Introduction Butterworth was one of the districts of old Rochdale, the others being Hundersfield, Spotland and Castleton. Until the middle ot the nineteenth century Butterworth Hall stood in the fields across the river from what is now the end New Street. When the Hall burned down, it was replaced by Butterworth Hall Farm.

Butterworth Hall Farm.

Butterworth Hall District.

This in turn has been replaced, firstly by school playing fields and in 2002/3 a new housing estate. Of the buildings in the picture of Butterworth Hall district, only those to the right of the gas lamp still remain. Around 1970 The current building and car park was constructed by Milnrow Urban District Council on the site of the buildings on the left hand side of the picture. The building was to be used as a welfare centre for aged and handicapped people and was also used by local groups such as The Milnrow Literary and Scientific Society. 1974 Following local government reorganisation, the building was taken over by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council (R.M.B.C.)and operated on their behalf by Age Concern, who provided the welfare services and looked after the bookings. (R.M.B.C.) Was responsible for collecting the rental fees and maintaining the building. 2000 Following the closure of the old Milnrow council offices, more and more groups were using the Welfare Centre. However, the building was not being properly maintained by (R.M.B.C.) who didn't have sufficient funds. 2002-2003 (R.M.B.C.) Decided that they had no further use for the building and there was a real likelyhood that it would be closed, resulting in numerous user groups having no venue for their activities. Meanwhile, voluntary groups in the Pennines area of Rochdale were setting up the MoorEnd Development Trust a company limited by guarantee, having charitable status. The trust would be able to apply for funding, which as the Pennines area is considered to be relatively affluent, would not available to (R.M.B.C.). Following public meetings, users formed a management committee and worked with MoorEnd Development Trust to take the building over. 2004 (R.M.B.C.) agreed to lease the building to MoorEnd Development Trust and also to fund essential repairs. On 1st April 2004 The Butterworth Hall Management Committee took over the running of the building. To mark the occasion, a mulberry tree was planted in the grounds. A photograph of the tree has become the logo for the community centre.

Councillor Irene Davidson planting the tree

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