Your Letters
Just as in the local issues section, you can air your views here on the letters page. Letters can be about anything and not just your gripes. It's not all doom and gloom in Middleton, even if it seems that way sometimes! Let's have some happy letters about our town and its people too! E-mail your letters to colette@middletonia.co.uk
"A Fairy Story"
Once upon a time we had a grand little market town, complete with town hall, three cinemas, gas and electric show rooms and a lovely central gardens area complete with fountain, seats and flower beds. Folk would travel from Manchester and beyond to sit around and admire what we had then.
The town was run by Aldermen (of various colours) who loved to look after the interests of the town and everything was good. There was no lack of money in those far off days, as today, where councils bleat about costs and cuts!
Then came the stern Baron to reign over us (Rochdale) and things started to deteriorate. Now we have a giant ogre to dictate over us (and we all know who that is!), and Middleton will become a concrete jungle (as it is now), with an added massive tarmac jungle. The ogre is also about to invade Morton Pits with its 'Arkwrights' open all hours shop, when there is already a tidy, efficient shop at the corner of Ash Street adjacent to it! A further kick in the teeth is that this ogre is closing the very depot on Stakehill that services these monstrous operations (What a carry on! It's becoming a tragic play, not a fairy story).
Are the councillors and MP proud of what they are doing to the town? It's all about greed and money.
To top this saga, it is proposed to develop the land to the north of Langley Lane, which if done will finally connect us up to Heywood! Perhaps the thought now is not to change the towns name to Tesco Town, but to Heyton or Middlewood?
For Gods sake let us fight to protect this very, very precious 'Green Belt Corridor' between the two towns. Come on councillors and MP...do something that you are paid to do and look after things.
If all this is progress then I'm a Dutch man.
Art Van Damn
13.04.10
Hi Colette
I read your article with some interest, especially the bit regarding the Edgar Woods fountain, do you know if there any remnants of it survive? And yes, the fountain is a monstrosity! In fact Middleton centre is probably the worst town centre in the northwest! Regarding Tonge Hall, it is very upsetting to see it in such a state. I blame the make up of Rochdale council, i.e, no interest whatsoever in OUR heritage/history etc. In fact it would probably suit them if the whole thing was burnt to the ground, one less headache for them to worry about!!
Regards
Wayne (Middleton)
03.02.10
The Edgar Wood Fountain was moved from the centre to Queen Street off Oldham Road in 1925 and was finally demolished in 1960. Incidentally, this was the 100th anniversary of Edgars birth. Unfortunately, the 60's and 70's were decades of modernisation and even the Middleton council back then would not have given the same consideration to items of interest as they do today, so I doubt any of the fountain was preserved. It probably ended up as hardcore under one of the many estates being built at the time. So much must have been lost forever during those ignorant years of people's idea of progress. If anybody knows otherwise, please let us know. The Ed.
Hello Colette,
Just stumbled across your website.... and as a fellow Middletonian it brought a smile to my face. A great idea. I think the layout can be improved but that will come with time and money. I think you could add a section and call it "Middletonians round the world". Where people that have moved away can let you know what and where they are up to. I'm sure that this would be greatly supported.... some of us already do it through Facebook etc... but would be nicer through your page. I live in Almeria, Spain for example.
Also, a "Reunions" page for schools and work places. There is something being organised currently which I will try and get some information to you if you are interested. You could do "Job swaps" where people that live in Miggy and travel outside to Heywood or Bolton for example... might be able to swap someone doing a similar job.... just a thought.
You could do a "Where are you now" section for people looking to find family and frends. You could "Photo and Video Gallery" of people and events in Manchester, even links to youtube stuff. Anyway, going to recommend your site to my family...Good luck, will help and input where I can.
Regards
Steve Parky
Formerly Grasmere Walk, Middleton, Langley
30.08.09
Steve's details can be found in Middleton expats in the Nostalgia section
Hi Colette
I think your article is fairly accurate with regards to The Blue Plaque Day. It has been the same since it's inception. The Boars overflows every year, but that is where the Blue Plaque is mounted so that is where the day has to be.
My gripe has always been that Lees' Brewery make a fortune on the day and will not accommodate either the musicians playing or the crowd attending. A few more staff on the bar, a proper Zimmer Frame Park, (this would create a bit more room in the sessions room) and refreshments for the players would be a small contribution that would create a bit of relief, although I believe the Landlady does provide some sandwiches these days.
I should have warned you about the early start though it is necessary to claim your seat at 12pm, something to think of next year. Regarding the concert itself, Bill Tapp would have recored it and will be selling the DVD shortly, keep your eye on The Manchester Beat website.
Dave Turnbull
28.04.09
my friend has just moved to middleton and we were looking for days out and found your website, just a comment really, i live in urmston(trafford)and we have a similar site to yours, we can sell things, advertise clubs etc,local photos, but the most popular bit is the forum ,where we all chat,i get loads of local info(and gossip) off the other users,we have a banter,a good moan. good luck with yours.
Tracey B, Urmston
23.04.09
Thanks Tracey, this e-mail came through the very week I was working on my own forum which is now online. Hope it proves as popular! The Editor.
I came across your site from doing a Google search while doing my family genealogy and found your information on Harbord Harbord or Lord Suffield. This gentleman would be my 4th great Grandfather as his daughter Katherine Harbord of Suffied married Jack Petre and his son John Berney Petre married a commoner but the marriage was suppose to be annulled but I have not found documentation of the marriage or annulment but I do have documentation proof they did have children one being named Berney Seymor (Petre) my great grandfather. I have found my quest very interesting in finding out about my family history.
Mr Stewart Addley, Canada
16.04.09
Colette
Can anyone out there explain why it has become necessary to close or narrow every main road through Middleton centre at the same time? In case the morons in their ivory towers haven't noticed, Middleton is on the main route between Rochdale and Manchester and a major route between north Manchester and Oldham.
The shambolic planning or should I say lack of planning bears all the hallmarks of Rochdale council but I may be wrong.
I would suspect it is all to do with making Middleton into 'Tesco Town' and I am sure that if anyone bothers to proffer an explanation to the people of Middleton (which I doubt) it will be along the lines of "You cannot make an omelette without breaking eggs". The problem is that if you strangle the chicken, there won't be any eggs.
Joe from Midd
02.04.09
Hello Colette
Love the website, think it's a great idea and good for Middleton.
After reading yours and other letters in the Middleton Guardian in response to Mr Gordon Roberts' attack on Middleton and his reference to Hopwood college, I felt the need to make comment about Rochdale Council and the way they sold off the Middleton Hopwood Campus, leaving the old Hopwood Hall completely landlocked and falling into ruin.
I have lived on Langley estate For 53 years and have studied at Hopwood's Middleton campus several times over the years. I along with many others feel that what the council are doing (which is practically nothing) to preserve the old Hopwood Hall is criminal. If this building stood in the centre of Rochdale instead of the outskirts of Middleton I feel sure it would have been brought back to its former glory and be a well used building.
I have attached a small piece on the recent history of Hopwood including the old Hopwood Hall. The pictures attached are mine so no copyright issues. I hope you might be able do something on your website to highlight the situation that Hopwood Hall finds itself in and the total neglect of this building by Rochdale Council. (Out of sight out of mind it seems). I am sure if the good people of Middleton could see for themselves the neglect this building has suffered under Rochdale Councils control more pressure could be applied to help save it.
Good luck with the site
Best Regards
Dennis Horner
29.03.09
Mr Horner's articles kindly sent in can be found in 'Local Issues' in the Community section and also in the Local History section under 'Prominent Families'
Dear Colette.
Via your web address in the Guardian, I have just come to browse on your very good site. Not been through it all yet but am sure I will enjoy it.
Loved your article "About the Editor" and agree with all you have written. Who sold us out to Tesco? I, like you do not remember any voting on it and it has ruined the town. I liken it to say who got the brown envelopes from Tesco? because someone has. We can only blame those we voted in. If one has to live with an impairment, getting around town now is a complete failure. I've not been to Mr Lords for my meat for a couple of weeks now, nowhere to park near his shop. Did those who were 'bribed' by Tesco consider things like this? I think not. I do not and will not shop at Tesco at all.
Finally I am not Middleton born, like yourself but moved to Middleton Junction after I came out of the Royal Navy in 62 and was the signalman at Middleton Junction West Box and used to put trains into Middleton, plus, was on duty when they brought the last train out of Middleton Station. The signalman at Middleton at the time was Mr (Billy) Garret a porter signalman, but he was then ready for retiring and had been signalman at JcT West Box and taught me well.
I wish you a great success with your website Colette and it will be. I have told my friend who is coming down to view it after and she has some stories to relate being a Proctor from Middleton.
Going back for another browse.
Best Wishes
Malcolm Taylor
27.03.09
Read some of Mr Taylor's memoirs kindly sent in of working at the Stations in Middleton in the 'Nostalgia' section.
It's Chantal here - Manager of YMCA Middleton... It was great to meet you the other day & I Just wanted to let you know I've checked out your website & am very impressed!
You've obviously spent time & worked hard on it & it shows. Keep up the good work & I hope to see you again soon.
Regards & Best Wishes from
Chantal
17.03.09
Just visited the website and it's great. I used to live in Middleton and enjoyed visiting the site. You have a good structure about it. It's easy to navigate with interesting content.
Mr Trevor McCormack, Manchester
11.03.09
Came across your web site by accident and its bloody marvelous, keep up the good work didnt know Middleton had anything like this. Must admit at first it seemed so professional that I thought Rochdale Council were involved but reading on I know what you think of them. Have read your personal comments, so what can I say YES I agree with all your sentiments along with many others I hope. This website is so fantastic it deserves a lot more publicity, havent you ever been approached to go on local tv news ?
Well if my Radio Homenet scheme develops as I hope, I feel sure that we can possibly work together to provide the good townsfolk of Middleton with an exeptional information service. Its been a real pleasure looking at your site.
Mr Leslie Pye, Middleton
22.02.09
Congratulations on your website. I'm just a few years older than you and I grew up in Middleton. The worst thing that happened to the place was the building of the Arndale centre in the 70's - ripped the heart out of the town.
I was back there a few weeks ago for the first time in ten years and if anything its gone further down hill. I was sad to see all the litter in the gardens below the church, and the town centre has been completly butchered. Middleton has a very interesting history and ought to be a vibrant place.
I wish you luck in your efforts to save Tonge Hall and put a bit of pride back into the place
Mr H Thorp, Cheshire
01.02.09
Good website town should use
Lords Butchers, Middleton
06.01.09
Just a note to say it's the first time I've seen your web site, and I like it, you've put so much work in to this and it shows, and you are so right people have had enough of how the country is going in general, it's an all round thing who do you trust in big business? can you trust the so called political party's. the country is now a complete mess, and run just for the few, those with the money and power full of greed and always wanting more and more.
It's a good site keep up the good work, I for one will be calling back to it on a regular basis.
All the best.
PJ
29.12.08
I would just like to congratulate you on your very interesting and informative website. I can see a lot of time and effort has gone into it. I wish you every success in the future. It is obvious you feel feel passionate about Middleton and I hope you will soon hear from like minded people. Good Luck.
GW, Hyde
23.11.08
The article is fantastic! You have a knack of how to put things. I truly couldn't have given it its true justice as you have done.
A.B, Chadderton
05.09.08
Keep up the good work. It's taking shape nicely. I must admit to having a chuckle at the jokes page......The only thing is... I don't know any clean ones!
A.B, Chadderton
02.09.08
It works and it's brilliant! You've done a fantastic job. Take a bow.
Mr M.Mason, Crewe
30.08.08
I've read loads and wow! The effort you've put in is really amazing. Your enthusiasm shines through! You're hard to get hold of these days but I can see why. Really can't believe how good the site is!
Mr G. O'Gara, Manchester
30.08.08
Fantastic! Well chuffed for you, you clever sod. And your speech is bang on. You have been busy. 'Tesco Town' yeah that sounds appropriate and I call Middleton Gardens a bullring! It wants shifting. They could sell cattle off in there! Great and well done and I hope it's a resounding success for you. I will be on it now til I've seen it all. Brill!
I.B, Middleton
30.08.08