previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 30 OCTOBER 2024
Sparrow Hill Heritage with Skylight Circus Arts
Review by Steve Cooke
Sparrow Hill is not just Skylight’s neighbourhood, it’s a place steeped in heritage. Funded by National Heritage Lottery Fund, Skylight’s Youth Circus and Silver Circus have been on a journey of discovery, exploring the rich history and mystery of Skylight’s unique location. They have unearthed some fascinating stories and learned about the incredible figures that have shaped our community. Here are some of the highlights from our journey:
The Domesday Book: Did you know that Rochdale was once called Recedham? They learned that the Saxon Thane, Gamel, ruled the area and ordered the construction of St Chad’s Church. It’s believed that a church has been on the site for a thousand years!
St Chad’s Church: As we approach the 830th anniversary, they delved into the treasure trove local heritage in our spectacular Parish Church. From stories of hedgehogs to Gamel the Thane and the legend of the goblins moving the stones, they were fascinated by this fantastic Church. They discovered that the font was previously buried and learned about the church extension with double apostle pillars.
Edward Burne Jones Window: The group were in awe of the stunning window created by the famous artist Edward Burne Jones in the church. It depicts the virtues of faith, hope, and charity.
Tim Bobbin: A famous local figure buried at St Chad’s is the satirical artist and poet, John Collier aka “Tim Bobbin.” Skylight were fascinated to learn about his life and work.
Hamlet Nicholson’s Grave: Did you know that the inventor of the compound cricket ball, Hamlet Nicholson, is buried in St Chad’s? They were surprised to learn about the connection between this local legend and our community.
In 1876 an outdoor ‘gymnasium’ opened in Broadfield Park – with circus skills!
There was a fascinating talk by Colin Meredith, who helped us discover the mysteries of our town. His insights gave us a deeper understanding of the history and characters of the past.
Their visit to local studies provided an opportunity to look deeper into the stories that make Sparrow Hill unique. From the Grammar School to John Bright’s protest at St Chad’s, they were curious to discover the people and events that have shaped our neighbourhood.
Using these fascinating finds, they worked with artist Kerith Ogden to create a giant pop-up book for storytelling performances in our neighbourhood!
‘Our journey of discovery has been an incredible experience. We’ve learned so much about the history and heritage of our community and we’re excited to share it with you. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Sparrow Hill and the incredible figures that have left their mark on our neighbourhood by coming along to one of our story telling performances!’
Margaret Ferguson and Jonathan Ellis’s dynamic performance at TLC.
Review by Dr joe Dawson
These two dynamic performers light up the concert room with music wherever they appear. They brightened up a very grey day at Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale.
Margaret came to the UK on a scholarship from Ghana for higher study at the RNCM and later at the European Mozart Academy in Poland. Now based in the northwest she also directs the Manchester Gospel Choir and teaches Ghanaian drumming, singing and dancing.
After starting to learn the piano at the age of three, Jonathan Ellis studied at Wells Cathedral School and moved on to the joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University, graduating first-class from both institutions. There he gained higher diplomas and prizes as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician.
Both consummate artistes, they make ideal partners, together amply filling the acoustic at St Mary in the Baum; Jonathan’s inspiring playing fully supporting Margaret’s expressive, commanding resonant voice, and charismatic personality. Regulars for several years, this was a welcome return.
Margaret’s programme reflected her breadth of musical styles. Two finely focused arias by Mozart and Pie Yesu by Rutter were followed by sumptuous songs by Schubert and Brahms.
As well as accompanying superbly, Jonathan also contributed a piano solo, the beautiful Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni.
Then we had the simple but effective Love Me Little, Love Me Long by GA MacFarren contrasted with O Lieb by Franz Liszt, which could be described as a virtuoso piano piece with a soprano obbligato, but their interpretation made it much more than that.
Their finale consisted of light numbers, Little Things Mean a Lot, Love's Old Sweet Song, and I Have Confidence from The Sound of Music by Rodgers & Hammerstein. We all had confidence that whenever these artists appear we will always be delighted.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade-1 listed building of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Until Saturday 02 November 2024
OLIVER
St Gabriel's ADMS present Oliver the Musical.
Come along for a night of great amateur theatre.
Songs include:
Consider Yourself.
I'd do anything.
Oom pah pah.
Tickets available via Ticketsource.
£12 Adults £10 Under 16
Phone: Anne Ingham 07745 456229
7.30pm
Rochdale Curtain Theatre, 47 Milkstone Road, Rochdale OL11 1EB
Wednesday 30 October 2024
Rochdale Shops of Days gone by - Iain Bowden
Again, we welcome Iain who gives excellent talks and this walk will evoke memories of most Rochdale people who like to look back and remember the "good old days".
Free, but donations gratefully accepted.
Phone: Lynne Nield 01706 655094
7pm for 7.30pm start
St Andrews UR Church, Entwisle Road, Rochdale OL16 2HZ
Wednesday 30 October 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Charlotte Thomson soprano (RNCM), Mila Johannsen mezzo soprano (RNCM), Minyu Shi piano (all RNCM)
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
Wednesday 30 October 2024
Free Drama Workshops
Two Shires Drama is kicking off free drama workshops.
Ever been told you should give acting a try? Or maybe you're just someone who loves fiction and drama? Whether you've always wanted to be on stage or you’re just curious, this is your chance!
No pressure, no experience needed—just come along, have fun, and see where it takes you. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
Let’s make this unforgettable!
Our workshops offer:
Theatre games.
Drama skills.
Acting exercises that aim to build confidence, self-esteem and friendships.
These session are suitable for ages 16+ and run weekly.
Free
Phone Jules Howliston 07909 505461
6pm
Caring and Sharing Community Hub, 78 Yorkshire Street, Town centre, Rochdale OL16 1JU
Thursday 31 October 2024
Therapeutic Thursdays
12.30pm - 3pm
Chat and meet new friends.
Arts and crafts.
Refreshments.
Support for long term health conditions and lifestyle changes.
Please note: Events run on the first Thursday of each month only, will start at an earlier time of 9.30am.
Free
Phone: Debby Gemmell 07757 673843
Rochdale Central Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Thursday 31 October 2024
Women In Touch Community Dance Group
We are a group of like-minded women who love to dance.
We welcome anyone who is interested in self-expression through creative movement in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Our free session are held most Thursday.
Please ring or text to check that each sessions is running as sometimes we might not have access to the hall.
Phone: Jen Lowe 07739 836848 / 07593276278
7pm - 9pm
St George’s Church Hall, Bury Road, Rochdale OL11 4EB
Thursday 31 October 2024
Free Crafty Drop-In: Half Term Halloween Fun for Ages 3+
Pioneer Halloween Thursday.
Join us for a day of spooktacular fun!
We need your help decorating our new tree display with colourful leaves and spooky or magical woodland creatures. Bring plenty of imagination for a messy, creative afternoon.
All of your work will then be displayed in the museum for our visitors to admire
This is a free and drop-in event; all children must be accompanied by adults.
Suitable for children aged 3+ and their grown-ups no need to book.
You can come at any time between 11am and 2pm Costumes are welcome if you want to wear them- but things may get a bit messy so maybe bring something to cover any costumes while creating.
Please note that if we experience busy periods, you may need to wait until you can start crafting. There are lots of play activities in the museum which can be enjoyed while you wait.
Free
Phone: Sarah Greenhall 01706 524920
11am - 2pm
Rochdale pioneer museum, 31 Toad Lane, Town Centre, Rochdale OL12 0NU
Please do not use our postcode as it will take you to the wrong side of the bypass. Instead, either use the exchange car park (OL16 1YT) or enter "Rochdale Pioneers Museum" into your navigation device
Thursday 31 October 2024
Manchester Police Male Voice Choir
Come and join us for a concert by Greater Manchester Police Male Voice Choir.
Tea or coffee will be available, and there will be a Silent Auction.
Raising funds for the St Paul's church heating fund.
Parking is available in the Parish Hall carpark on Blackpits Road.
£10
Phone: Ian Short 01706 638861
7.30pm
St Pauls church, Edenfield Road, Norden, Rochdale OL12 7SL
Friday 01 November 2024
Friendship Group
Are you new to Rochdale?
Aged 18+ and want to make new friends or learn new skills?
Then join us every Friday at Rochdale Central Library in the Event Space.
Free
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
12pm - 2pm
Rochdale Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Friday 01 November 2024 - Saturday 02 November 2024
Royal UK Pageant
Join us for the finals of Royal UK Pageants.
Watch our optional competitions such as casual wear and top model on Friday with our divisional and role Model competition taking place on Saturday.
Who will be next to wear the crown and represent the UK in Florida!
Fri 1 Nov 11:00am Doors open: 10:45am Tickets from £13.00
Sat 2 Nov 4:30pm Doors open: 4:00pm Tickets from £28.00
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday 02 November 2024
M6 Theatre Present A Tiger's Tale
A fantastical production by the award winning playwright Mike Kenny.
Based on the extraordinary story of Fenella, the Holmfirth Tiger, A Tiger's Tale is a high spirited balancing act of circus, puppetry, live music and song.
From a circus train in South Africa, to a steamboat on the Atlantic Ocean and onward to West Yorkshire, a ramshackle travelling troupe tell us the unbelievable true story of a family of acrobats and their adopted tiger cub.
Join Titch, Ma and Pa on their riotous adventure into a world where ‘all the best stories end with a surprise.’
Inspired by 'Tiger on a String' by Kassie Overend.
"A delightfully, beautifully judged entertainment. Extraordinary!" The Reviews Hub
“A sophisticated exploration of storytelling” Children’s Theatre Reviews.
Booking: Advanced booking essential.
Donations welcome on the day
Phone: Lauren 01706 355898
11am to 12pm and 2pm to 3pm
M6 Studio, Hamer CP School, Albert Royds Street, Smallbridge, Rochdale OL16 2SU
Saturday 02 November 2024
Bi-Lingual Storytime
Come and listen to stories read in English and other languages such as Urdu, Arabic, French and Slovakian.
Afterwards, join in with crafts related to the story.
Alternating Thursdays and Saturdays.
Free and suitable for children 5 and under and their grown-ups.
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
10.30am to 12pm
Rochdale Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday 02 November 2024
Nosferatu - screening of film with live organ soundtrack
After more than 100 years since the release of "Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror" (1922), international multi-award-winning organist, Aaron Hawthorne, will be terrifying audiences by playing along on the magnificent Town Hall Binns organ to this spine-chilling film.
This spooky night out is the perfect Halloween (trick or) treat.
Aaron Hawthorne is an in-demand silent film and concert organist from North Lanarkshire, Scotland, with a Master of Arts degree in Music from the University of Glasgow. He is well-known for his accessible and engaging organ recitals, concerts, and silent film accompaniments.
He performs throughout the UK, mainland Europe and the USA.
Events and activities are not organised by Rochdale Borough Council unless stated otherwise. Neither is Rochdale Borough Council responsible for the accuracy of the information provided. If you are under 18, ask your parent or guardian before taking part in any event or activity.
£5 per person
Phone: 01706 924797
Doors open at 7.30pm. The film is due to begin at 8pm.
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 02 November 2024
Halloween in Rochdale Town Centre
Ghoulish activities to get you in the Halloween spirit.
Be prepared to meet Jack Skellington at various times throughout the day.
Visit the Halloween pop up park featuring a free face painter and a host of family friendly ghoulish activities.
Complete the Halloween word search to be in with a chance of winning a £50 voucher from The Works.
Rochdale Riverside, Riverside Walk, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1TR
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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