Oldham set to celebrate 134 years of 'cheese and pickle day'

"Cheese and pickle day" dates as far back as 1890 when Crompton Working Men's Club was known as "Goats and District Working Men's Club" for its position at 3, The Goats, across Milnrow Road in Shaw.

By 1909, the club was known as Crompton Central Workmen's Club and located at Wrens Nest near the railway line off Milnrow Road.

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The tradition dates back more than a century (Image: Fitchett's Photography)

Then, in 1922, it moved to its final and current location, St Mary's Gate in Shaw.

However, somewhere along the lines, the cheese and pickle tradition was born, which sees residents tuck into the classic treat every year on Good Friday.

Some believe the tradition comes after forgoing meat, chicken and pork for Lent, while others consider it may have links to the Rush Carts as they would replace old rushes at the church to cover the floor, fresh for the Easter weekend and Easter Monday.

Due to the work involved in preparing the Rush Carts, the Club committee says the men involved would contribute to a hearty supply of cheese and pickle while the women would take Good Friday off as a day of rest.

The celebration will kick off from the North Star pub at 12pm (Image: Fitchett's Photography)

Women were not allowed to visit the club throughout the day on Good Friday, which had a no-female entry policy at the time.

It is believed the women would not prepare any food on Good Friday but would visit the club to indulge in a tipple later on.

The club committee has celebrated "cheese and pickle day" for more than 100 years and in recent times has expanded to include families and raise money for vital causes.

This year, residents are encouraged to get dressed up in costumes to complete a hefty itinerary of pubs and bars in a beer walk.

A staggering £800 was raised for charity on last year's 'cheese and pickle day' (Image: Fitchett's Photgraphy)

Kicking off at 12pm at the North Star on Good Friday, March 29, residents can look forward to some good-spirited fun and a stop-off at some of Shaw and Crompton's top alehouses as the walk moves to High Crompton Con Club, the Black Horse, Crompton Bowling Club, Cart Shaft, Pineapple, Blue Bell, Shawside, Gin Gin and the Coach and Horses.

They will also fundraising for Andy's Man Club, a men's mental health charity, which saw residents raise a staggering £800 towards the cause last year.

If you have a story, I cover all things Oldham from food reviews and local business news to music and events, pubs, education, crime, property, health, community concerns and much more. Please email me at Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk or send me a message on Twitter @Livbridge with your news.