Rochdale Fire Station circa 1933 by JeffG7BRJ

Photography • Architecture • posted on Feb 16, 2008

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Description

The front of Rochdale Fire Station as it is today. Built in 1933, as you can see it started life as an eight bay station, unfortunately it now only houses two full time engines, although, as last Sunday, it does house engines from other stations. When I visited last Sunday there was a Bury Fire Engine in one of the bays, the two Rochdale appliances were out on a shout. This building now a grade 2 listed building faces closure in the next couple of years. It will cost in the region of £2.5 million to bring it up to standard and a new build will only cost in the region of £2.0 million punds. A piece some of you might find interesting is, ' Rochdale Fire Service was the very first service in the UK to try out Radio Communications between base and vehicle'. This was about 1927 when they were housed in a station close to the town center. A licenced radio amateur was stationed there at this time. This experiment lead to the intruduction of two way radio communication for the rest of the country. By the time the service had moved to it's current location all vehicles were fitted with two way radios. I thank all who commented on yesterdays upload, some of which I found most interesting. I must point out I am not as depressed as it seemed to portray, I want to go on living for many more years. I looked forward to retirement at one time, I had so much to do with all my different hobbies, that I thought there would not be enough hours in a day. It is because retirement was forced upon me, earlier than expected and because of the disableing nature of my ill health, I cannot participate in my hobbies the same as I could when I was working. It is anger that I feel so much more than depression. Thanks for stopping by for a look and for any comments you care to make, good bad or indifferent I don't mind. If it made you think anything at all, it was a success. May the sun shine down on you, where ever you are. Slight postwork to the right hand side to remove a lighting pole.

Comments (27)

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tennesseecowgirl

8:22AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

Beautiful... I hope they opt to rebuild rather then to tear it down and start new.. the suns trying to shine here today.... :) 49 degrees at 9:22 a.m. so can't complain.

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JeffG7BRJ

8:24AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

It's a grade 2 listed building they can't tear it down, if built a new station would be re-located to another area.

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Debwhosmiles

8:34AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

A very striking building, I think you've done it justice in your fine shot. I believe good architecture should be preserved, if the design is still sound for its use then it should be saved, a newer building would probably lack the community character of this one as most new structures do. I hope they choose to save it.

aljaysart

8:34AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

Great building Jeff i like the old fashioned look to it, excellent capture well done and thanks for sharing.

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durleybeachbum

9:29AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

Eee they don't make aught like that any more. Good pic.

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jocko500

9:54AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

like old buildings like this. hope they can turn it into a history place; may not cost so much to do then? wonderful shot. I know what you mean by getting around. My knees is bad now and I like to do more but I know I can not.

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rockstrider

9:55AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

It seems ridiculous that it will cost more to renovate than it would to build new - almost unbelieveable! Of course, they will have manipulated these figues to suit. Great picture mate!

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Richardphotos

10:12AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

I understand about your dilemma.so many people work hard all their life looking forward to retirement and then have health issues that prevents them from fulfilling their dreams. excellent capture of this building and the history is outstanding

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beachzz

10:52AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

What a fine old building, I live in a part of California that has many old Victorian, Queen Anne, and Craftsman homes, and they are truly elegant. I lived in a draft old Vic when I first moved here, it had been "remodelled" to death, you wouldn't believe what got done in the name of progress. The 50's and 60's were not kind to these old beauties, but slowly they were brought back to life. It would be so frustrating to have so many plans, so many wonderful ideas and then find the rug pulled out from under you. But you have a right to your anger, and venting is a good thing, from some of that comes the talend and creativity you show all the time!!

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timtripp

11:34AM | Sat, 16 February 2008

first rate image, excellent story!

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mickuk50

1:07PM | Sat, 16 February 2008

we have nothing like this grand old fire station of yours up here its all modern and i dont think they have the character like this one does .this is a fantastic capture jeff and one question why is only half the doors painted even though they are not all used ,i think it spoils the building mick

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stevey3d

1:15PM | Sat, 16 February 2008

Superb Jeff! Excellent pov! Wonderful architecture! 5+

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SSoffia

2:22PM | Sat, 16 February 2008

DEAR JEFF EXCELLENT CAPTURE & COLORS & COMPOSITION !!!!!

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witch_1612

2:36PM | Sat, 16 February 2008

Wonderful Capture!!!

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auntietk

3:30PM | Sat, 16 February 2008

If that building were here, someone would convert it into a mall for funky shops with very high rents! We don't have a National Trust, or Grade listed buildings. Every time somebody wants to build, or tear something down and put in something else, they put up a big sign announcing when a public hearing will take place, and everyone can go speak their mind. Everything is on a case-by-case basis. That's probably why we have trees that are older than the oldest building around! Blah blah, blah! I'll shut up now. Did I mention that I like this photograph? This is a cool old building, and you've captured its character perfectly!

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