Mill social centre now a broken shell

And, ironically, as villagers battle for the creation of a community centre, what was once the focal point for the area is ready to be pulled down.

Vale house on Market Street, Stoneclough, belonged to Robert Fletchers, the mill across the road.

It was used for more than 60 years by employees, with sports and social facilities, until its closure in 1987.

The house incorporated meeting rooms, a games room and a bar. Its grounds included tennis courts and a bowling green.

Mrs Maud Haydock, of Stoneclough, who remembers growing up with all the benefits of Vale House, said: "We will never see its like again."

But now the house stands derelict, its grounds overgrown. Planning applications are thought to be going through for a housing development and the house has been a constant target for arsonists and vandals.

All this is against the background of the efforts of the residents' group, Stoneclough Action 2000 and Beyond (SATAB), together with the village's Women's Institute, for better community facilities to be created within the area. Mrs Haydock, a member of the Women's Institute, said: "I was born in Stoneclough. We all worked at Fletchers, including my father and husband.

"The last time Vale House was used was on October 31, 1987, when its doors closed.

"It was a social club created mainly for the people who worked at the mill. In later years associate members were allowed. There was never a big membership fee.

"The last of the Fletcher men, James, died in 1915. In 1921 the daughters left and the house became vacant.

"After the death of Mr Fletcher, Mr Sidney D Whitehead took over. Rather than leave Vale House vacant, Mr Whitehead had the idea to make it into a recreation and social club.

"It had a bowling green, tennis courts, and alterations to the house created a big concert room.

"There was a billiards room and bar. Upstairs, there was accommodation for anyone who came visiting the company.

"It was Mr Whitehead's idea that Vale House be run by a committee annually elected. It was self-supporting but never charged rent, rates and even had a free caretaker and groundsman. Electricity and heating was also supplied for no charge.

"He was a great boss and it was he who started the pension fund at the mill.

"I was brought up with the facilities at Vale House. The Women's Institute used it from 1951 as its base -- many of the members were wives of men working at the mill.

"It was used for children's parties, an over-60s club and fashion shows. It was a lovely house. The bathrooms and furniture upstairs were wonderful and I often wonder what happened to them.

"We played tennis there and held garden parties in the grounds. I even remember walking around the grounds with my grandchildren, over the large lawn at the back.

"Now it is an eyesore. It is derelict and beyond renovation. It is disgusting."

Mrs Haydock added: "As a result of losing Vale House, members of the Women's Institute have been campaigning for a new community centre for 13 years, together with better facilities for the village.

"The SATAB members are now doing a good job and it would appear that a community centre will be built. Villagers are not apathetic -- that is down to the Council.

"In addition to the centre, we could do with all weather football pitches for the kids in the area -- nothing fancy, just somewhere for the children to enjoy a kickabout.

"But I realise we will never see the likes of Vale House again and it makes me sorry for the young people of today."