Oldham Histories Festival and Heritage Open Days: discover history on your doorstep

This is your chance to find out more about the people, places, buildings and stories that have made our borough.

From talks to walks there’s plenty to discover, whether you’re interested in architecture or heritage, or just curious about the history around you.

Councillor Elaine Taylor, Deputy Leader of Oldham Council and Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said: “The Oldham Histories Festival and Heritage Open Days event has a bit of everything for people to enjoy and take part in.

“There is so much history in our borough and the excellent programme of events that has been put together gives residents and visitors the chance to learn about this rich heritage, including some of the little-known gems.

“Over the years our borough has also been home to some extraordinary people and buildings, and this is a great chance to find out about them.”

This year’s event runs from September 9 to October 1.

Highlights include:

• Astounding Invention Collections: Ferranti’s - Find out more one of the most important electrical engineering firms of the 20th century.
• Oldham Microscopical & Natural History Society Open Day - Find out more about the natural history of Oldham, with real specimens and historic microscopes.
• Moorside & District Historical Society Heritage Day - Celebrate the 150th anniversary of St. Thomas’ Church, Moorside. Church history, plans, photographs; tours of the tower, bell and clock rooms.
• Pre-Victorian Sholver, 1750-1837: Its History and People - Illustrated talk hosted by Moorside & District Historical Society
• Astounding Invention Collections: Len Gabriels - Find out more about the life and archives of Len Gabriels who invented the hang-glider in his garage.
• The Two Towers: The Gateway to Oldham - Drop in to find out more about the history of Crossbank House and Summervale House, the tower blocks on Manchester Road that were demolished, and the people who lived there.
• Transforming Oldham Library - A presentation led by contractors Tilbury Douglas describing work to transform Oldham Library into a new cultural hub.
• Clem Beckett: Motor Cycle Legend and War Hero - A talk by Rob Hargreaves exploring the life of Clem Beckett who died in 1937 whilst fighting in the Spanish Civil War.

For more information about all the events – and details of how to book a place on one of the events – visit www.oldham.gov.uk/heritageopendays

Alternatively contact Oldham Local Studies and Archives, 84 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1DN E: archives@oldham.gov.uk. Tel: 0161 770 4654.