Rochdale Gramophone Society to close after 93 years

Rochdale Gramophone Society, the second-oldest recorded music society in the United Kingdom, is set to close its doors after 93 years of operation.

Founded in 1931 by Frank Walkden and a small group of friends, the society has been a fixture of the local cultural scene for decades.

The society’s origins trace back to an informal meeting at the Commercial Hotel in Milnrow, where Frank, an avid music enthusiast who owned an EMG gramophone with a large horizontal horn, and two friends discussed forming a gramophone society.

Following their decision, they canvassed interest among friends and placed an advertisement in the local press. The response was modest, attracting just one respondent, Miss McCormick from Balderstone, who joined and remained involved until her marriage.

The society held its first meeting in November 1931 at the Drake Hotel.

On the night, an unexpected logistical challenge arose: the EMG gramophone ordered for the gathering had not been delivered on time. Frank was forced to make a late-night dash to the Fishwick Street railway sidings to collect the device.

With some persuasion, railway staff allowed him to retrieve it, enabling members to enjoy their first session together.

Through the years, the society thrived, reaching a peak membership of around 30 people by the late 20th century.

The group embraced technological changes, transitioning from gramophone records to cassette tapes, CDs, and eventually digital projectors, which allowed members to enjoy opera and ballet performances.

However, like many similar organisations, the society faced a steady decline in membership. In recent years, numbers dwindled to just eight members, including one dedicated participant aged 95 who has been with the group for over six decades.

In 1936, the Federation of Recorded Music Societies (FRMS) was established, providing a national platform for groups like Rochdale Gramophone Society.

The Rochdale group has played an active role within the organisation, with one of its members serving as a photographer, FRMS website manager for 13 years, and vice chairman for five years. That individual is now one of the FRMS’s three national vice presidents.

While the closure marks the end of an era, some members of Rochdale Gramophone Society are considering joining the Ramsbottom Recorded Music Society to continue their shared love of music.

As the society prepares to close, it leaves behind a rich legacy of camaraderie and musical appreciation, cherished by generations of Rochdale residents.