HYDE CHESHIRE

Harry Rutherford's
Festival of Britain Mural




Monday 7 June 2010

Town Hall Post Cards

From The Book
Gleams Of Sunshine
By
James Leigh
Opening Of Hyde Town hall Clock And Bells
October 18th 1884
Presented By
Mr. Joshua Bradley, Of Godley

.
Hark! To those sounds of jubilee
In honour of our friend J.B.;
Hark! To those sounds -
Loud cheers are heard on every hand,
Whist with the music of the band,
The town resounds
.
With joyful step and hearts elate
This noble gift we celebrate
With demonstration:
Our hearty cheers this day we raise,
The givers worthy of all praise
And emulation.
.
But now’s the time, and now’s the hour
J.B. ascends the Town Hall Tower
To play his part, -
He starts the Clock, the Bells chime out,
And with the sounds, a mighty shout
Doth thrill the heart.
.


.
And now they’re off - the Town Hall Bells,
Each listening heart with pleasure swells,
To view the scene;
Strains of sweet music fill the air,
Whilst joyful faces everywhere
With pleasure beam.
.
As to the clock our eyes we lift,
We thank the donor for his gift
With loud acclaim.
And others will in future times,
When listening to those mellow chimes
Pronounce his name.
.
That grand old spinner’s played his part,
For he with large unselfish heart
Doth noble give;
Then let this mighty concourse sing
The words that in my ears now ring
Long may he live
.
Long may he live to view with pride
The gift he as bestowed on Hyde
For many years;
And when this generation’s gone,
Those Town Hall Bells may still chime on
For other ears.

12 comments:

Manchester Lass, Now and Then said...

Wonderful poem and the Town Hall is such a beautiful building:) I remember going to the disco nights there when I was around 14/15. I also remember the scene from Yanks that was filmed in the Town Hall. Happy days!

Hydonian said...

Great Post Tom!
I was at the Joshua Bradley last Thursday and was reading this poem as it's hanging upstairs there!

Tom said...

Linda:
I used to go to the Thursday Night disco's... Steve James was the DJ.. the doormen were all 'Big' and looked very smart in their maroon sports jackets, they came from Huddersfield. I'm sure Nancy as many memories from then and will recall the music played much better than I can... Linda you must send me a picture of yourself from back then.. and who you were friends with?
Nancy:
I was contacted by the owners or landlady just before they opened for any information on Joshua Bradley... alas at that time I was quite ill and could not help. I have not been there yet. I recall the building that was there being owned or used by ICI..
I would like to see the Town Hall bells Nancy... maybe we should get in touch with someone about it.

Hydonian said...

What a great idea ,Tom!
When Hattersley High was relocating to Gee Cross and they asked for names to be put forward ,I sent in "Joshua Bradley High School" as a name. I liked it because JB had a lot to do with trying to get education for the youngsters in the area so seemed an apt name. Alder Community High School won though!

imac said...

Ah, the bells - the bells....
Nice read of the Guildhall and I really enjoyed the poem too.

Ex Hydeonian said...

Tell you what hit me most about the poem here! What a remarkable insight into the social differences between then (1884) and now.

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