TAMESIDE’S rich history will be brought to life as some of the borough’s most cherished heritage sites throw open their doors once again for the public to enjoy.
This year’s Heritage Open Days will shine a spotlight on architecture – inviting visitors to discover how everything from grand landmarks to everyday buildings have been designed and constructed.
Running from September 12 to 21, the free festival is part of a nationwide celebration.
Organised and guided by dedicated volunteers, it gives people the chance to explore and appreciate Tameside’s fascinating past.
Portland Basin Museum in Ashton-under-Lyne will be using museum collections and archive images to put on a display about local buildings, landmarks and sites of architectural interest. There will also be a display about the local Co-operative movement, prepared by Tameside Local History Forum.
Not far away from there, Albion Church will be celebrating 130 years of its current building on Stamford Street East.
Over on Stamford Street West, Ashton Old Baths is opening its doors for a tour, providing an opportunity to see the original internal brickwork design and artefacts, along with where the old swimming pool was and the modern-day architecture too.
The 250th Manchester St Mary’s Scout Group – which formed in 1916 – is holding a Heritage Garden Party with displays, garden games and refreshments at the scout hut on Ellen Street in Droylsden.
Meanwhile, Fairfield Moravian Church and Settlement – the largest of its kind in Britain – will be open to explore. It has been made into a Conservation Area with all of its buildings listed as being of Special Architectural or Historic Interest.
In Hyde, take a walk around Hyde United Football Club’s ground and the surrounding area, looking at the origins of the club and the development of the town.
Residents are invited to view the bell tower and enjoy a Saturday cafe at St Paul’s Parish Church in Stalybridge.
Elsewhere, Mossley Heritage Centre will be giving more information about the town’s history, built on the wool and cotton industry and the architecture of the houses reflecting the needs of the industry, as well as teaching about social changes and heritage.
There are plenty more too so, for full details and dates of all the Heritage Open Days in Tameside, head to https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/tameside.html