WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Oct 4
- 8 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 4 OCTOBER 2025
Author of The Incorrigible Rogue Cynn Chadwick was back in Rochdale
By Steve Cooke
Cynn Chadwick, author of the excellent Rochdale centred novel An Incorrigible Rogue, was back in town for a workshop run jointly with Jenny Driver from Rochdale Local Studies Centre.
The Incorrigible Rogue was inspired by the life of her great-grandmother, Martha Anne Ashworth Chadwick, who lived in Rochdale from 1875-1948. Martha's son, Cynn's grandfather, Harry Chadwick, migrated to the USA in the 1920s and Cynn lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Throughout her life Cynn had heard stories of her family's ancestors and was especially intrigued by the fact that her great grandmother Mary Anne had a somewhat turbulent past. Indeed, had been officially labelled in court an ‘Incorrigible Rogue’.\
Cynn was driven to find out more about her great grandmother, "She'd been known to me through family stories as: a fishwife, a drunkard, a whore, and a brawler. There were stories of a husband who fled her, a man who beat her, sons who dragged her from fights in pubs, and yet, something didn't ring true as she'd lived long and kept her family close."
After extensive research, much of it undertaken in Rochdale with the support of Jenny Driver of Rochdale Local Studies Centre , and an impromptu imaginary meeting with ten-year-old Martha Anne Cynn found the inspiration to write An Incorrigible Rogue.
Martha Anne Ashworth is in trouble in school, once again. The precocious and gifted 10-year-old daughter of mill owner John Ashworth has, for the umpteenth time, tried school and parental patience and now legal authority with her quick wit, sharp tongue, impudent defiance, and certain determined independence. With her mother dying, and her father drowning his woes in whisky, young Martha Anne’s wildness leads to her eventual arrest as an Incorrigible Rogue; all seems to be spiralling out of control until an uncanny friendship with the village wise woman, Betty Nuppy, helps guide Martha Anne on a path to salvation, if not, at least, redemption.
This is the story of strong women, mill workers, wise-women, herbalists, women who were denied a voice in a harsh paternalistic society. Women like Rochdalians Martha Anne and Betty Nuppy. Cynn elaborated, “In the nineteen century there were thousands of women registered as prostitutes – they weren’t – they were women who had left their husbands and were living with other men as it was impossible at the time for women to obtain a divorce!”
An Incorrigible Rogue is a damn good read, rich in incident and Rochdale in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and emotively realized, thanks to Cynn's extensive on-site research and connection to her roots.
Visit:
In the recent workshop in Rochdale Central Library participants were asked to come with a family story, historical event, interesting incident, or their own crazy, tragic, or heroic ancestors to share. Together they talked about the tools, available resources (including online and those held locally), and perspectives for exploring missing pieces. They investigated actual accounts, finding creative ways to approach and meld anecdotes into fruitful stories.
The workshop was attended by storytellers of both the written and spoken word, and those of every level of experience, and none.
I caught up again with Cynn and revelled in her enthusiasm and boundless energy as she revealed that while in the UK she is undertaking research for her next novel with the working title Witness Marks.
She explained that her interpretation of witness marks is, “The moments in time when we know ourselves”. [A term she has adopted from the world of technology where it is defined as “A scratch or other mark that is used to position a part in its correct location. Typically, two parts in an assembly each have their own witness mark. When these marks are lined up, it tells you that everything is in the right position.”]
The inspiration and central character for Witness Marks is Dorothy Wordsworth the sister of poet, William. While back in the UK Cynn has been in the Lake District researching and soaking up the atmosphere in such as Dove Cottage.
Undertaking extensive research into Dorothy’s letters and journals to provide the springboard for her plot and characterisations.
From what she revealed the new novel, due in about two years’ time, will not only bring Dorothy to life but provoke controversy among William fans.
I shall be in touch with Cynn to keep readers up to date with how the book progresses.
Cynn’s joint presenter in the recent workshop, Jenny Driver, was central to the extensive research undertaken for The Incorrigible Rogue.
Jenny is a Local Studies Assistant and Archivist based at Sparth Local Studies Centre, part of YourTrust Rochdale. She has over 15 years’ experience of helping people discover their family histories and the history of the Rochdale area. She holds a postgraduate certificate in Archival Studies, including a module on ‘Skills and Sources for Family History in England’ and is a very valuable resource herself.
The Local Studies Centre at Sparth holds the main Local Studies and Archives collection for Rochdale Borough. Over the years the collection has grown to include a wide range of material relating to the Rochdale Borough including Castleton, Littleborough, Milnrow, Wardle and Norden.
Now based and the former Sparth Community Centre, having moved out of Touchstones during renovation, it is the place to go to uncover the history of your local area.
You can get assistance to access such as Church Records, Cemetery Records and Wills, Electoral Registers and Historical Burgess Rolls, Newspapers, Photographs, Maps and Plans, Books, Pamphlets and Articles with Internet and printing available.
Norman Road, Rochdale, Greater Manchester OL11 4HS
Phone:01706 924915
Opening Times
Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 am – 12:30 pm
Wednesday – Saturday: 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Cartwheel Arts Impact Film
Preview by Steve Cooke
Cartwheel Arts is an arts charity based in Heywood, Rochdale. They promote social inclusion, cohesion, and diversity through community participation in vibrant, innovative, high-quality arts projects in Rochdale, Oldham, Bury, Wigan and beyond.
Their they play a vital role by focusing on participation, enabling communities that may have had little experience of the arts to explore and develop their creativity and talents and generating a sense of ownership and pride.
The 2024 / 2025 impact film is well worth a watch whether that's as someone taking part in a project, going along to an event, volunteering your time, supporting a funder or donor and even if you have never heard of Cartwheel Arts.
The film is an opportunity to meet the Cartwheel Arts team and discover the outstanding difference that Cartwheel is making in our diverse communities.
I highly recommend that you watch this inspiring short film at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iDgu7VZYn6s
You can read the full impact report at: https://www.cartwheelarts.org.uk/article/cartwheel-arts-impact-report-2024-25
Cartwheel Arts, 110 Manchester Street, Heywood OL10 1DW
Phone: 01706 361300
Email: admin@cartwheelarts.org.uk
Victoria Wood's Acorn Antiques the Musical Live at Opera House Manchester
Preview by Steve Cooke
From the genius of Victoria Wood and based on the iconic sketch from her weekly television show, Victoria Wood As Seen on TV, Hope Mill Theatre bring Acorn Antiques the Musical back to the stage at the Opera House, Manchester.
Get along to Manchesterford, a place full of quaint, old-fashioned shops such as "Acorn Antiques" run by sisters Miss Babs and Miss Berta. They are assisted by business partner Mr Clifford, elderly tea lady Mrs Overall, and two 'pitiful adolescents’. But before long their cosy world faces a threat from developers, who want to turn their high street into a collection of coffee bars and sexy underwear shops. As the plot unfolds, Miss Babs and Miss Berta are faced with financial woes and family secrets, including a lost triplet sister. Will the innocent antique dealers fight off the developers and a sinister loan shark? Can they find the missing will of their father? And will Miss Berta ever find true love?
The full cast has been announced:
Katherine Kingsley (The Witches, National Theatre; Noises Off, West End), Gina Beck (Matilda the Musical, West End; Wicked, West End) and Anna Jane Casey (Cabaret, West End) star in Victoria Wood's Acorn Antiques the Musical, for three nights only this November.
The inimitable Ria Jones (Sunset Boulevard, Curve at Home; Gypsy, Royal Exchange Theatre) will be reprising her role as Mrs Overalls in this musical adaptation of the cult tv series at Opera House, Manchester, produced by Hope Mill Theatre.
Featuring hits including 'Macaroons' and 'Tip Top Tap,' this laugh out loud musical parody will have you rolling in the aisles.
Victoria Wood's Acorn Antiques the Musical
Live at Opera House Manchester
Sun 2 Nov and Sun 16 Nov 2025
17.00 AND 19.30
Sun at 17:00 and 19:30
Age guidance: 10+
This show has an interval
Tickets available from £35.00 [subject to a transaction fee of £3.95]
Opera House Manchester, 3 Quay St, Manchester M3 3HP, UK
King Arthur at the Octagon
Preview by Steve Cooke
The award-winning Le Navet Bete who brought us Dracula: The Bloody Truth in 2024, are back with a brand-new, laugh-out-loud show for the ages.
A comedy for the whole family, this hilarious retelling of the Arthurian legends will have audiences crying with laughter and become part of the legend themselves!
Camelot is in trouble. King Arthur knows that if he doesn’t turn things around, this civilisation will be forgotten and be known as nothing more than a rather dull time in British history. But when three hapless squires approach him about changing that legacy... a legend is born.
On until Saturday 4 October 2025
Tickets from £15
Box Office: 01204 520661
Phone line opening times
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 12pm - 5pm
Sat: 12pm - 3.30pm
Sun: Closed
If they don't pick up the phone during opening times, they're likely busy with other customers - especially on days where they have a matinee performance. They ask that you leave a voicemail, which are checked regularly throughout the day.
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton BL11 SB
RECOMMENDED
Saturday, 4 October 2025
Board games and Lego Legends - Smallbridge Library
1st Saturday of every month. Join us for some monthly family fun with our board games and Lego. Get creative or competitive, let’s play or build and start the month off right.
Board games and Lego will be provided. You can also bring in your own board games to play here.
For families with children aged 3 and over.
Free
11am - 12pm
Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA
Monday, 6 October 2025
Wardle Library Reading Group
1st Monday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss new books with other readers at our free, friendly and informal monthly meetings. Everyone's welcome.
For adults and teenagers.
Email: Contact: wardle.library@rochdale.gov.uk
No need to book you can just turn up.
Free
6pm - 7pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Monday, 6 October 2025
Little Reads
First Monday of every month. Little Reads is a fun, interactive workshop using drama, dance, songs and play to explore children’s picture books.
This is a space for you and your little ones to have fun sharing a story, singing, moving and playing. Remember to join in yourself as your children love to copy
For families with children aged 2–6.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
10am - 10.30am
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Tuesday, 7 October 2025
Let's Read Ladies Book Club - Rochdale Central Library
Discover new authors and discuss shared books with other readers at our friendly reading group.
First Tuesday of every month. Come along to our monthly reading group, for beginners or advanced readers. Come for fun or for a chat.
For female adults and teenagers.
Email: LetsReadLadies@gmail.com
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
4.30pm - 5.30pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Wednesday, 8 October 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Telemann Baroque Ensemble [Alastair Roberts flute, Elaine da Costa & Sarah Snape violins, Penelope Bisby viola, Roger Bisby cello & Peter Collier harpsichord]
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
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
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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