Further along the trail – latest Gracie Fields plaque unveiled

Actor Ben Stock and Actress Sue Devaney unveil the latest plaque on the Gracie Fields trail

Actress Sue Devaney and actor Ben Stock met with the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, Surinder and Cecile Biant, to unveil the latest plaque on the Gracie Fields trail on Milkstone Road yesterday (Thursday 10 March).

Council Leader Richard Farnell unveiled the first plaque on Saturday 9 January in Molesworth Street, 118 years after she was born above a chip shop there. The building where she was born has now been demolished, but visitors can see the plaque nearby.

The completion of the new trail will coincide with the erection of a bronze statue of the late singer, actress and comedienne close to the Town Hall, which was the focal point of her many return visits to Rochdale.

Sebastian Lessandro, from the Gracie Fields Appreciation Society, said: “Although Gracie lived around the world, she always called Rochdale home and never denied her love of the town with frequent return trips and charity weeks.”

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “Gracie Fields was a real Rochdale success story who enjoyed worldwide success at the height of her career.

"Although, she was made a freeman of our borough in 1937 and she opened the Gracie Fields theatre in 1979, we feel it’s only fitting that we recognise her contribution with a permanent tribute. She’s an important part of our heritage and I want all our residents and visitors to be able to celebrate that.”

The trail will be completed by the summer, and its completion will coincide with the erection of a statue Gracie Fields statue in Packer Street, Town Hall Square. The statue is currently being created by sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn.