Rochdale Canal - Co-ops and Connections
Lock 50 Rochdale Canal, Oldham Road, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 5RD
The world famous Rochdale Pioneers started their co-op 180 years ago in the winter of 1844 - they started a business revolution of member control and ownership which 2 billion people around the world today are a part of. During Heritage Open Days this year, visitors and local people can find out more about the routes and connections made by co-ops, how an urban stretch of the Rochdale Canal played its part in making the modern co-op movement successful and finding out more how we use route and networks. We will be exploring the theme of travel and trade as well as encouraging people to explore the urban landscape via the towpath by engaging with the theme of working class campaigning and culture, bringing our collections and activities out of our museum and archive to the waters edge. Canal and River Trust will be 'popping up' alongside our heritage team to give visitors an insight into what it takes to care for engineered routes in the modern age and encourage more people to use and enjoy the urban waterscape and contribute to it through volunteering. The Co-op Group's success was partly founded on the use of trade routes and the Member Pioneers will be sharing refreshments as they help us celebrate 30 years of the FairTrade marque - a commitment of co-ops to buy ethically from overseas producers. Mikron Theatre Group will be rounding off the event with a performance of their touring play 'Commonground' all about the history of hiking and the importance of the right to roam
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1300-1700
Location & directions
Lock 50 Rochdale Canal, Oldham Road, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 5RD
- Directions:
- Lock 50 is off Oldham Road, visitors should park on nearby streets and walk to the event, access for pushchairs and wheelchair users is from the ramp at Bevan Health Centre, additionally there are steps to the towpath from Oldham Road.
- Contact on day:
- Co-operative Heritage Trust
- Telephone number:
- +441706524920
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The activities and stalls will be on the towpath, due to health and safety restriction close to the water's edge, we reserve the right to limit the numbers of people standing or sitting on the towpath. Attendees for the performance part of the event by Mikron Theatre from 1500 to 1700 will be able to use their own blankets and chairs / stand on the bridge overlooking the performance space. The area is open air and we cannot hold spaces. Seating must not block access routes or be too close to the water's edge. Please note that Mikron Theatre operate a pay as you feel donation facility.
Additional information
This event is a collaboration between Canal and River Trust, The Co-operative Heritage Trust with support from the Lock 50 Business Centre and The Co-operative Group.
- Max no of people per tour:
- 100
- Est. tour duration:
- 0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)
