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The Observer

From humble start to modern media, there's always been lots to talk about

THE first issue of the Rochdale Observer, of which the price was two pence (or tuppence), was published on 16 February 1856.

Looking ahead to brighter future

OUR 150th anniversary year is an obvious prompt for memories from years gone by, but it's just as important for us to look to the future.

From paper boy to veteran newsman

SUB-EDITOR Ian Ogden looks at the Observer then and now and how the paper - and life itself - has changed ...

Keeping a keen eye right from the centre of the action

FOR most of its 150-year history the Rochdale Observer has been based in Drake Street, but it began its life even closer to the town centre.

Remembering days of hot pies - and Slasher

NEIL Woodcock worked at the Observer for 40 years - mostly as a compositor but latterly as head of the IT department. Here he tells some tales of the comp room ...