Mayor to unveil a new sign at Catley Lane Head

Cotton Famine Road plaque unveiling in 2016

A new road sign in Catley Lane Head, identifying the area as the gateway to Rooley Moor, will be officially unveiled by the Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale and Rochdale’s MP, Tony Lloyd during The Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum annual community event.

Greater Manchester Police has funded the road sign to promote careful driving. Rochdale Council delivered the sign, and is supporting this year’s event.

The Forum will be sharing information about its work developing a Neighbourhood Plan, and the consultation documents relating to the proposed designation of Catley Lane Head as a conservation area will be on display and available for comment.

The event this year will continue the theme of commemoration, celebrating the cotton famine road and the local mill workers through an exhibition and display at their local history stall.

This year’s event follows last year’s aunch of the Forum when the BBC, with TV presenter David Olusoga, filmed parts of the event for the BBC series – Black and British: A Forgotten History.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/104596/cotton-famine-road-plaque-unveiling

The BBC series featured the history of the cotton famine road (Rooley Moor Road) and presented a plaque to the Rooley Moor community to commemorate the mill workers of Rochdale who endured great hardship in support of the abolishment of the American slave trade in the late 19th century.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/106431/cotton-famine-road-in-bbc-documentary

David Olusoga has since become Honorary President of the Forum in support of its ongoing work.

The event will also feature the Oakenhoof Cloggers, the Cotton Famine Road band playing two live sets, a range of food and drinks, Skylight Circus with participative activities, a henna artist, kite flying and information displays from the Rochdale and Bury Bridleways Association and the Ramblers’ Association.

There will be speeches and readings from actress Sue Devaney, the Mayor Duckworth, local councillors, Touchstone Creative Writing Group and members of the forum.

A spokesperson said: "The weather forecast is good, and this year’s event is expected to be a great success – with opportunities to learn more about the history of the area, find out about recreational activities around Rooley Moor today and the work of the Forum, as well as to enjoy music, food, drink and dancing in a scenic and family friendly environment.

"All are welcome and the Forum members are looking forward to welcoming everyone."

The Rooley Moor Neighbourhood Forum annual community event is on Sunday 13 August between noon and 4pm in the village of Catley Lane Head.