Back in time for a town hall ball

CELEBRATIONS are set to mark 100 years of Chadderton Town Hall — including a 1913-style concert and buffet featuring ox tongue, a galentine of beef, fruit jellies and assorted fancies.

Oldham Council and Chadderton Historical Society are inviting the public to a nostalgic night of music, dance and period costume to mark the civic building’s centenary.

The event, on Friday, will be held 100 years to the day since the town hall was opened,

To celebrate the landmark venue’s history, people will be transported back in time to the elegant splendour of an Edwardian ballroom for the night.

Residents are invited to join Chadderton councillors and members of the historical society to experience what the original opening would have been like.

Speeches used on the night of the hall’s opening will be given and members of the historical society will wear costume typical of the early 20th century.

Entertainment will be provided by Chadderton District Band and Oldham Choral Society who will be performing music hall songs from the era when the building opened.

Michael Lawson, from Chadderton Events Committee, said the town hall was officially opened on November 15, 1913, by the chairman of the Chadderton Urban District Council, Councillor Herbert Wolstencroft. The foundation stone had been previously laid on March 30, 1912, by Councillor Ernest Kempsey, a notable citizen of Chadderton who was chairman of the council on four occasions — a record that has never been beaten.

Speaking about the celebration night, he said: “We are trying to give it an authentic 1913 theme. We will start with music from Chadderton District Band. That will be followed by a group from Oldham Choral Society presenting music hall songs, and the buffet menu replicates that of 1913.”

Tickets cost £15 and all proceeds will be invested into history projects for Chadderton. Tickets from Mr Lawson on 0161-652 3930 or Christine Dennis on 0161-284 2275.

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