Pioneer 170 year celebrations

Rochdale Pioneers Museum

The Rochdale Pioneers Museum celebrated the 170th anniversary of the founding of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society today (Saturday 1 November) with a family fun event.

Activities at the event included a guided tour of the Pioneers original 1844 store, transcribing a page of the Pioneers historic minute book and craft activities.

Manager of the museum Jennifer Mabbott said: “2014 marks the 170th anniversary so we thought it was a good opportunity to mark the celebration. The Pioneers store opened in December but with it being close to Christmas, we thought we would bring the celebration forward a little.”

Activities were aimed at children and families and also included activities tied in with the National Big Draw Festival such as making a Pioneer mask, dressing as a Pioneer and creating a Pioneer Christmas decoration.

“The theme for the Christmas Tree Festival at St Chad's this year is Pride in Rochdale so we thought making Pioneer themed decorations would certainly show pride in Rochdale,” added Jennifer.

Jennifer added: “We have had a good response and those who have been have said they have enjoyed things so that has been good.”