Diggle News has now become part of inSaddleworth
We’ve still got all the same Diggle News stories, all the great photos, but now also have all the extra features of inSaddleworth like Notices, News, Business Directory, Events and Galleries
Public meeting called in Dobcross over traffic concerns
By Aimee Howarth
A PUBLIC information meeting is to be held in Dobcross over residents’ worries about increased traffic on their roads.
Issues surround growing concerns the impact of building a new £19 million secondary school at Diggle will have on roads in the next-door village.
The meeting will be attended by Michele Carr, assistant executive director special projects Oldham Council; Paul Groves, Principal Engineer with Unity Partnership and Councillor Dave Hibbert, cabinet member housing, planning and highways.
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, will also attend the meeting, which has been organised by the Dobcross Village Community (DVC) executive committee.
Saddleworth ward councillors along with Saddleworth Parish councillors will also attend and other interested parties, including community associations, have been invited.
Residents are advised the planning application for the new school will have been submitted by that time.
Consequently, the timing means the Council has to be very careful about what they say and what they commit to.
However, they say they will listen to what residents have to say and take away the information and examine it further.
The meeting starts at 7.30pm Tuesday, July 28 at Dobcross Band and Social Club, Platt Lane. It will be chaired by Ken Bennett, who is member of the DVC committee.
To read more visit http://saddind.co.uk/public-meeting-called-in-dobcross-over-traffic-concerns-for-new-saddleworth-school/
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Exciting new opportunities for pupils at Saddleworth school
Gill Pierce, Sub Pressure Studios (Photo:©2015 Stuart Coleman)
To add to Saddleworth School’s enrichment programme on Wednesday afternoons in term time, businesses at Warth Mill, Diggle are offering new opportunities to pupils in the Performing and Creative arts.
SUB PRESSURE STUDIOS, which are band rehearsal studios, are offering courses in drums, percussion, guitar, keyboard, voice, dance and a disc jockey master class. In small or larger groups depending on the activity, pupils will be taught by professional musicians who perform in bands, stage shows and music production. Their wide experience in the music industry together with their professional abilities will help pupils to pursue their personal interests and aspirations and show them how to achieve their creative potential.
The courses are organised by Gill Pearce and her son Chris and they are both thrilled to offer this opportunity and think that working directly with musicians will be inspirational and support pupils’ personal interests and curriculum needs. Chris with a musical background and now a sound engineer added “I have always wanted to support the huge amount of young musical talent in Saddleworth. This is an opportunity for young people to experience a professional environment”
WOOLYKNIT SHOP, who have previously organised teaching events for local schools, are able to offer courses that experiment with wool fibres. Taught by experienced designers and craftspeople small groups of pupils will be able to create their own ideas in felt making, crochet and knitting, to support pupils’ personal interests and curriculum needs. Kath Bingley the course organiser is looking forward to this new opportunity. She said, ”We are pleased to offer creative workshops to pass on traditional crafts that may have skipped a generation. I hope young people will come along and enjoy learning the basics of felting, knitting & crochet.”
Sue Palfrey the youth development officer for Saddleworth & Lees gave the project her full backing. She said, “I am
Woolyknit, Diggle (Photo:©2015 Stuart Coleman)
really excited that young people will have the opportunity to use Sub Pressure Studios and Woolyknit to explore their musical and creative talents. It’s a great opportunity for the young people in Saddleworth to expand their talents”.
To find out more about all these courses two FREE TASTER DAYS have been organised during the summer holidays: Wednesday 29th July and Wednesday 19th August, 1.30pm – 3pm at the premises in Warth Mill, Diggle.
To book a place and for further information about Drums, Percussion, Guitar, Keyboard, Voice, Dance and a DJ Master class contact: Gill Pearce for Sub Pressure Studios on 07977306171
To book a place and for more information about Felting, Crochet and Knitting contact: Woolyknit on 01457 877984.
Hurry places are limited!
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Fire in Dobcross
Aftermath of the fire on Nicker Brow, Dobcross
Residents on Nicker Brow, Dobcross were woken by loud explosions at around 3pm this morning.
Following what appears to have be a car fire, several cars and a nearby garage were totally gutted.
The fire was quickly contained by the fire service and there are no reports of any injuries or damage to nearby houses. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
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First Turnpike Challenge ride raises £650 for charity
by Aimee Howarth
Daring riders tackled the first ever Turnpike Challenge Charity Bike Ride to raise £650 for Prostate Cancer UK.
Fifty-nine cyclists of all ages took on the 25-mile trip over the Pennines on Father’s Day in cool and showery conditions. The event was a joint venture between Saddleworth Rotary Club and Saddleworth Clarion Cycle Club to help raise funds and awareness for their chosen charity.
Chris Moreman, one of the organisers, commented: “I am very pleased with the turnout and can see this becoming an annual event.”
The ride started and finished at Diggle Band Club, where cyclists were greeted with welcome hot drinks and pie and peas by Band Club steward, Jo Castle. Jon Stocker from the Rotary Club said: “Without Jo’s and the Diggle Band Club’s help we would not have been able to put together such a good bike ride.
“We would also like to thank Oldham Mountain Rescue for providing the first aid cover, Paul Smith of Cycle Tech Oldham for giving his time to make any necessary repairs, the Rotarians who braved the weather to act as stewards on the course and the Clarion Cyclists who went round with the riders.
“Last but not least we would like to thank the riders that turned out with their hard earned cash to support the event.”
To see photographs of riders go to: www.stuartcolemanphotography.co.uk
For further information go to www.turnpikechallenge.co.uk
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2015 Diggle Blues Festival
Follow this link to see more photographs of the 2015 Diggle Blues Festival.
Yes Sir!, Kiln green Hall (Photo: ©Stuart Coleman)
Sinner Boy, Diggle Band Club (Photo: ©Stuart Coleman)
Franny Eubank Blues Band, Kilngreen Hall (Photo: ©Stuart Coleman)
Tipitina, Hanging Gate (Photo: ©Stuart Coleman)
Paolo Fushi, Kilngreen Hall (Photo: ©Stuart Coleman)
Yes Sir!, Kilngreen Hall (Photo: ©Stuart Coleman)
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An asset or an eyesore?
Two new houses near completion in Diggle. Are they an asset or an eyesore? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
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Kieran McMahon’s 24 Gig Marathon
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Festival of Theatre, Music and Comedy at The Swan
For the second year running, The Swan in Dobcross has joined forces with The Greater Manchester Fringe festival to bring an eclectic programme of gorgeous music, innovative theatre and dynamic comedy to Saddleworth. Landlord Michael Powis, says, “We hope the people of Saddleworth enjoy the chance to see something a little bit different again this year. We have local performers as well as supremely talented people from further afield such as, London, SouthAfrica and Brazil”.
All together The Swan will be hosting 8 shows over 10 performances during the month of July, starting this Wednesday (1st July). For more information check the website www.theswandobcross.com Tickets are available from the bar or online www.wegottickets.com/Dobcross
Weds 1st July
“Together in Electric Dreams” by Daniel Thackeray (THEATRE)
Acclaimed comedy-drama based on a pivotal moment in the history of British electronics. 1986: Sir Clive Sinclair’s once-mighty technological empire is near-bankrupt. Sir Clive’s only escape is to strike a deal over dinner with his arch-rival – a former East End trader turned industrial magnate named Alan Sugar. “A lot of laughs” – Manchester Evening News (£8.50, 8pm)
Sun 5th July
Summer Strings with The Abraxas String Quartet (LIVE MUSIC)
From Baroque to Rock is a lively and energetic concert by the London-based Abraxas String Quartet. They will be performing a sumptuous and stunning repertoire from well-known classical works to jazz and popular songs. These internationally renowned musicians usually play to large concert halls with symphony orchestras or at vast arenas supporting the likes of Paul Weller and Elbow. (£9, 7.30pm)
Tues 7th and Weds 8th July
“Le Grand Return” by Alan Stockdill (THEATRE)
A gentle comedy about war, love and remembrance – is back, having played in Dobcross to great acclaim earlier this year. (£10, 8pm)
Sun 12th July
BACH ReLOADED – The Jenni Molloy Trio+ (JAZZ / WORLD MUSIC)
Jenni Molloy’s Bach-inspired jazz trio – plus special guest play sublime and original jazz compositions inspired by the works of J.S. Bach and music from South America, Africa and beyond. This is a unique opportunity to hear this acclaimed trio in such intimate surroundings.
“Superb” – The Sunday Times. (£8.50, 7.30pm)
Weds 15th July
“The Gambit” by Mark Reid (THEATRE)
This an award-winning one-act play exploring abandoned friendships and fierce rivalries as lies, deceit and anger erupt in an epic clash between the defining Grandmasters of the 20th century. 25 years of betrayal played out on a chess board. Catch this extraordinary play here before it heads up for a 3-week run at the Edinburgh Fringe. There will be a Q & A session after the performance. (£7.50, 8pm)
Sun 19th July
“Tieta” Jorge Armado’s classic Brazilian novel adapted and directed by Franko Figueiredo (THEATRE)
‘Tieta’ is a dark comic tale of greed, revenge and murder told using music, story-telling & breaking-form theatre – based on a classic Brazilian novel. A millionaire, returns to her hometown, after an absence of many years. Merely on the promise of her millions, she shortly turns what has been a depressed area into a boomtown. But there is a condition attached to her charity, which the townsfolk realize only after they have become enmeshed in her vengeful plot: murder. As part of The Swan’s commitment to new theatre innovation we are delighted to be hosting London’s Stonecrabs Theatre Company for a week to develop and rehearse this unique theatrical venture. This very special performance will take place at the culmination of their week’s residency in Dobcross. (£5, 8pm)
Weds 22nd July
Kinky Boot Institute: Voyage of Giggle (COMEDY SKETCH SHOW)
The North’s funniest, darkest, theatrical-est live comedy sketch show. Silly satire, politics, pop culture, musical numbers – an exhilarating and dynamic show written and performed by Manchester’s Lewis Charlesworth and Rosie Phillips. Recently described as being like a cross between ‘The Mighty Boosh, League of Gentlemen and the Office’. (8pm, £7)
Tues 28th and Weds 29th July
Faulty Towers: the dining experience (COMEDY DINNER THEATRE)
Basil & Sybil Faulty (and of course Manuel) at your service in in a fully immersive, highly improvised and site-specific comedy theatre show (including 3-course meal). What could possibly go wrong? (£50, 7.30pm)
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Adventures in the Wild by John Beatty
A presentation by one of the UK’s most exciting and stimulating nature, travel and adventure photographers.
Tickets £10
Available at Uppermill and Greenfield Post Offices.
All proceeds to Community Action Nepal
Introduction by Paul Braithwaite
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Two Burglaries on Ambrose Crescent
Police request that Diggle residents be vigilant following two burglaries on Ambrose Crescent.
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Diggle Band Contest Results 2015
Diggle guides introducing the bands (Photo: ©2015 Stuart Coleman)
Well done Diggle and well done Diggle Band and a special thanks to the organisers who, yet again, did a fantastic job.
This year, a record 63 bands registered for the contest.
For all Saddleworth contest results visit: Whit Friday: Contest Winners
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Iconic Diggle Clock Damaged by Vandals
Maurice Brayford and PC Marsden inspecting the damaged clock (Photo: ©2015 Stuart Coleman)
There is something rotten in the village of Diggle. On Saturday 23rd May, unknown individuals broke into WH Shaws Pallet Works and smashed their way through locked doors to reach the top of the clock tower where they mindlessly bent the cogs in the clock’s mechanism. Whilst in the building the vandals did no other damage and didn’t remove anything.
Diggle resident and former employee of Shaws, Maurice Brayford, who voluntarily maintains the clock, and has done for the past 15 years, said, “This could not have been done by children as the doors they broke through are really substantial. I can’t understand why adults would want to go to the trouble of breaking in and then only targeting the clock. Why mindlessly vandalise something that has run without problems for near on 118 years.”
Police officers attending the scene this morning said it was odd that, apart from the door where the offenders got in, the clock was the only thing they damaged.
Michele Brayford, Maurice’s daughter said, “It breaks my heart what has happened, it has knocked my dad for six and to be honest me too. I couldn’t rest Monday night after knowing they had been in. I was thinking the worst, what if my dad had been in the building and disturbed the vandals – it doesn’t bear thinking about.
“My dad loves the clock and loves the fact he has kept Diggle on time for the past 15 years. I just can’t get my head around why someone would damage the clock when its such a positive icon for Diggle. I do hope, one day soon, it will work again.”
Mark Brooks, chair of Diggle Community Association said, “It’s devastating news about the iconic 1890 built Grade 2 listed Clock Tower. Why somebody would choose to enter the building and vandalise the clock is beyond me. It really is a sad day for Diggle and another body blow for the community following the release of the pre planning information about the new 1500 pupil Saddleworth School.
“The owners of the site have a responsibility to protect the buildings and must take action to stop these mindless acts of willful vandalism.
“The Diggle Community is strong and in adversity will only grow stronger. I will be inviting ideas and looking at how the community can react positively to this sad news at our next open meeting on June 11th”.
The current owners of the site, WRT Developments, are not in the country at the moment but David Walker, Financial Director at Wiggett Construction said, “We are very saddened by the news and are exploring, with our insurance company, what can be done to get the clock working again.”
Estimates for repairing the clock are around £2000 but they can’t be undertaken until the future of the clock tower is known. The building has not been included in plans to build a new secondary school on the site and Oldham Council are not yet sure where grant funding can be obtained for its restoration.
If you have any information that can help police in their investigation, please contact:
PC Johnny Marsden or PC Mark Clough at oldhamborough@gmp.police.uk or call on 0161 856 8825
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Proposals for new Saddleworth School revealed
W.H. Shaw Pallet Works site in Diggle
Plans for the proposed new Saddleworth School on the site of the former WH Shaw Pallet site works in Diggle have been revealed – with the public asked to give their views during a four week public consultation period.
The construction company, Interserve Construction Ltd, have been appointed to design and build the new school and will be hosting a series of public exhibitions which the public can attend, view the proposals, discuss them with members of the project team and provide their written feedback.
The details of the exhibitions are as follows:
· Weds 3 June 15.30-19.30 Satellite Centre, Wellington Road, Greenfield, Oldham, OL3 7AL
· Mon 8 June 15.30-19.30 St Chad’s Church, Lee Side, Kiln Green, Diggle, OL3 5JY
· Thurs 11 June 16.00-19.30 Saddleworth School, High Street, Uppermill, Oldham OL3 6BU
Oldham Council will also be at these events presenting a series of options under consideration for local highway upgrade works that are to facilitate the operation of the new school.
Alongside these exhibitions, a dedicated website (www.newsaddleworthschool.co.uk) has been established which provides the same information as will be available at the exhibitions. An online feedback facility is also available.
All feedback received will be reviewed and, where the project team feel that amendments could and should be made to respond to comments received, such changes will be incorporated into the design.
The public consultation period will run from Tuesday May 26 to Tuesday June 23.
The development of the new high school provides an exciting opportunity to build a facility that is
Proposed new school in Diggle
able to meet and exceed the needs of modern education provision, allowing Saddleworth School to enhance its educational offer and to develop its ambition to provide the best standards of attainment.
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Related stories:
Power Cuts in Diggle
Message from ENWL
Hi, we’re sorry for the electricity interruption you may be experiencing. We have a high voltage fault on our network which is affecting 1702 customers. We hope to have you back on supply by 10:30 PM. You can get updates and advice on what to do when your power is off on our website at www.enwl.co.uk Thanks, ENWL.
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Filumena: Marriage Italian Style
The last play of Saddleworth Players 2014-15 Season at the Millgate is Filumena by Eduardo de Filippo, which runs from 30th May to 6th June.
Better known for her on-stage performances, Sue Radcliffe makes her Millgate directorial debut with this, beautifully constructed comedy. Set in Naples, it tells of Filumena’s resourceful struggle to legitimise her three grown-up sons.
The Saddleworth Players are using an adaptation by Keith Waterhouse and Willis Hall which was premiered in 1977 at the Lyric Theatre in London. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli and starring Colin Blakely and Joan Plowright it won The London Theatres Comedy of the Year award in 1978. Filumena is de Filippo’s best-known work and arguably his finest comedy-drama, drenched in Neapolitan atmosphere and full of entanglements.
In the heat of late-1940s Naples, Filumena Maraturano lies on her deathbed awaiting her marriage to Domenico Soriano, the man who has kept her as his mistress for twenty-seven years. But no sooner has the priest completed the ceremony than Filumena makes a miraculous recovery. As he reels in shock, Domenico discovers that this brilliant, iron-willed woman has a few more surprises for him. Is Filumena a simple, illiterate woman who wants to create a family for her children, or a feral, opportunistic prostitute? Will Domenico, the selfish aged gigolo, learn to accept his responsibilities? Exploring themes of family, age and love, Filumena exemplifies de Filippo’s trademark moral optimism and warmth, coupled with unflinchingly astute and humorous observation of his characters.
One of the most gifted dramatists of the contemporary Italian theatre, Eduardo de Filippo – in his more than fifty plays – discloses a fine craftmanship that owes a great deal to his acting experience. The many sketches and one-act plays he wrote for his own troupe and for others during his apprentice years grounded him in a twofold sense – in the practical knowledge of what works in the theatre, and in a tragicomic awareness of the fine line between illusion and reality.
Mostly written in Neapolitan dialect, his plays are invested with the infectious spirit of Pulcinella, with a core of matter-of-fact earthiness, a compound of love and mockery that characterises the Neopolitan temperament and the same folk spirit that gave rise to the commedia dell’arte tradition.
While the regional character and the key role of Neopolitan dialect in de Filippo’s works are lost in translation (even into Italian), his work’s popularity abroad was assisted by a successful film version of Filumena Marturano by Vittorio de Sica -Marriage Italian Style (1964) starring Sophia Loren.
Eduardo de Filippo
The performance of Filumena on Saturday June 6th is contributing to the 2015 Saddleworth Festival of the Arts.
For further information see: Saddleworth Players and Saddleworth Festival of Arts
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Saddleworth selected for new total transport pilot
Diggle
A project to explore new ways of providing rural communities with more effective, specialist transport links is to be undertaken in Saddleworth, Oldham.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Oldham Council will work together on the scheme after securing an £81,000 grant from the government’s Total Transport Pilot Fund.
The ‘Oldham Shared Transport’ project will explore how existing bus and minibus services can be brought together to deliver more joined-up and efficient travel options in rural communities, which are often cut adrift from more concentrated transport services in busy town and city centres.
TfGM’s demand-responsive services, including Local Link and Ring & Ride, and Oldham Council’s Social Services, special education and non-emergency patients’ transport services, will all form part of the pilot.
If successful, the approach could be rolled out to benefit other areas of Greater Manchester.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said: “Saddleworth has a population of around 25,000 people but is a predominantly rural area, and its geography is what makes providing effective specialist transport links a particular challenge. This is an issue that has become even more apparent in recent years as local authority budget cuts have started to bite, specialist services have become more disparate and diluted, and more and more people have started to fall through the gaps as a result.We hope this pilot will prove invaluable for some of the most vulnerable members of our community by addressing the piecemeal way that specialist transport services have evolved in our health and local authorities sectors.”
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Highways, said: “At a time when local government funding has seen huge cuts, it is positive to see two local organisations working together co-operatively to provide more effective transport solutions. This new approach is showing proactive, forward thinking to improving and strengthening transport links between Saddleworth, a rural area of the borough, and our more urban parts.
“It is also vital that we strive to provide the best possible connections within the villages of Saddleworth when budgets are reducing.”
More information on public transport across Greater Manchester is available at www.tfgm.com.
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More questions than answers at Dobcross meeting
The New Saddleworth School – Public drop-in event to take place over the Christmas break
Eight months of improvement work on Trans-Pennine Rail Routes
Major sewer upgrade in Uppermill expected to cause serious disruption
NAME THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN AS THEY DRIVE BACK INTO OLDHAM…
Whit Friday Band Contest will hit all the right notes
Diggle Contest (Photo: ©2015 Stuart Coleman)
Thousands of people from across Oldham and beyond are set to enjoy a spectacular day of free entertainment at the world famous Whit Friday band contests on Friday 29th May.
Dubbed locally as ‘the greatest free show on earth’, this traditional event dates back to an earliest-recorded contest in 1884. Contests will run across 11 Saddleworth villages from around 4pm until 10.30pm – following on from the traditional morning ‘Whit Walks’. To ensure everyone, residents and visitors alike, can enjoy the day in safety several months of planning has taken place between partners.
Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “The Whit Friday Band contests are one of the highlights of the year. Thanks to the huge efforts made by the contest organisers and volunteers the event has been successful year on year and has firmly put the event on the musical map.
“We’re delighted to be welcoming bands and visitors from across the Uk and Europe, to this fabulous free show. We even had one person who had travelled from Japan last year.
“It is vital we all support major events like this because they contribute to our tourism and events industry, which is worth more than £240m and supports 3,000 jobs in Oldham. We’ve been working for months with the organisers and partners, such as Greater Manchester Police, to ensure that we have all the right traffic diversions, stewarding and policing arrangements in place to make the event successful. The simple message is for people to act responsibly and have a great day.”
Greater Manchester Police Chief Superintendent Catherine Hankinson who is commander for the day, said: “The Saddleworth Band Contest is a great event for all of the family. The contest has a history in the area and with that in mind we are proud to work with the organisers to ensure that it is a fun, safe and enjoyable event for all involved.
“We want everyone attending to enjoy the day but we also want to send a clear message about the policing operation that will be in place. Our officers on the ground will deal robustly with anyone found behaving antisocially, drinking to excess or involved in crime. It is our responsibility as a police service to protect vulnerable members of the community and as part of this operation we will be doing just that. Any alcohol found with underage youngsters will be seized and our licensing officers will be working on the day to advise parents on the dangers of alcohol if they identify any children under its influence.”
Once the music has stopped there’s also a huge clean-up operation implemented where council staff, working alongside an army of volunteers, clear away litter and empty street bins so that things can return to normal as quickly as possible.
The Saddleworth and Lees District Executive has been closely involved in organising the event and its’ members have again given a significant financial contribution from their devolved funding from Oldham Council towards the costs of prizes, stewarding and other vital amenities.
Some road restrictions are in force in the area from 4pm until midnight on May 13. These have been signposted in advance. Event stewards or police are also on hand at venues if motorists need help. For more information see: Notices inSaddleworth
GMP officers will be in attendance across the various contests. They advise all parents to keep in touch with children throughout the day so that you know where they are, who they are with and when you can expect them to return home. Any young person suspected to be in possession of alcohol may be searched. Anyone aware of young people planning to bring alcohol to the band contest is asked to report this to the police by calling 101. You do not need to provide any personal details.
For more background information on the band contests visit: http://www.whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org/intro.html
Diggle Brass Band (Photo: ©2015 Stuart Coleman)
Whit Walks, Diggle (Photo: ©2015 Stuart Coleman)
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Diggle Blues Festival 2015
Backwater Blues Band, Kilngreen Hall ( Stuart Coleman © 2015)
by Dave Wood
This is the sixth Diggle Blues Festival. The festival takes place in the village and runs from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st June 2015.
The format is the same as for previous years. On Saturday and Sunday it’s a musical tour of Diggle. You can watch the first band at the first venue, then you have half an hour to walk to the second venue, buy a drink, find a seat, and watch the second band, and so on. By staggering the times of the artists visitors don’t have to choose between one band and another. They can watch all ten artists/bands over the weekend and it’s FREE entry at every venue (although voluntary contributions are received with thanks).
Festival programmes will be on sale at each of the venues costing £1.
It’s an indoor event so there is no need to worry about the weather, but if it’s dry and warm, some bands may play outdoors.
It was originally intended as a community event for the good people of Diggle, Saddleworth and beyond, but attendees now come from all over the country.
Just turn up and enjoy some really cool ‘jeans-in-the-fridge’ blues music.
Further details can be found on the Diggle Blues Festival facebook page or on the digglebluesfestival website.
https://www.facebook.com/DiggleBluesFestival?fref=ts
http://www.digglebluesfestival.co.uk
Diggle Blues Festival
Thursday 18th:
George Shovlin & the Radars – 8pm to 10pm, Diggle Band Club
Friday 19th June:
Ged Wilson – 7pm to 8pm, Hanging Gate
Infidels – 8.30pm to 10.30pm, Diggle Band Club
Saturday 20th June:
Soft Shoe Sam – 2.30pm to 3.30pm, Grandpa Greene’s
Mat Walklate & Paolo Fuschi – 4pm to 5pm, Woolyknit Cafe
Yes Sir! 5.30pm to 7.30pm – Kilngreen Hall
Rhythm Zoo, 8pm to 10pm – Diggle Band Club
Sunday 21st June:
Tipitina – 2pm to 3pm, Hanging Gate
Sinner Boy – 3.30pm to 5.30pm, Diggle Band Club
Franny Eubank Blues Band – 6pm to 8pm, Kilngreen Hall
Closing ceremony – 8pm to 8.15pm, Kilngreen Hall (Shambolic sing-song of a couple of blues classics and the Diggle National Anthem)
Sons of the Delta, The Hanging Gate ( Stuart Coleman © 2015)
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Help Saddleworth Rotary Club Fight Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer UK To Benefit From a Great New Event
Last year prostate cancer claimed the lives of over 10,000 men in the UK and, according to Cancer Research UK, it is the second most common cause of cancer death in men. Prostate Cancer UK is at the forefront of the battle against this illness and two established and popular Saddleworth clubs have teamed up to create an enjoyable and challenging cycle event to raise funds for this worthwhile cause.
Saddleworth Rotary Club and Saddleworth Clarion Cycling Club have created The Saddleworth Turnpike Challenge which will take part on Father’s Day, (21st June). It is a 25 mile loop that starts at the Diggle Band Club, Diggle and travels towards Huddersfield before returning to Diggle via the A62.
The event will have refreshments, roaming cyclists to look out for you all as well as mechanical support from our partner, Cycle Tech Oldham.
The event was the brain child of Jon Stocker of the Rotary Club. Jon said “Rotary Clubs across the UK are putting on events to raise both awareness and funds to fight Prostate Cancer. So if you fancy doing something a little different on Fathers Day why not sign up yourself and other budding cyclists in your family to do the “Turnpike Challenge”. “
Chris Moreman from the Clarion said “we are really excited to be working with the Rotary Club to put on such a worthwhile event. We want as many people as possible to enjoy this inaugural sportive. We hope to continue this event for some years to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK and other worthwhile charities.”
You can find more information on the following web sites:
www.turnpikechallenge.co.uk or www.saddleworthclarion.co.uk
or you can find us on Facebook.
Entering the event could not be easier. Search for Turnpike Challenge on British Cycling’s web site (www.britishcycling.org.uk) and enter online or download an entry form and send it in. You can also turn up on the day and enter on the line.
It could not be simpler!
So get on your bikes and come along for a wonderful and challenging ride around our stunning countryside.
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Oldham Talking Newspaper Needs Your Help
Volunteers at Oldham Talking Newspaper
Have you two hours to spare once every four weeks to volunteer to help a very worthy cause?
The Talking Newspaper for the Blind need your help. Based at a studio in the Falcon Business Centre, Victoria Street, Chadderton, the Talking Newspaper goes out to blind and partially sighted people in the Oldham area and is entirely run by volunteers.
Vounteer Anne Wright said, “Alas we have lost two of our producers and are desperately in need of replacements otherwise we are likely to have to cease publication of our discs.”
If you think you can help and want to find out more please phone Janet Whitehead on 0161 425 0224.
Background?
The Talking Newspaper in Oldham was founded in 1977 and currently has a circulation of approx 250 listeners.
The Association receives no grant aid from any source and is financed solely by donations.
What they do?
Volunteers record an hour long CD each week comprising material taken from the Oldham Evening Chronicle. We have the permission of OEC to use their news.
Occasionally, other documents may be recorded as special commissions.
Listeners
The CD is available to anyone who cannot read a newspaper as a consequence of a visual impairment or some other disability which prevents them from reading unaided.
The CD is posted out in a special wallet under the Royal Mail’s scheme covering ‘Articles for the Blind’, which means that no stamp is required. Listeners post back the CDs when they have listened to them under the same scheme.
Anyone wanting to receive the CD should contact the office on tel. no. 0161 627 0222. There is no charge for the service.
Volunteers
The association has approx 50 active volunteers undertaking a range of activities such as:-
- editors – who read the Chronicle each day and extract items of interest
- readers – who read the material prepared by the editors
- producers – who record the news as it is read
- copiers – who copy the listeners CDs from the master copy and take them to Royal Mail
- supporters – who process returned wallets and maintain the listener database.
We record the news at the end of the week on a Friday when most of our volunteers do their work. We work on a 4- weekly rota so most volunteers work a couple of hours on a Friday, usually every 4 weeks.
For more information go to: http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/sites/otna/intro
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