Smile Tameside

03/07/2025

Check out this postcard postmarked 1905! 📬

It shows Crime Lake, located in Daisy Nook Country Park near Ashton-under-Lyne. This popular spot is known for its scenic beauty and historical significance as part of the former Hollinwood Branch Canal. 🌳

Crime Lake was formed in 1794 when canal construction caused a culvert to flood, creating the lake now officially named Crime Bank Reservoir, though it's commonly referred to as Crime Lake. Interestingly, the name "crime" isn't related to criminal activity, but rather an old word for land intersected by a stream or watercourse.

01/07/2025

Answer: The building is Haughton Dale Mill in Denton, also known as the 'Iron School' because of its unique iron roof vents. Built in 1858, it aimed to educate the Haughton Dale Cotton Mill workforce and their children through day and Sunday schools. Unfortunately, it was closed and condemned by school inspectors in 1903/4 and demolished shortly after November 1905.

Lost Landmark Alert! 🚨

Does anybody recognize this building? Clue: it was a school before it was demolished in 1905.

Leave your guesses in the comments below!

26/06/2025

Saturday, 28th June is Armed Forces Day, a day to celebrate and commemorate the service of men and women in the British Armed Forces. This historic image from the 1950s shows the 9th Battalion of the Manchester Regiment marching down Old Street in Ashton.

Celebrate Armed Forces Day at Victoria Park, Denton with an array of fun activities, performances, and craft workshops. Click the link below for more details: https://www.intameside.co.uk/whats-on/armed-forces-day-2025

23/06/2025

Check out this picture from the 1920s! It shows Market Place at the junction of Booth, Bow, Market, and Old Streets, featuring Ashton Market Hall, a horse and cart, a tram, and the Pitt & Nelson Hotel.

20/06/2025

📸 Check out this historic image from the Reporter newspaper in 1973! It shows a group helping with excavations at Melandra Castle, a Roman fort near Glossop. It's wonderful to see so many members of the community getting involved!

Were you there, or have you participated in other local excavations? We'd love to hear your stories and experiences! Share them with us in the comments below. 🗣️

18/06/2025

Check out this picture of J. Ashworth's Victoria Restaurant and Hotel on Corporation Street, Stalybridge. You can even spot Mr. Ashworth himself in the doorway! Circa 1910.

Does this picture bring up any memories for anyone? Share your memories in the comments below!

16/06/2025

Join us on Wednesday, 18th June for an engaging talk by Brian Groom, renowned journalist and author of Manchester Portraits. Discover the stories of 20 fascinating figures from Manchester’s rich past, offering a vivid glimpse into the lives and legacies that shaped the region.
🔍 Click on the link below for more details and to book your spot for the talk. Virtual options available.

Join us for an engaging talk by Brian Groom, renowned journalist and author of Manchester Portraits. In this captivating session, Brian will share the stories of 20 fascinating figures from Manchester’s rich past, offering a vivid glimpse into the lives and legacies that shaped the region. Brian G...

15/06/2025

Today is the last day of 'The Tour' running festival! 🏃‍♀️

Runners will be taking over Hyde, and we have some amazing historic images to share with you from 1973. 📸 The first image shows the Miles Platting Secondary School Marathon Race in East Manchester, and the second image features the Medvale Scouts Cross Country Run.

Did you participate in any of these runs or other runs in the borough? Or maybe you're running today? We'd love to hear your story! Share your experiences and memories with us in the comments below.

13/06/2025

Check out this historic image from Whit Friday in Mossley, circa 1910! It features the Thorn Hill Band on Mossley Brow for St George's Church.

🎺 The Whit Friday Brass Band competitions have deep roots in Tameside. The tradition began in Stalybridge, with contests held on Whit Friday since at least 1870. On Whit Friday, 6 June 1884, additional events in Uppermill and Mossley were introduced, inadvertently creating an internationally renowned and unique brass band celebration.

Share in the comments your Whit Friday memories!

11/06/2025

Check out this amazing picture of the Ashton Palais de Danse Orchestra, led by 'Billy' Wood, at Ryecroft Hall. They delighted audiences with their monthly outdoor concerts (weather permitting) around 1900.

Discover more historic images of the local area on the Tameside Image Archive: https://public.tameside.gov.uk/imagearchive/

03/06/2025

ANSWER: The pictures show Park Bridge Viaduct! The bridge formed part of the Oldham, Auston-Under-Lyne and Guide Bridge Railway. It was demolished in February and March 1971.

🚨 Lost Landmark Alert! 🚨 Do you recognize this impressive bridge that is no longer standing? Here's a clue: it stopped being used in 1967 and was later demolished in 1970. Leave your answers in the comments below!

29/05/2025

Check out this picture of a 'Knocker-upper' in Mossley from around 1900!

A "knocker-upper" was a person hired to wake people up before alarm clocks became common. They used a long stick or other device to tap on windows and rouse people for work. No snooze button back then! ⏰