Hatts Chats + Giggles

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...

11/07/2025

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At Birch Lea Park, a remarkable transformation is taking place in how we think about aging and independent living. This brand-new housing with care development in the heart of Hattersley isn't just changing landscapes – it's changing lives.Through...

03/07/2025

New Podcast Alert!!!

🌟 **Hatts Chats & Giggles — LIVE from the Launch!** 🌟

We’ve just stepped inside the *brand‑new* Onward **Birch Lea Park** in Hattersley, and it’s already rewriting the rules of independent living. 🎙️ Hear Mike & Bridie explain how a single push‑button brings 24/7 peace of mind, and follow Sandra’s journey from “not a cat in hell’s chance” to “best move I’ve ever made.” 💬✨

Ready to see how great design, digital support and a vibrant community can transform the aging journey? Hit play on our latest episode **“Live from the Launch: Birch Lea Park Opens Its Doors.”** 🚪🎧

👉 **Listen now:** https://www.buzzsprout.com/2304149/episodes/17436886
📍 Hattersley, Tameside

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At Birch Lea Park, a remarkable transformation is taking place in how we think about aging and independent living. This brand-new housing with care development in the heart of Hattersley isn't just changing landscapes – it's changing lives.Through...

03/07/2025

New Podcast Alert!

We went to the Onward Birch Lea Park open day to talk to staff and resident how this new housing development is transforming senior living!

Watch this space for our latest podcast!!!

19/06/2025

🎙️ Hatts Chatts & Giggles 🎙️

Today we were at Birch Lea Park Open Day chatting with new residents, their families, dedicated staff, and local councillor Gary Ferguson about this fantastic new initiative 🌟

It’s been a brilliant day full of conversations, connections and community spirit 🗣️❤️

🎧 Keep your eyes (and ears) peeled for our upcoming podcast episode – coming soon!

15/04/2025

🌻 Discover the heartwarming story of the Hattersley Community Big Garden Project! From community cafes to festive events, learn how they're cultivating connections. Listen now to find out more! 🎧

Discover how the Hattersley Community Big Garden Project is transforming lives and spaces, one garden at a time. Join us as we highlight the inspiring journey of this community initiative with Lesley, one of the project's directors. From the addit...