Exploring local history and genealogy at Local Studies

Regular readers of Style magazine will have noticed that I often end my local history articles with a “thank you” to Rochdale Local Studies Library. I make a point of doing this because I rely so much on the vast resources at the library but, more importantly, the expertise, interest and support which the staff provide. The local studies facility at Touchstones has been a haven for me – and countless other local and family historians - for many years, providing a pleasant, welcoming and quiet atmosphere.

At the beginning of October this year Rochdale Local Studies opened again to the public at their new base in the former Sparth Community Centre on Norman Road just off Dane Street near Asda and Aldi supermarkets. To be honest, I have missed being able to visit and use the local studies library in recent months!

Unsurprisingly, I was one of the first visitors to the new centre. It has free parking, level access and toilets. Supervisor, Janet Byrne has worked in Local Studies for many years and she and her colleagues Jenny and Shakra have always made me welcome. It was great to see them again in their new “home”. In a few summer months Janet and her team have transformed the empty spaces in the centre into the familiar atmosphere and invaluable resource centre of their former base.

The computers, microfilm readers, maps, town plans, council minutes and hundreds of books, pamphlets, photographs and other records have been carefully moved from their former home at Touchstones and reestablished at Sparth. I must emphasise that a lot of these resources are fragile and unique, requiring expert handling. If you want to know practically anything about the history of Rochdale and surrounding villages such as Castleton, Littleborough, Milnrow, Norden and Wardle, this is the place to start.

The Rochdale Observer is available on microfilm and is a vitally important resource for the people of the town, whatever the nature of their enquiry. Helpfully, there are also umpteen files of press cuttings for specific

subjects such as sport, celebrities, entertainment and different parts of the borough and area.

Many of the visitors to Local Studies are family historians, possibly inspired by the BBC television programme "Who Do You Think You Are?"

It is possible to access the Ancestry and FindMyPast websites on the computers and see how far you can go back in your family tree. Janet and her team are always ready to assist you in your research and can save you time in suggesting routes into your enquiries.

Family history research, of course, is nothing like it appears on television. It requires patience and careful attention to detail and record keeping.

If you are new to this fascinating activity, I recommend arming yourself with a notebook, pencils, eraser and a pencil sharpener!

I suggest starting with a blank sheet of A4 or A3 paper and, starting at the foot of the page, writing down your own name and your siblings below the names of your parents and, above them if possible, your grand-parents.

Put in as many dates of birth, marriages and deaths as you can accurately remember and gather any family documents such as wedding certificates, marriage records or obituaries. You have started your family history journey!

You can print off templates and tables for your research from the internet. The Free BMD (births, marriages and deaths) website is a good place to start for events pre-1998.

Ensure the accuracy of your research by cross-referencing multiple sources, be persistent and prepared for occasional roadblocks!

Genealogy research can be a lifelong pursuit but the thrill of discovering your family's history makes it an exciting hobby.

The Local Studies Centre computers are bookable through email, telephone or in person. If you have a specific enquiry, I recommend contacting Janet and her team in advance and then they will be able to retrieve the relevant items from the vast resources in the local studies collection.

Rochdale Local Studies, Norman Road, Rochdale OL11 4HS

Telephone: 01706 924915

Email: local.studies@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk

Open: Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 4.30 pm.

Richard Lysons

With thanks - as always to Rochdale Local Studies!