Rochdale Town Hall police cells opened to commemorate 50 years since the amalgamation of Rochdale Borough Police Force into Lancashire Constabulary

Date published: 01 April 2019

The 50th anniversary of the amalgamation of the Rochdale Borough Police Force into Lancashire Constabulary was commemorated on 1 April 2019 at Rochdale Town Hall.

To celebrate the day, the Rochdale Branch of the National Association of Retired Police Officers (NAPRO) invited surviving members, together with widows/widowers, of the old Rochdale Borough Police Force to the usually closed off police cells at Rochdale Town Hall.

Between 10.00am and 2.00pm, invited members could browse the once working area containing six cells, including one for females, with a toilet in each as well as a shared bathroom at the end of the block.

 

 

 

 

Members of NAPRO organised displays of memorabilia and photographs throughout the cells from when the local force was formed 112 years ago, up to the amalgamation on 1 April 1969.

Ranging from ceremonial swords from 1870, to Hiatt Nipper handcuffs used in court escort from 1910, the cell blocks were filled with local history, allowing members to reminisce about their working days.

 

 

 

 

David Law, a worker in the communications department of the old police cells, remembered: “St Patricks Day of 1968 was one of the busiest nights these cells had ever seen.

“A group of Irish men began to riot right outside on The Butts, which eventually turned into a fight with the locals.

“The cells were absolutely packed with at least six people in each.”

 

 

 

In April 1857 when the Rochdale County Borough Police was formed, there was a total of 15 serving officers: one superintendent, two sergeants and 12 constables. The first working year of the police force cost a total of £1,235.

112 years later, on Sunday 30 March 1969 at 10.00am, Rochdale Borough Police Force assembled for the very last time in a parade from Rochdale Town Hall to Rochdale Parish Church of St Chads. There were over 200 officers and workers on Rochdale Borough Police Force at that time.

Keepsakes were gifted to all of the force at a farewell service at St Chad’s, taking place before the amalgamation with other forces into a new Lancashire Constabulary.

 

 

 

 

NAPROS aimed to provide those same treasured keepsakes and produced a commemorative reminder for the 50th anniversary, like the ones received 50 years ago at the farewell service to remind the officers of their work.

David Evans, a retired Rochdale officer who now lives in Wigan, said: “The only time we all get together now is at funerals, so it’s truly amazing to be here together for this commemoration.

“Even though many of us live apart now, we always remember one another. It’s nice to see old friends.”

 

 

Secretary of the Rochdale Branch of the Retired Police Officers Group, John Bamford, said: “This celebration is purely a show of appreciation for those who truly policed the town, before we even had radios or computers, and every street was manned.

“The people here are Rochdale people through and through.

“I joined the police force in 1978 and when I retired in 2009, I made sure to stay in touch with all the men. Some of the people we contacted to join us today have come as far as the Isle of Man, Scotland and even Australia.

“Thank you to everyone who has joined us at this celebration.”

 

 

If you are a former Rochdale Borough Officer, or if you have served at Rochdale, and would like to get in touch please email John Bamford, Branch Secretary of NARPO (Rochdale), for further details:

• secretary@rochdalenarpo.co.uk