Youngsters explore their heritage

The explorers at Tonge Hall, Middleton

Young people in Middleton have been exploring their local heritage.

“Rooted in Midd,” a partnership between Pride Media Assoication, Middleton Heritage Conservation Group and local historians was launched on Saturday (11 September 2010) as part of the Middleton Heritage Open Days.

The young people explored four of Middleton’s most historical buildings and were one of the first in Middleton to get a tour of the developments and reconstruction of Tonge Hall.

Other buildings visited included Long Street Methodist Church, where the group got an insight into the important role Middleton’s Edgar Wood played in creating Middleton’s and the Country’s architectural landscape.

The young people learnt how churches were the “facebook” of old Middleton, not just as a place of worship, but as a place for social gathering, meeting friends and sharing stories.

The group were given a tour of Middleton Parish Church by Geoffrey Wellens, where they saw the Asherton Family Tomb, the churches 600 year old oak door and its giant key, photographed the country’s oldest war memorial and took brass rubbings of artefacts in the church.

Pride Media’s Director Jonathan Burns, said: “The project will provide a unique opportunity for young people to explore their own heritage, discover Middleton’s rich and diverse history and present their findings to other young people in a fun and creative way. We hope that through this project, young people will be inspired by the people and events of Middleton’s past and see the town in a new light.

Jessica Jackson, 13 from Middleton said: “I really enjoyed visiting the buildings and learning about what they were used for. It was exciting being one of the first people to look around Tonge Hall, hopefully we will get to go back when all the work has been done to compare.”

Rebecca Hardman, 16 Steering Group member from Boarshaw said: “Rooted in Midd is different to any other projects I have been part of before. There will be so many different things that you can choose to take part in. I am really looking forward to finding out about the history of Middleton and planning the guided tour.”

Rooted in Midd has been developed by a steering group of local young people who successfully bid for £25,000 of Heritage Lottery Funds.

The project will give young people the opportunity to uncover the secrets of Middleton’s past and bring their town’s heritage to life.