Droylsden and Audenshaw (Images of England)

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was The Odeon at Guide Bridge, now a catholic church, the Pavilion on Old street quite close to the Kenny Barnes passed away around the age of 41-42 in Openshaw where he lived on the village. We were friends up until the time he died but I was working away and missed the funeral. my teens I still went to the wakes with my friends, but it wasn’t the rides that attracted me, it was the

I remember the rag and boneman coming to Holden Street for rags, and my stepmother getting the stone so I could do the kitchen floor as it was cement not tiled. I had to wash the floor then stone it and, if I remember, it came up a sandy colour. Joe Anyway it goes on to say that they were made from powdered stone quarried in Wigan and Northampton. One of the biggest manufacturers, Eli Whalley, was in Ashton. They produced 2.5 million donkey stones per year (that's a lot of doorsteps)!! and closed in 1979. You didn't have to buy donkey stones as the rag and bone man gave them you in exchange for old clothes. Now you can buy them at Bailey's Hardware in Ashton Market- they cost 65 pence! Last week I saw Whitworth Baths disappear as the demolition crews moved in. What a piece of Openshaw history removed in a few weeks. Crossleys stand proud, although run down next door. A friend to everyone within a few miles of its welcoming doors – let us not forget Mr Antrobus also despite the names mentioned previously. Market St. East side above the butchers was a grocery shop. Run by Mr Ashton. Later by Frank Beresford. If I needed a new pair of sandals we went to Harry's stall. I'd always have to have the same T bar Clark's sandals, brown ones. Last year's sandals would have the toes cut out and be for 'playing out in'. The new ones were strictly 'for best' !

Tameside Memories

Droylsden’s artistic flair isn’t just about painting on canvas; it’s a testament to the town’s vibrant spirit. So, whether you’re an art aficionado or just curious, Droylsden’s arts scene promises to ignite your imagination and leave you inspired. I have to admit I know little of TV’s Coronation Street although my wife is a big fan. To live a life such as ‘David Platt’, as an example, you would have to be 300 years old! Not in any way a reflection of the Openshaw I grew up in years ago and especially not now. Ten businesses in one line of a street! Do me a favour. Most inner city mancs I know have the same opinion. Hi, Barry Lewis from Sydney, Australia. Expat Hyde boy, hoping you will publish this in your memories section. I remember wonderfully friendly neighbours and being given sixpence by my grandad to spend at the local sweetie shop. I can’t remember the road the shop was on but I do remember walking up harp st to a road that ran directly behind belsize garage and came out near redmonds on ashton old road. The sweet shop was just before you turned onto ashton old road.

Hello Skid! It's really exciting to read your response - thank you! I hope that we can begin to share some memories together. The Ridings family (Steve Petty will remember) lived in Vincent St, then on the ‘Village’. The father, Jim, passed away in the early 2000s’. The mum, Norma, passed away seven years past. The children, Lenny, Jimmy, David and Christine are mostly local. We found a bill in the shop counter (a 20 feet long mahogany-topped job) indicating that it was previously in a shop at Thompson Cross Stalybridge. After we sold the property in 1979, that counter returned to Stalybridge, to be used by Rothwell Auctioneers. At lunchtime we all crowded into the Town Hall and were given a rather badly cooked roast dinner, but it was time to show off again and my brother and I took to the stage and started singing songs for everyone. It was a long cold day but one that I will not forget. A few years later we used the hall for school discos, and I was quite sad when the place burned down whilst we were still at school. The front of the Hall was saved but the rest converted to a garden. Years later I had met and old friend from school who was later to become my husband and when we were first going out we used to walk through the garden bemoaning the fact that we didn’t yet have our own place. And often when completely worse for wear we would turn round and say that the garden was ‘our house’. P.S. I lived on Oldham Road where my father had a butchers shop. The property was at the bottom of Downshaw Road nearby to the Methodist Church.

Despite this I cannot help but view Openshaw through rose tinted spectacles despite the poverty, or at best, hardship. The heart fell out of the area it in the Thatchers years when 80-90% of the heavy engineering jobs disappeared. In 1980 we received the ‘Village’ estate from the government as Openshaw was reduced to rubble in the 1970’s to populate the new ‘Hulme’, ‘Hattersley’ and ‘Gamesley’. A monstrosity estate that was a no go area in the 1990’s due to the drug trade and drug wars. The Etihad Stadium and training facility is where Bradford Pit and the Clayton Aniline once stood. Even United fans have to admit City have been good for some Openshaw folk and the area in general.

Droylsden has a rich industrial heritage that weaves a captivating story of its rise as the Cotton Capital Mill Town. Pioneering Progress of this played a vital role in the textile industry’s evolution. What I do remember vividly in the summer months was the ‘red clouds’ released from the ‘Clayton Aniline’. (Usually at dusk but never in the day) Toxic by design but unbeknown to us, the chemical plant would send clouds of swifts or swallows crazy in summer over George St Park as its sinister ‘red dust’ presence disoriented them. They flew in circles for many a long hour as the sun set behind them. My father knew then what was messing with there sense of direction but i was to young to understand the poisons he spoke of. I often wonder how much of it was released into the atmosphere and came to rest over the good people of the area? I remember waking up to my mams ‘pink stained’ washing, left overnight on the line, stained by the same cloud, as I made my way to the outside toilet. It seems that Geoffrey was watching the competitors getting ready, when one was suddenly taken ill. The organisers were asking if anyone could dance and Geoffrey had volunteered, and the reason he couldn't let on to us was that he was, at the time, being judged going onto the playing fields. School rivalry in the 1950s between Waterloo Primary School and Christ Church (now Cannon Burrows) culminated in epic snowball fights between the two. The town is home to a wealth of local artistic talent, from painters and sculptors to musicians and writers. They breathe life into the cultural landscape. With galleries, theaters, and local exhibitions, it’s a haven for artists and art enthusiasts alike.

which meant we could be a bit further from the action, or reaction if we had to run for it. So, true My first job in 1953 was as a trainee sugar boiler but no not at Podmores in Ashton but at G.W.Laws at 135a Union street. This was a small 3 story factory stituated down the ginnel by the side of 135 Union street. I had a job on Bailey’s Hardware in the market in the summer of 1961. Bert the Manager told me that doormats were his ‘bread and butter’ so I was stationed to stand by them and flog as many as I could. Although it was summer they went like hot cakes day after day- all different sorts …… “Priced from 2/6 to our top brand (coloured all the way through), a bargain, darlin’ at only 7/6. Not many left and they’re ‘ard to get ‘old of” The town has a vibrant local music scene, with various live music venues, ensuring that residents can enjoy diverse musical talents. It has a long-standing tradition of choral singing, with several local choirs that have earned recognition and awards.

Looking through the front window of 145 watching cattle and sheep being herded up Union Street to make their way across Henrietta Street to the Union Street slaughter house. I think that these premises subsequently became a Car service Garage. i went to Elyshion st school i dont remember many boys or girls from there i think i wasnt very popular i did play a fairy in the school play though and still remember what i had to say till this day. Its residents take pride in preserving their history so future generations can enjoy its beauty. Its strength lies in its picturesque landscapes and the bond it binds its residents together. There is a sense of unity in this corner of the world, making it a truly special place. 4. Modern-Day Charms and Amenities Cod liver oil and malt. The cod liver oil was not very nice but was made palatable if followed by a large spoonfull of malt.

The Metrolink tram network connects the city to Manchester, making it a breeze to explore the region. Stroll along the canal towpaths to discover cozy cafes and charming pubs with waterside views. Each year, the town is adorned with vibrant floral displays. Just a short story about when my mother, brother and I had an unusual day out in the 1970’s. When the producers of a film set in wartime Lancashire were looking for a town in which to film they chose Stalybridge. Maybe you could take offence that the town hadn’t changed much in 35 years but we weren’t all that bothered. The film was called “Yanks” and starred Vanessa Redgrave and Richard Gere (Shame I was only 7 years old!) and we were chosen as “Extras”. The can was filled half full with the lumps of cotton then lit with a match. We would then fill the can with more cotton and put the lid down. A piece of string was tied to the can so that it could be swung to and fro. The holes in the can allowed air into it to keep the cotton burning and your hands nice and warm.