Page 17 - Real Rochdale Issue 20 Winter 2023

New location for Local Studies Centre

The Local Studies Centre has moved into a new
temporary home at Sparth Community Centre
due to extensive building refurbishments at its
former Touchstones home.

This relocation follows the securement of Arts
Council England’s National Portfolio Organisa-
tion funding for Touchstones earlier this year,
totalling £325,000 to help build on Rochdale’s
cultural scene.

The Local Studies and Archives collection,
cherished by borough residents, encompasses closed its doors to the public, it’s important for
an extensive array of materials documenting us to keep in touch with our visitors and offer
the Rochdale area, spanning Castleton, them alternative ways to interact with
Littleborough, Milnrow, Wardle and Norden. Rochdale’s art and cultural heritage.

Primary services include access to cemetery “Here at Touchstones, we appreciate the value
records and wills, electoral registers, and of art and culture and the positive impact it has
historical burgess rolls. The collection extends on people’s wellbeing.”
to encompass news archives, photographs,
maps, plans, as well as an assortment of books Alongside the announcement of the new
and articles. Spanning centuries, the location, Touchstones has recently launched
collection boasts historical artefacts, with one a new podcast series, The Touchstones Tapes,
of its earliest items being a land grant in in partnership with Audio Always - aimed at
Todmorden dating back to 1318. celebrating the rich artistic and cultural sphere

in the area.
The centre also has computer availability, with
internet and printing services - including access For more details on the Local Studies Centre,
to FindMyPast and Ancestry. visit: www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/venues/
local-studies-centre/
Mark Doyle, director of arts, culture and
wellbeing at Touchstones, said: “While the
space of Touchstones Rochdale has temporarily

Local Studies Centre
Norman Road, Rochdale, OL11 4HS
01706 924915

Opening Times
Wednesday - Saturday:
10am - 12.30pm & 1pm - 4.30pm

REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2023 16 17 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2023