IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Holly Grove, OLDHAM, OL9 0DT

This is my third visit to this area and I have only just learnt that the big single storey building is an unusual (for Oldham) example of a weaving shed among the big spinning mills. Designed by P S Stott in 1885 for the Oldham Velvet Manufacturing Co. In 1915 it had 802 looms powered by an Urmson & Thompson engine. Even though I took this shot for Falcon and have labelled it as such, my eye is drawn to the chimney and water tower of the more impressive Manor Mill.

The circular red brick chimney that stands in the west side of the site still retains its oversailer, a rarity among the remaining mill chimneys in the area. viewed from the main gate entrance.

This magnificent and defunct chimney was undergoing some essential maintenance. It is one of the few intact chimneys left in the Oldham area and is associated with a marvellous Edwardian mill.

A trick of perspective makes it appear as if the garages have pitched roofs and chimneys, but these in fact belong to houses on Cedar Crescent.

A different kind of Leisure Centre, directly opposite the council's version (see http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1677283).

Nice lighting on chimney, engine house and rope race with copper clad water tower on right. Falcon Mill in foreground right.

The curious title describes what might more usually be called a Leisure Centre. The building opened in November 2009 and (to quote Oldham Council's description) contains "a range of modern facilities including a 25 metre swimming pool, dance aerobics studio, cafe, community meeting rooms, fitness suite and library".

This big single storey building is an unusual (for Oldham) example of a weaving shed among the big spinning mills. Designed by P S Stott in 1885 for the Oldham Velvet Manufacturing Co. In 1915 it had 802 looms powered by an Urmson & Thompson engine. It has now been repurposed and is in multiple occupancy. Even though I took this shot for Falcon, my eye is drawn to the chimney and water tower of the more impressive Manor Mill beyond. This is a former cotton spinning mill.

This is one of the best chimneys in Oldham. Royd mill is another good one. The stone wall is actually the dam for the lodge, as the lands slopes away and a level surface is needed for water. Oldham Council were apparently thinking about acquiring the mill as a heritage project but it's no surprise that it never happened.

Photographed from public open space in Busk. I hope the steeple jack work is restorative not destructive. The mill is listed Grade II but has already lost its lodge.