Milnrow childminder retires after caring for more than 1,000 Rochdale children in 45-year career

Friday, 18 July 2025 19:18

By David Murphy

A beloved childminder from Milnrow has hung up her apron after an incredible 45 years of service, having cared for more than 1,000 children across Rochdale.

Marlene Farrow, 71, completed her final day yesterday, 17th July 2025, after decades supporting families throughout the borough. Widely known for her warmth, dedication and calm presence, Marlene managed her childminding career while also raising eight of her own children, and doting on 22 grandchildren.

Rochdale Borough Council led the tributes with a message of thanks on social media, describing her as a “tireless and committed figure who leaves behind a lasting legacy”.

Marlene’s impact on the local community spans generations, with many families entrusting her with their children’s care, sometimes across multiple siblings and family lines. From nappy changes to school runs, snow days to story time, she was a consistent and caring presence in hundreds of lives.

A spokesperson for the council said: “We would like to wish Marlene a wonderful retirement after she completed her final day as a local childminder yesterday. Her dedication, warmth and tireless commitment have left a lasting legacy in our community.

“From all of us at Rochdale Borough Council, thank you, Marlene, for your outstanding service.”

Friends, parents, and former mindees gathered to wish her well on what was described as an emotional final day. Marlene now plans to spend more time with her grandchildren and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.