Welcome to Region 08 – North West

The North West is bordered by Yorkshire (Region 07) to our east, Wales (Nation 10) and West Midlands (Region 04) to our south and, as the North (Region 09) stretches from the West coast to the East coast, we also have the Cumbria section of the North Region above us.

This gives North West members many opportunities, if travel allows, to attend activities in any of those areas, as well as those of our own. However it is always advisable to contact the event organiser prior to the day so that they can look out to welcome you.

Unfortunately we do not have an Executive Representative at present, but the Local Contact continues to organise as many activities as she can.

We would welcome any members interested in being the Executive Representative or in organising a few activities in their immediate locality as a Local Contact, to get in touch with info@aoug.org.uk to get more information about what the roles entail or to offer their services.

Treasurer / Local Contact – Margaret Stobirski margaretstobirski@gmail.com 

A group of AOUG members in our Region attended a visit to the Rochdale Town Hall. Some years ago at an AGM we were encouraged to make a visit to this venue by the Mayor at the time. This did not disappoint. Rochdale Town Hall, a gothic building, which is Grade 1 listed and was designed by William Crossland. It opened in 1871 and it symbolized the town’s rich textile heritage of the Industrial Revolution. A very enthusiastic guide, who had also been involved in its conservation, showed us around the many rooms. It’s composed of many architectural delights. In every room the ceilings were elegant and intricate. Walls had been decorated by hand and many of the floors had Minton tiles. The most stunning room was the banqueting hall which can only be described as a ‘Wow factor’. The picture shown shows the stage and the lights can be seen clearly as drop-down lanterns. Please visit this wonderful venue if you have the opportunity.