Our March meeting at the History room heard an entertaining illustrated talk from Iain Bowden, on the history of Hollingworth Lake.

We were introduced to the early pubs and pleasure grounds run by local businessmen, and how the lake was built to feed water to the Rochdale Canal at Summit. The Beach Hotel occupied a commanding site and had a brilliantly lighted dancing stage capable of accommodating some 2000 people and adjoining grounds fitted out for al fresco sports.

Crossing the lake from one landing stage to another by paddle steamer was the picturesque Lake Hotel standing within large and tastefully laid out pleasure grounds, where drives lined with shrubbery could be found and a bowling green at the back and dancing stage at the front.