School and Liberal Club, Huddersfield Road, Newhey, Rochdale

NEWHEY, NEAR OLDHAM - At a meeting of the directors of the Newhey Educational Institute held on Friday evening, the plans for the proposed school and club sent in by Messrs. Wild and Collins, of Oldham, Messrs. Hirst and Bolshaw, of Southport and Messrs. Butterworth and Duncan of Rochdale were voted upon, with the result that the designs sent in by Messrs. Butterworth and Duncan were accepted. The plans show a school in two departments, mixed and infants, accommodation being provided for 300 scholars in two schoolrooms and three class-rooms, the two schoolrooms being capable of being thrown into one for lecture purposes; attached to the school, but without any connection with same, is a club for the Newhey and Haugh Liberal Association. Materials, brick with stone dressings. [Building News - Friday 17 December 1886 page 967]

Persons desirous of tendering for the whole or any branch of the works required in the erection of a SCHOOL and CLUB at Newhey for the Newhey Educational Institute Limited are requested to forward their names at once to the Architects, S Butterworth and Duncan, 4 South Parade, Rochdale. [Rochdale Observer - Saturday 5 February 1887 page 4]

LIBERAL DEMONSTRATION AT NEWHEY - On Saturday afternoon and evening an imposing political demonstration took place at Newhey, the occasion being the laying of the corner stones of the new Liberal club about by be erected in that district, The site of the proposed new building is a very convenient one, being close to the Newhey railway station and in the centre of a fairly well populated district. The club when finished will present an attractive appearance, the contractors having been instructed to pay more than the usual to its exterior, and to see that it is fitted internally with some of the best contrivances for securing the comfort and of the members. In connection with the club and attached to it, there will be a school capable of accommodating over 300 children. The persons engaged on the club are as follow: Architects – Messrs Duncan and Butterworth, South Parade, Rochdale; contractors – stonework Messrs. James Henthorn & Son; brickwork, Mr. Taylor, of Rochdale; Messrs. J. & G. Mann, Huddersfield Road Newhey; plumbing, glazing, etc, Mr. Joseph Handiey Milnrow Road. [Rochdale Observer - Wednesday 25 May 1887 page 2]

The new building presents a very attractive appearance, more than usual attention having been paid to the ornamentation of the exterior. The apartments provided in the club consist of billiard, reading and committee rooms and each of these has been fitted up with some of the best contrivances for securing the comfort and convenience of those using them. Adjoining the club and in connection with it there is a school which has been adapted for the instruction of over 300 children, and this also is excellently furnished. The members of Newhey and Haugh Liberal club have hitherto met in a cottage near the "Bird-in-Hand" tavern. [Rochdale Observer - Wednesday 21 December 1887 page 3]

NEWHEY LIBERAL CLUB - On Saturday afternoon Mr Samuel Barlow of Stakehill, near Middleton, performed the ceremony of opening the commodious and handsome building which has been erected by the Liberals in the village of Newhey near Rochdale, to serve as a club and day school. [Manchester Times - Saturday 24 December 1887 page 7]

Site south-west of railway bridge on Huddersfield Road. Both buildings survive; the Liberal Club having become the Newhey Lodge Sports bar, Flat-roofed extensions between the school building and the road have totally obliterated the original frontage. A atone reading “Newhey Educational Institute” is incorporated into the new work.

Reference    Building News - Friday 17 December 1886 page 967
Reference    Rochdale Observer - Saturday 5 February 1887 page 4 – contracts
Reference    Rochdale Observer - Wednesday 21 December 1887 page 3
Reference    Rochdale Observer - Wednesday 25 May 1887 page 2]
Reference    Manchester Times - Saturday 24 December 1887 page 7