From groundbreaking feats to remarkable accomplishments by individuals, Oldham boasts an impressive array of Guinness World Records held either within the borough or achieved by its residents.
In the picturesque setting of Saddleworth, a noteworthy achievement unfolded as Dan and Faye Thwaites sold the most expensive bottle of gin for a staggering £3,800 to The Old Bell Inn, Delph. This 700ml bottle of Morus LXIV gin, accompanied by a 30ml decanter valued at £200, fetched a total of £4,000 in November 2018, setting a record that remains unmatched.
Among the historical milestones is the record held by Louise Brown, the world’s first test tube baby, born at 11:47 pm on July 25, 1978, at Oldham General Hospital. Weighing in at five pounds and 12 ounces, Louise’s birth, conceived externally on November 10, 1977, marked a groundbreaking moment in medical history.
Oldham Athletic chairman Frank Rothwell has etched his name in the annals of Guinness World Records not once but twice. Earlier this year, at the age of 73 years and 157 days, Frank surpassed his own record as the oldest person to row across the Atlantic solo, and the oldest person to row across any ocean single-handedly. Setting sail from San Sebastian, La Gomera, Canary Islands, on December 13, Frank embarked on a remarkable journey aboard his vessel, aptly named “Never Too Old.” After 64 days at sea, he arrived at English Harbour, Antigua, on February 15, aged 73 years and 221 days. This feat builds upon Frank’s previous accomplishment when he completed the same east-to-west route covering approximately 3,000 nautical miles between December 12, 2020, and February 6, 2021, at the age of 70 years and 212 days. Throughout both expeditions, Frank dedicated his efforts to raising funds for Alzheimer’s Research UK, demonstrating resilience and determination in support of a noble cause.
Completing the roster of remarkable records is Oldham’s own Kevin Sinfield, who holds the title for the most points scored in a rugby Super League career. During his tenure with Leeds Rhino from September 1998 to March 2014, Sinfield amassed an impressive total of 3,498 points, with the majority stemming from kicks. Notably, his debut Super League appearance saw him score a try against Huddersfield, setting the stage for a distinguished career marked by six Super League trophies and the prestigious Golden Boot award in 2012, recognizing him as the best player in the world that season.
These Guinness World Records underscore the rich tapestry of achievements and contributions made by the residents of Oldham, cementing their place in history and inspiring future generations to reach new heights of excellence.
