley reservoir was being made at the time and the railway line to Sheffield about the same time. There were a lot of men knocking about who patronised it.

Anne Wrigley built the house and opposite there were 5 more houses and when Manchester Corporation bought the property they knocked them down about 100 years ago. My mother remembered the houses but they were before my time.

My mother used to hear water rats in the cellar, splashing about. The Manchester Corporation put down broken glass and bars and they never came back again.

Mr Morris commented that Godley had never developed due to the narrow bridge over the railway and it would never amount to much until the bridge was widened. He said the field at the back of his cottage had been sold for £30,000 but they could not build on it yet because of the narrow bridge and if they had it widened they would not make any money on the house building."

As a researcher in Pub history I was surprised when I first read this, that I had missed one in my book. I have gone over all the directories of the time , but have been unable to find any reference to a Public house called the Mount Pleasant Inn. The only reference I could find was in 1869 when an Abraham Tetlow was indicated to be a shopkeeper at "Mount Pleasant". Maybe he sold beer as well, which many shopkeepers did at the time.

Looking back at old maps it appears that "Mount Pleasant" was the name for the area around the collection of cottages.

Tithe map of the area around 1840.

Map of the area around 1910.

Construction of the new bridge in the 1980's

Hyde Park 1953

2011-10-23T00:28:00.005+01:00

We are very lucky to have received some wonderful photos from Tony Downend. His father was a semi professional photographer and took many photos around Hyde.

Here are a few to begin with...

To celebrate the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953....

Same view in 2010

The Coronation Crown outside Bayley Hall in Hyde Park 1953

Same view 2010

I haven't seen any other photos of this event so it makes it all the more special.

Thanks so much, Tony - I'm looking forward to showing off many more of your Fathers wonderful photographs on this blog!

Methodist New Connexion Chapel

2011-10-22T14:42:00.001+01:00

The Methodist New Connexion Chapel was situated on Muslin Street (now known as Talbot Road) in Newton. It was originally known as the Muslin Street Methodist. The original chapel was built in 1815, but due to disrepair it was demolished and the building in the photo was and opened in 1884. In 1907 the church joined with the United Methodist Free Church and formed the United Methodist Church.

Picture and information by Paul Taylor

If you have any information or memories of this building we be happy to included them here

Barry Lewis as sent in this picture which was taken in 1909... It shows exactly where the Methodist church stood on Muslin Street..

Buses Around Hyde

2011-10-21T03:04:00.001+01:00

We had a comment from a Bill Crompton whose now living in Spain, he thanked us for the memories this site gives him. Bill mentioned the No.15 bus.. I know we have shown a picture of the No. 15 before, but thought I'd show it again for Bill and add a few more as well..

Bus in Hamnett Street at the side of Woolworths around the 1950s. The shop opposite was the U.C.P. cafe.

Single deck bus stoped outside of Woolworths in Hamnett Street, on it's way to Walker Fold.

A couple of old buses parked up in Hyde bus station around the early 1960s.

The 125 bus parked up in Hyde bus station. The bus is parked up in front of what was later to become the joint doctors surgery... Donnybrook House.

A No.4 double decker bus on its way to Hyde bus station from Carrbrook crossing the Bennett Street bridge over the old Great Central Railway line in Flowery Field.

A No. 125 bus parked up in the old Hyde bus station on George Street. The 125 was the faster of the two services to Manchester from Hyde, the other being the 210 service which reputedly stopped at every other lamp-post.

This photo is of a painting by my Dad, Jack Morris.
It is called "The last 210" and shows the 210 bus at the Market,outside the Town Hall. The painting was done circa 2003 and now resides in Utah ,USA !