Focus on Littleborough: Littleborough Coach House

Littleborough Coach House

The Littleborough Coach House is one of the most significant buildings in Littleborough, situated at the heart of the village on Lodge Street.

The building, as the name suggests was once a Coach House, however it was restored by a confederation of local volunteer groups in the last 1970s

Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild visited the Coach House to find out what is behind its big front doors, with the help of Chairman John Parker.

Looking at the old black and white photographs on the walls of the modernised coach house it is hard to believe what it once looked like.

Walking through the front door to the left is the buildings Heritage centre, which is home to visitor’s information, a collection of Littleborough souvenirs and a room also used to display various pieces of art work.

The size of the room is big enough for a coach load of visitors, and resembles a museum shop, of course being a registered charity the Coach House is limited to just how much they can sell.

At the end of the room are two double doors, beyond lies a room kitted out with tables and chairs, a popular location for local societies to meet and even training days for the local authority.

Back out to the main hall and straight ahead is Demetris Café, the café has a contemporary feel but also looks like a wonderful little hide away to get snug on a wet and windy day, for the better weather there is a patio where visitors can enjoy their lunch in the sunshine.

Back through to the hallway there is a flight of stairs which leads up to a huge function room and bar. Mr Parker explained that this is popular for weddings, christenings and birthday parties.

Mr Parker has been involved with the Trust for 7 years; he started as a Director and progressed to Chairman.

The Coach House holds regular fundraising events to pump money back into the building which is used to continually improve it.

It is also popular with local groups for their own functions and it hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year including Yoga, Belly Dancing, Lunchtime Concerts and Drama Classes.

The centre is manned by volunteers; however Mr Parker would like to see it open longer hours.

“We would like to see more volunteers and have more people on board.

“We need some younger people involved, as it is an ageing population who currently volunteer.

“We would like to see some younger ideas.” said Mr Parker.

“I enjoy my involvement here – it keeps me out of mischief,” joked Mr Parker.

The next step of improvements Mr Parker would like to see is for the Heritage Centre to be improved and be more “streamline.”

They Friends of the Coach House are also keen to improve the kitchen facilities that adjoin to the main function room.

The Heritage centre is open all year round and each afternoon from 1.30 until 4.00, and 11.00-4.00 on a Saturday, and closed on Sunday.

The function rooms are available for parties and the smaller meeting room is available for meeting/training sessions.