Bamford & Norden May 2017

patched up. By 1957 the condition of the pool and gardens was ‘very
bad’and this coincided with a national decline of the lido in the face
of leisure alternatives, television in particular. When overseas travel
became popular, local attractions such as the Norden Riviera became
less popular again.
Attendance through the 1950’s and 1960’s had been sporadic, but
on good days the place would be packed, the Rochdale Observer
reporting that ‘In 1961 there were over 3000 paying visitors to the
site,’ the Riviera taking £200 on one Sunday alone. This, however,
was an exception.
Due to poor weather, changes in social culture and the rising cost
of the lease, the Riviera closed as an operation in 1966, the Observer suggesting that Rochdale summers
had never been hot enough to make it a money spinner and that although it had always just about ‘paid its way’ it had only
returned a dividend to shareholders once or twice in its history and that was in the early years.
Not with standing its position nestling within the windswept Pennine hills, the Norden Riviera would have provided great days out
for many people in and around Rochdale eager to swim, dance or relax, and there must have been real sadness at its closure.
If you are interested in buying a copy of the book ‘Norden Riviera : Rochdale by the Sea’ contact Gary Heywood-Everett at either
garyheywoodeverett@yahoo.co.uk or by phoning 07745 201263.
Gary Heywood-Everett
13th & 14th May St Michael’s Scout Group,
Bamford - Annual Plant Sale
It’s that time of year when we turn our attention to sprucing up the garden, refreshing those hanging baskets and
tubs and looking forward to colourful displays in our gardens throughout the summer.
The Scout Group in Bamford is here to help as we hold our annual sale of bedding plants, hanging baskets and pots at our HQ in
Bamford. The Scouts are entirely reliant upon subscriptions, fundraising activities and volunteer support so we really appreciate
your support.
There’s always a wide variety of bedding plants with all the usual favourites at affordable
prices and, of course, they’re great quality. Watch out for an order form dropping through
your letterbox to pre-order your plants, or just turn up on the weekend – opening times
detailed below.
Order forms are being distributed in Norden & Bamford area from mid April.
Opening times:
Saturday 13 May: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday 14 May: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm .
Located on Dixon Fold next to Bamford Community Centre and behind Bamford Bowling
Club.
Parking available in the adjacent Community Centre Car Park.
Enquiries: 01706 642812
To advertise call 07976 289967 or 0797 443 4793 or email sales@streetwisemag.co.uk
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