Nostalgia

1957 - Record heat and era ends

THERE was a dramatic start to 1957 in Smallbridge with an attempted robbery at the sub-branch of Martins Bank in Halifax Road.

Two masked men tied up the cleaner then attacked a bank clerk and guard. But the clerk managed to set off the alarm and the robbers fled empty-handed.

On a lighter note January also saw a Jazz Club set up at the Old Clock Face Hotel in Toad Lane.

2005 - Leader had close call in huge tragedy

THE year began with news that Rochdale Council leader Paul Rowen and two friends had come within seconds of being swept to their deaths when a giant tidal wave swamped the Thai holiday island as a giant tsunami hit south east Asia.

1980 - The march of progress took a heavy toll

THE year started with a warning the town could run out of salt for gritting if the weather turned as bad as the previous winter.

1978 - A march into freedom and great escapes

THERE was a grim start to 1978 for Rochdale’s elderly hospital patients, who faced being sent home even if there were not adequate facilities for them there.

2004 - Bomb threats ... and a blast

THE year began in style for the man known as Mr Milnrow – former mayor Ronnie Taylor was whisked off in the mayoral limousine from his home to attend his 90th birthday celebrations at Milnrow Cricket Club.