50 years strong – Ryecroft Hall Community Association celebrates Golden Anniversary

IT STARTED with a dance – and half-a-century later has developed into a thriving residents’ group that has hundreds of members.

Ryecroft Hall Community Association is celebrating its 50^th anniversary this month after becoming a vital hub for the community. Its committee is presenting each member with a special commemorative pen to mark the occasion and hosting a prize draw.

The Association began in 1975 when founder members Frank and Renee Mooring organised a dance for local residents at Ryecroft Hall, just off Manchester Road, Audenshaw. It now has around 300 members and provides a variety of classes, sessions, and events.

The association is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who are passionate about the local community. Chairman Pam Watkin and vice chairman Brenda Reaney have both been members for 42 years and have served in their roles for 40 years.

Pam said: “It’s vital for Audenshaw and is our hub for the community. It’s a nice building and people are friendly and can come and have a brew and a chat in the warm and attend the classes and events.

“It developed from nothing and has grown and grown and it’s brilliant how we did it. The more the merrier if people want to come and join.”

Councillor Teresa Smith, a committee member and Tameside Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “Congratulations to Ryecroft Hall Community Association on their Golden Anniversary. It’s fantastic how the Association had developed to become an important hub for the community that provides something for everyone with its array of sessions and events.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved for their work and dedication that has helped the Association thrive and become such a success at the heart of the community.”

Ryecroft Hall was in private ownership, as well as serving as a voluntary hospital during the First World War, until 1922 when the Grade II listed building and grounds were given to the people of Audenshaw for council offices. Tameside Council staff are still based there, while the Association organise activities.

Classes take place every weekday and range from health and fitness to dance and drama to cooking and computer sessions. Community events are held throughout the year with the popular Christmas lights switch-on taking place on Friday 28 November and a Christmas party in December for members.

To find out more or to join, email info@ryecrofthall.co.uk or call 0161 3425386.