A group of us from Hazel Grove Club boarded the tram at Parr’s Wood in Didsbury, for an outing to the recently restored Rochdale Town Hall. The tram journey took about 1 hour 30 mins each way, giving us plenty of opportunity to chat and catch up on our news and events. We all posed in front of the Gracie Fields statue in the square for photographs, before we entered the historic building.

The impressive Town Hall a Grade I listed building, in Gothic Revival style, was completed in 1871. It was thought to be one of the ‘finest municipal buildings in the country’. The restoration was funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (and others). After coffee, we had an interesting guided tour led by volunteer Paul, who explained the symbolism involved with the ornate decoration of each room. The colourful stained glass windows and carved angels and animals, are all beautifully crafted. Many rooms are painted or stencilled, and ceiling panels show Rochdale’s important industrial connections with countries around the world. Minton tiles graced the entrance floors, with symbolism to Rochdale’s involvement in the textile trade and its rich cultural history. Then, we returned back to the restaurant, and enjoyed a delicious lunch.

We all agreed that the Town Hall is well worth a visit, and we would highly recommend it to other clubs.