POLICE SABRES RETURN!

Any Bridgite over the age of 40 should remember the circle of 'swords' which adorned the wall of Stalybridge Library from the closure of the Town Hall until Tameside came into existence.

When the towns amalgamated, many local artifacts were relocated, and the Stalybridge Police Sabres were removed to Portland Basin and, as far as the town was concerned, 'disappeared'.

But out of sight is not out of mind, and on 11th July, 2008, a very pleasant ceremony took place in Stalybridge Market Hall when various guests, councillors and dignitaries were present to welcome them back to their new home - resplendent in their display case.

The unveiling ceremony was carried out by Councillor Welsh and Charlie Meredith MBE JP: both of whom gave details of the sabres' history and use in both the Bread Riots and the Murphy Riots of the 19th Century. Indeed, notches can be seen on some of the 30 blades. It should be remembered that Stalybridge was at the forefront of the movement for change, and family members were on both sides of the disputes which resulted in the Riot Act being called, the arrest of many and their subsequent trials and imprisonment.

The District Assembly provided generous hospitality to the many present who all appreciated the hard work put in behind the scenes to return these symbols both of the town's past and of the men who struggled for the future.