When emails come in I never know what will turn up... to say I was pleased with this contact is an understatement.
Over to Richard Thornley. "I came across these pictures recently when I was tidying up. I worked for the construction company that built Asda in Hyde. I took these photographs while the demolition of the old Fire Station and Health Clinic was going on. Many of the materials like slates, cast iron guttering and drainpipes and even some of the interior were sold off prior to the demolition. While we were carrying out the demolition of the Fire Station, we came across a stone plaque commemorating the opening of the station. I contacted Hyde Fire Station, and we carefully removed the plaque and transported it to the new Fire Station where they installed it in reception. I hope these picture are of some use to you."
Richard Thornley
All I can say is well done to all involved in saving this Plaque, this important bit of Hydes History could have been lost for ever if these workers had not had the sense to save it.
The old Health Clinic
What a fine looking building this was... it would have been the envy of many a local council to have such a building in it's town centre. The next few pictures are quite sad to see... can you believe those grand pillars and top couldn't be saved...
I asked Richard how come the stone work was demolished, and his answer was simple...
Richard said "They did try to sell the pillars & surrounding stonework, but couldn't find a buyer in time.
Unfortunately they were knocked down and then put through a stone crusher and used under the car park"
What a shame, such a sad sight.
What a shame, such a sad sight.
I'd like to say thank you to Richard for these great pictures and documenting the demise of these iconic Hyde buildings, and for having the hindsight to save the Fire Station Plaque and making sure it was safely removed to the Station on Railway Street.
Absolutely scandalous that these fine buildings were demolished. Hyde was a far richer and more interesting place before they were taken down.
ReplyDeleteA great big thanks to Tom and Richard for sharing these amazing photos. I feel quite sad at seeing these buildings go because they were some of my childhood landmarks. I hope Asda is appreciative of its town centre position and what was sacrificed in order for it to be there, but I doubt it somehow ......
ReplyDeletefantastic photos, the stone columns being pushed over, how sad
ReplyDeleteEXCELLENT PHOTOS, THANK YOU
ReplyDeleteYes thank you Tom & Richard for taking the time and effort to share these pictures with us.
ReplyDeleteIt is sad to witness my home town being trashed like this. A succession of idiots with no foresight or conscience have reduced this town to a joke. From the motorway bypass to this, now I understand they are "selling off" Hyde library.
Even the Germans couldn't do what these morons have accomplished since the late '60's. Very sad, gone forever. R.I.P. Hyde.
Wonderful to at least have this photographic record.
ReplyDeleteSpot on comments Susan, Sean and John Taylor. The visionary people who built the fine buildings for the town to enjoy would probably turn in their graves if they could see it now. Shame there is or was no law to stop the council from selling them off or demolishing them. Surely they (council) are merely caretakers for future generations?
ReplyDeleteShame.
What Sean D said.............and more!
ReplyDeleteFantastic photos. So glad they were taken to record the fine buildings that Hyde used to be filled with.
ReplyDeleteI would have the clinic and fire service buildings over ASDA ANY DAY !!
Thank you.
Barry in Oz here. Disgusted. Isn't it amazing that whilst other countries in the world are preserving their old buildings for posterity, Hyde is doing the opposite. Hyde Councillors are achieving something that the Germans couldn't do in WW2, demolishing our heritage. HANG YOUR HEADS IN SHAME.
ReplyDeleteWhat a sad lot of photos. I can't imagine that happening now.Pity we can't put the clock back.
ReplyDeleteBy the way Richard are you any relation to Barbara Thornley who went to Hyde Chapel. She was a bit older than me and I think she was Rose Queen or May Queen?
Ann Bacon(Stafford)
You'll probably see it again soon with the library and college.
ReplyDelete