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THE PEOPLES
UPLOADS

We want you to get involved in uncovering and telling the story of Peel St Mill and it’s People.

 

This is the place where you can upload stuff that might help to bring the story to life. An old photo; a drawing you made; something you found out about the mill that you want to share; a poem; a song; in fact anything that can be uploaded.

 

Lets build this story together.

Step into the enchanting world of cycling as we travel back in time to 1912. The annual Cycle Parade, a charitable event with a touch of excitement, served as a platform for suppliers and enthusiasts to showcase their magnificent machines. In this captivating photograph, the daughters of Richard Holt, ready to join in the festivities, proudly sit upon a specially adapted four-wheel tandem.

Mr. Holt's flourishing business had outgrown its previous location and had found a new home in Church Street. As his enterprise expanded, so did the opportunity for Heywood's residents to witness the joy and freedom that bicycles brought to their lives.

Discover more about the Golden Age of Cycling and the rich history of Heywood's cycling culture by visiting peelmill.uk. Immerse yourself in the tales of passion, innovation, and community that revolved around these magnificent machines. Join us in celebrating the spirit of adventure and the enduring legacy of cycling in Heywood. Stay tuned for more fascinating updates! ๐Ÿšฒโœจ #CyclingHeritage #HeywoodHistory #PeelMillUK

PossAbilities

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Unveiling the captivating story of Heywood's transformation, from a small agricultural village to a thriving manufacturing town. Visit peelmill.uk to delve into the rich history of Peel Street Mill, once located at our head office site.

Heywood's growth was fueled by the Cotton Trade, with Yates and Co. converting Makeant Mill into the area's first cotton factory. Giant mills, glittering with windows, multiplied along rivers and streams, showcasing the town's industrial prowess.

Despite enduring hardships during the Cotton Famine, Heywood's industry thrived again, culminating in the world's largest spinning mill, Yew Mill. However, the Great Depression brought significant challenges, with a staggering unemployment rate of 65%.

Today, while Heywood's textile industry has diminished, the spirit of its people and the legacy of Peel Street Mill live on. Join us in celebrating the resilience and heritage of this remarkable town. Stay tuned for more updates! ๐Ÿญโœจ #PeelStreetMill #HeywoodHistory #IndustrialHeritage

Ryan Bott

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As we journey further into the rich tapestry of Peel Street Mill's history, we uncover fascinating glimpses into the daily lives of Heywood's residents. In this captivating photograph from around 1905, we are transported to Dutson's Drapery Shop, located at 98 Manchester Road. Mr. and Mrs. Dutson proudly stand alongside their daughter and her friend, capturing the essence of their family business.

For generations, Heywood shoppers have relied on establishments like Dutson's Drapery Shop, along with the locally based Co-operative Society, to fulfill their needs. These cherished family businesses formed the heart of the community, providing quality goods and a personal touch that built enduring relationships.

Shifting our focus to Heywood Market, we discover its fascinating evolution. Unlike its neighboring towns of Bury and Rochdale, Heywood's market was not established under an ancient charter but instead emerged through custom and usage in the early nineteenth century. Originally held in the Market Place, it eventually found its home in the site now occupied by the Memorial Gardens. The present Market Hall, situated on Hind Hill Street, was inaugurated on the 27th of May, 1926, becoming a bustling hub of trade and connection.

Join us as we unravel the vibrant stories and memories that shaped Heywood's bustling community. Stay tuned for more captivating insights into life at Peel Street Mill

PossAbilities

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As we delve deeper into the captivating tale of Peel Street Mill, we stumble upon a remarkable piece of historyโ€”Jackson's Grocers, circa 1930. This grocer's shop was just one among a chain of stores owned by the esteemed Richard Jackson, serving the beloved people of Heywood for countless years. It inspired the creation of these timeless lines that adorned widely circulated advertising handbills of the time:

"Now then, for our groceries, the necessities of our lives,
Go right away to JACKSON'S shops, I advise all working men's wives.
For butter, bacon, hams, and cheese, he always has the best.
I am sure, with me, you will agree, if you put them to the test."

These charming words beautifully encapsulate the trust and quality that defined Jackson's Grocers, providing sustenance and joy to the hardworking families of Heywood. Join us as we celebrate the enduring legacy of this beloved establishment, forever etched in the memories of the community. Stay tuned for more fascinating discoveries from Peel Street Mill! ๐ŸŒพ๐Ÿญโœจ

PossAbilities

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๐Ÿ“ท As we dig deeper into our story of Peel Mill and its history, we stumble upon a hidden gem - Ashworth Fold. This pre-industrial hamlet remains untouched by the dramatic changes that transformed neighboring Heywood into a bustling manufacturing town. ๐ŸŒณ

Take a moment to soak in the rustic tranquility of this captivating area through these two mesmerizing views of Ashworth Hall Fold. ๐Ÿž๏ธ The untouched beauty of this place is truly awe-inspiring.

Let's also journey back in time to 1867, where we discover a charming confectionery shop owned by Jonathan Aspinal. ๐Ÿฌ Located at 35 Market Street, Aspinal's Confectioners' welcomes you with its inviting doorway, while the sign proudly proclaims "Wholesale and Retail Confectioner." But don't be fooled by appearances, as you'll find much more than just wine gums among their diverse selection!

Interestingly, Mr. Aspinal had additional premises at 71 Rochdale Road, indicating his success and popularity within the community.

Join us as we uncover more fascinating stories and snapshots from the past. Share your thoughts and let us know if you've encountered any hidden historical treasures in our remarkable town. ๐Ÿ“œ๐Ÿ”Ž

Ryan

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Weโ€™re indebted to local history buff Paul Brady for introducing us to this fantastic book 'Bygone Heywood - A Photographic Recordโ€™ compiled by John Cole and Grahame Fish. Weโ€™ll be sharing images from the book over the lifetime of the project and would love to see any of YOUR historic photographs of the area. Please share with us at digital@possabilities.org.uk

Peel Street Mill Project

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๐ŸŽค๐Ÿ“ Tina has turned her thoughts on Peel Street Mill into a captivating poem! Watch her heartfelt performance in our latest video - it's pure magic โœจ Don't miss out on this creative take on local history ๐Ÿญ๐ŸŒŸ

#PeelStreetMill #TinaThePoet #SpokenWord #LocalHistory #PoetryInMotion #CreativeCommunity #MillTales #PerformanceArt

Tina

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๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽจ Yesterday, we kicked off our #PeelMillsAdventure by opening the doors to the enchanting tipi! ๐Ÿ•๏ธโœจ We had a blast connecting with all of you, sharing our stories and memories about Peel Mills! ๐Ÿค—

From creative brainstorming to the exciting start of designing our very own tea towel masterpieces, it was an unforgettable day! ๐Ÿƒ๐Ÿ–Œ๏ธโ˜•

Mark your calendars, folks! ๐Ÿ“… In just 4 weeks, we'll be hosting our next event! ๐Ÿฅณ๐Ÿ’ซ Don't miss out! Secure your spot now at peelmill.uk and be part of this amazing journey! ๐ŸŒŸ๐ŸŒˆ

#PeelMillsStories #TipiTime #CreativeSessions #TeaTowelTreasures #JoinTheFun #CommunityConnections

Ryan

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In the 1930s, the bustling Market Place in Bury was home to many unique and interesting shops. Charley Dean's Eye-sight Testing Rooms and Read, Franklin, & Heywood'sMusic Shop were two of the more memorable establishments. Bennall's Tobacconist & Confectioners was a popular spot for those looking for treats or something sweet, while the Star Hotel could be found at the junction of Bamford Road and Market Street. With so much going on around them, the precincts of Market Place saw plenty of life until well after World War II.

Ryan

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From โ€˜Bygone Heywoodโ€™ by John Cole and Grahame Fish:

Step back in time to Market Street, circa 1910, where excitement and anticipation fill the air as flags flutter in the breeze and crowds eagerly await the start of the annual Cycle Parade. Amongst the throngs of people, children excitedly jostle for a prime spot on the balcony of the Reform Club, hoping to catch a glimpse of the procession as it passes by. Their impatience is palpable as they anxiously glance at the clock of the Heywood Industrial Cooperative Society, awaiting the parade's commencement. The scene is a testament to the community's strong sense of tradition and unity, as they come together to celebrate the joys of cycling and revel in the energy and spirit of the moment.

Tommy

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The creative team behind the Peel Mill project get together with local schools to help tell the story of the mill. In this meeting we are setting out what schools can do to get involved.

Ryan Bott

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Tommy and Paul delved deeper into the fascinating history of the mills in Heywood. Their curiosity led them to explore the Slave Road and pay a visit to the plaque that commemorates the solidarity of the mill workers toward the slaves picking cotton in the America.

Tommy

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Tommy and Paul were on a mission to uncover the hidden gems of their local area. Armed with curiosity and a sense of adventure, they set out to explore the rich history and natural beauty that surrounded them. Their latest stop? The Blue Pits Mills.

As they approached the mills, they were struck by the sheer size and grandeur of the structures. The towering brick buildings stood proud and strong, a testament to the industrial might of their community.

Tommy

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I have just recently bought a book called Bygone Heywood. Itโ€™s a great book that shows and gives information of times of Heywood gone by. Definitely worth a read, and you can pick it up pretty cheap.

Ryan Bott

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Life working at the mill was loud and dangerous even kids worked there picking up cotton from the machines some children even lost limbs while cleaning the machines my my mum used tell me stores about wigan mill she used work in so this mill would've been same

Philip Atherton

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