Audenshaw Historical Society

18th November 2009

Dear Friends

Red Hall Date Stone “A D 1876”

You are invited to attend the forthcoming unveiling ceremony, to be performed by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor John Sullivan of the “Red Hall” date stone, “A D 1876”, this event will take place on Friday, 11th December 2009, at 2pm. This is situated on Audenshaw Road, Audenshaw, almost opposite the new “Trinity” Church, where I have arranged for refreshments to be served after the ceremony. This follows the closure of two Audenshaw churches, Bridge Street United Reform Church and the Guide Lane Methodist Chapel, and the demolition in September 2007, of the Red Hall Chapel, where Trinity now stands, built on a vacant site.

Our society managed to fund the rescue of some important historical stones, initially Councillor Jackie Lane, Head of Heritage became involved, and then with help from Stuart Mollinson from the Town Managers office, we got them moved to the stable block at Ryecroft Hall for storage. Mr. Barry Hodcroft Monumental Stonemason from Dukinfield agreed to dress the stone.

We had been in negotiations with Mr. Ian Allwood Chief Engineer from North West Water, in order to bring about the installation of the date stone in the dry stone wall surrounding the reservoirs on Audenshaw Road. This was achieved by means of a grant obtained by North West Water, to bring about a satisfactory conclusion, lots of people from all walks of life coming together in order to achieve a common goal.

This has been an ongoing project of the society and a lot of effort has now been rewarded with a very pleasing end result of which we are justly proud.

We look forward to welcoming you there on the day, to join in our celebration of our achievement.