Hatts Chats + Giggles

09/11/2025

Listen live to Radio Manchester on BBC Sounds

06/11/2025

PAC cic launches Creative Futures!

Free Creative Workshops for 16 - 24 year olds not in education or employment in Hattersley

A new initiative called Creative Futures is launching a 6 week pilot at Hattersley Hub on Monday, 10th November, from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who are not currently in education or employment, the free sessions offer hands-on experience in music, film, podcasting, AI, and virtual reality (VR) — with no prior experience required.

Participants can learn to make beats, record tracks, write and edit films, produce podcasts, explore AI tools for creative work, and engage with VR art and games. The programme also includes CV support and one-to-one progression planning, helping attendees build skills and confidence for future training or employment.

Taster sessions are available with no commitment and include a free lunch.

Spaces are limited

To book a place, contact Mark on 07519987667 or email [email protected]

See poster for more details

20/10/2025

Child workers as young as six labored 12-hour shifts in Hyde's cotton mills. The Town Hall still displays plaques chronicling the child labor laws that gradually improved their lives. What other stories is your community hiding in plain sight?

Listen now to find out more

Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick takes us on a fascinating journey through Hyde's transformation from a rural settlement to an industrial powerhouse, revealing how the cotton industry shaped the town we know today. His extensive knowledge uncovers ...

14/10/2025

Did you know Hyde FC suffered a record-breaking 26-0 defeat to Preston North End in the 1887 FA Cup? Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick reveals this and other fascinating stories from Hyde's industrial past in our latest podcast episode.

Listen now to uncover your town's hidden history!

Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick takes us on a fascinating journey through Hyde's transformation from a rural settlement to an industrial powerhouse, revealing how the cotton industry shaped the town we know today. His extensive knowledge uncovers ...

30/09/2025

Did you know Hyde FC suffered a record-breaking 26-0 defeat to Preston North End in the 1887 FA Cup? Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick reveals this and other fascinating stories from Hyde's industrial past in our latest podcast episode.

Listen now to uncover your town's hidden history!

Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick takes us on a fascinating journey through Hyde's transformation from a rural settlement to an industrial powerhouse, revealing how the cotton industry shaped the town we know today. His extensive knowledge uncovers ...

23/09/2025

Thank you to all our listeners

Hatts Chats and Giggles is a community-focused podcast serving Hattersley, Mottram, Longdendale, and beyond. In candid interviews, host Mark sits down with local movers, shakers, community groups, and everyday heroes making a positive impact. We’ll hear from entrepreneurs energising the local econ...

19/09/2025

From Cotton Mills to Civic Pride: The Evolution of Hyde

Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick takes us on a fascinating journey through Hyde’s history — from a small rural settlement to an industrial powerhouse shaped by the cotton industry.
In this episode, you’ll discover:

✅ How Hyde’s population exploded during the cotton boom
✅ The powerful Ashton Brothers and their mills
✅ Life for child workers before labour reforms
✅ The story behind Hyde Town Hall and its brick-built modernity
✅ Local legends, tragedies, and famous connections — from football to boxing to wartime memorials

Listen now and uncover the hidden stories that shaped the town we know today.

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Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick takes us on a fascinating journey through Hyde's transformation from a rural settlement to an industrial powerhouse, revealing how the cotton industry shaped the town we know today. His extensive knowledge uncovers ...

19/09/2025

New Podcast Alert!!!

"In 1801 Hyde had just 3,500 residents. By 1881 it soared to 30,000." Discover how the cotton industry transformed a rural settlement into a thriving town. Our guest historian Jim Fitxpatrick shares Hyde's remarkable journey from agricultural community to industrial powerhouse.

Local historian Jim Fitzpatrick takes us on a fascinating journey through Hyde's transformation from a rural settlement to an industrial powerhouse, revealing how the cotton industry shaped the town we know today. His extensive knowledge uncovers ...

10/08/2025

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Have you ever wondered how a childhood move can shape your entire perspective on life? This week's episode brings you heartwarming stories from local poet Roy Page, who vividly recounts his family's transition from the crowded streets of Salford t...