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
Strike Action Suspended
Millyard Gallery Autumn Exhibition
Saddleworth North: August Monthly Crime Figures
| CRIME | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUG | |
| BURGLARY(Of homes) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 | |
| BURGLARY OTHER(Shed, Garage, Business) | 8 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| THEFT FROM A VEHICLE | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | |
| THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | |
| CRIMINAL DAMAGE | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | |
| ROBBERY | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Burglary Dwelling
Midgrove Lane , Dobcross – Offenders gained access to the property via an insecure rear door. Every room was searched and property was stolen.
Rivington Road , Springhead – Offenders attempted to smash a rear patio door but were unsuccessful. They gained acces to the property by removing the beading from the centre panel of a UPVC door. The alarm was activated forcing the offenders to flee.
Rivington Road, Springhead – Offenders forced entry through a rear kitchen door. They made an untidy search of all rooms and removed several items. They made off in the owners car using keys taken from the property.
Huddersfield Narrow Canal, Station Road, Diggle – Offenders attempted to gain access to a barge which was moored by kicking on a locked door. The owner was on the barge at the time. They failed to gain entry and nothing was stolen.
Stoneswood Road, Delph – Offenders gained access to the property via an insecure rear door and stole several items.
Burglary Other
Riverside Court, Hudderfield Road Diggle – Offenders attempted to force a rear fire door. The alarm was activated forcing them to flee.
BrownHill Visitors Centre – Offenders threw a large stone through a rear UPVC door. A untidy search was made of the café and kitchen and items were stolen from within.
Hudderfield Road, Diggle – Offenders entered the allotments and removed glass from a green house door. Several items were stolen.
New Bank Garden Centre, Dobcross – Offenders entered the building via the roof and gained access to the main office. At the same time, two other offenders gained access, using a crowbar, on the front door. They were disturburbed and fled.
Vehicle crime – Theft from a motor vehicle
Church Street, Delph – Two males were disturbed whilst interfering with a scooter. They fled in a silver coloured vehicle.
Ripponden Road, Denshaw – Offenders used a sharp implement to cut through the canopy of a trailer containing flat-back furniture. They were disturbed by the driver/owner who was asleep in the cab.
Roche Road, Delph – Two offenders stole a sat-nav from an insecure vehicle.
Huddersfield Road, Scouthead – Offenders gained entry to a vehicle and stole a chainsaw.
Criminal Damage
Wall Hill Road, Dobcross – Offenders scratched three vehicles ( There was a spike of damage, all in one evening, possibly committed by the same offenders)
Delph Road, Denshaw – An unknown object was thrown at a ground floor window causing a 10p sized hole.
Huddersfield Road, Delph – Damage was caused to a communal picnic table during a neighbour dispute.
Other News
Please be aware that two of the burglaries were due to properties being insecure and the thefts from motor vehicles were either because high value items were left on display or the vehicles were insecure.
On 18th August a drugs warrant was conducted on Springwood Estate in Delph as a result of information received from local residents. The warrant proved positive.
Offenders have been arrested and charged in connection with the thefts of plantpots , hanging baskets and garden furniture in the area.
If you have any information relating to the Saddleworth North: August Monthly Crime Figures please contact Monica Seville, PCSO Kath Crompton or PC 09098 Mark Clough at: oldhamborough@gmp.police.uk or call on 0161 856 8825
Charity whisky tasting event – Diggle Band Club
Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes, Uppermill Civic Hall Friday 3rd October
Yes, it’s time we had some more great blues music in Saddleworth and we’ve got a great night coming up for you. Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes supported by Kyla Brox – a blues night to remember.
Paul Lamb only last week was voted Britains No 1 harmonica player in the 2014 British Blues Awards. You can catch him in Saddleworth a few weeks before he stars in the Blues Fest at the Royal Albert Hall, London at the end of October.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JalZLxF0ECA
PAUL LAMB has spent the last thirty-some years whoopin’ and hollerin’ in clubs in his native North-East plus a later move to London, in concert and on festival stages, creating a personal synthesis of his harmonica heroes and his own unique and innate talent. His history includes representing Britain in the World Harmonica Championships, working with his particular mentor, Sonny Terry, and with any number of other blues artists who’ve visited these shores Over the years Paul Lamb & the King Snakes have won countless awards , sold record breaking quantities of albums and been inducted into the British Blues Awards Hall of Fame alongside the likes of Peter Green & John Mayall.
For more information on Paul and his band check out their website : http://paullamb.com/
KYLA BROX, once again will be providing more great blues, she was again nominated in the British Blues Awards showing she is at the top of the tree when you are talking British Blues and we saw her show last week at the Great British R &B Festival in Colne when she was electric, they had to shut the doors since the place was over full. Kyla has just completed a short tour of Denmark and will be off soon for gigs in Canada, but you can see her in your own backyard – you don’t need a passport to get to Uppermill.
Paul Lamb and the Kingsnakes, supported by Kyla Brox Trio
Uppermill Civic Hall
Friday 3rd October, Doors 7.30, show 8pm
Tickets £12.50 Advance, £15 on the door ( You can reserve tickets by texting Neil on 07707090108 or emailing to
neilbluesnights@hotmail.co.uk)
Tickets available from: Uppermill and Greenfield Post Offices, Mossley Chippy( opposite the station), wegottickets.com, yorkshire gig guide ticket store
Keep music live in Saddleworth
Saddleworth community hydro-electric scheme up and running
Saddleworth Community Hydro – Electric Scheme, Dovestones
Take a stroll across the dam at Dove Stone Reservoir, Greenfield, Oldham and you may not be aware of the development that has taken place far below you. After five years of organisation and negotiation, the Saddleworth Community Hydro-electric scheme is up and running.
Renewables First have designed the first scheme of its kind in England; built a new turbine house, installed the pipework and the turbine itself. All the fine tuning and tweaking for its commissioning has now been completed. The all year round flow of water means that a steady generation of 43KW of hydroelectricity will produce enough zero carbon electricity for about 75 homes.
The pioneering scheme uses the 16 million litres of water that are released from the reservoir every day to maintain the river. With 5 million tonnes of water behind it and falling 35 metres, this water has been diverted to flow through the new turbine house. The water then continues on its way down to the river, but the energy extracted is used to generate electricity, which is supplied to and distributed via the National Grid.
Bill Edwards, chairman of Saddleworth Community Hydro, says “This project demonstrates that a group of local people can actually do something to slow down climate change! We are not powerless or helpless! We now know how to set up such a project and are happy to share what we have learned and so enable others to replicate our success.”
This innovative community hydroelectric scheme will be officially opened on 23 September by Chief Executive of The Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth, Adrian Ramsay, who says:
“The scheme is an excellent example of what can be achieved when the community comes together to think creatively about producing a sustainable source of energy which is within their own control. CAT’s report Zero Carbon Britain sets out a vision for a Britain that is
not reliant on fossil fuels and that is combating climate change; communities like Saddleworth are starting to make that vision a reality and I hope they will inspire others to join them.”
With permission and technical assistance from United Utilities, the owners of the reservoir, the group has been able to install the first hydro-electric scheme at an existing high head dam in England.
Saddleworth Community Hydro Limited is an Industrial and Provident Society, made up from local and national members with a passion for the environment. Capital from shareholders eventually matched a significant grant from Defra. It will provide a steady income to give a modest return to shareholders and be used for the promotion and development of local, sustainable, Green Energy projects.
Further information at www.Saddleworthhydro.co.uk
Digg-Fest 2014
Tickets for Digg-Fest 2014 are available at Diggle Band Club and Diggle Post Office. 
Saddleworth North: Monthly Crime Figures Update
| CRIME | APRIL | MAY | JUNE | JULY |
| BURGLARY (Of homes) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 |
| BURGLARY OTHER (Shed, Garage, Business) | 8 | 2 | 2 | 3 |
| THEFT FROM A VEHICLE | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| CRIMINAL DAMAGE | 4 | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| ROBBERY | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Burglary Dwelling in Saddleworth North
Knarr Lane, Delph – Unknown offenders entered the property via an insecure ground floor window. Propery, car keys and a car were stolen.
Ladcastle Road , Dobcross – Offenders gained access by breaking a patio door window with a brick. An untidy search was conducted and property stolen.
Ladcastle Road, Dobcross – Offenders gained access to the property via an insecure conservatory door and stole items from within.
Rochdale Road, Denshaw – Three males in a white transit van were seen at the scene of the burglary. One male smashed the lower ground floor window using a brick. Property was stolen.
Wall Hill Road, Dobcross – Offenders forced a rear ground floor door. They searched the property, but nothing was taken.
Burglary Other in Saddleworth North
Palin Wood Road, Delph – Offenders stole a motorbike from an insecure garage.
Dale Lane, Delph – Offenders forced the padlock on the door of a workshop and stole electric power tools.
Knott Hill Lane, Delph – Offenders removed glass from a window frame setting of an alarm. They failed to gain access.
Vehicle crime – Theft of a motor vehicle x 4
Huddersfield Road, Delph – A BMW M Sport was stolen by unknown means.
Denshaw Road, Delph – A secure, parked motor home was stolen by unknown means.
Stoneswood Road, Delph – A parked, secure, Landrover Defender was stolen. It was later recovered in the Rochdale area.
Low Gate Lane, Delph – Landrover Discovery was stolen and later abandoned on Grains Road, Delph
Criminal Damage in Saddleworth North
Oldham Road, Denshaw – damage to motor vehicle.
Other News
There has been an increase in burglaries in the area, Please consider the following
If you do not have a house alarm, please consider having one fitted.
Please use your alarm and set it when you go to bed.
Close and lock all of your windows if you leave your address.
Don’t leave outside doors insecure even if you are inside your home.
Don’t leave house or car keys in or near to doors, or where they can be seen from outside.
Consider your home security at all times.
For further information contact PCSO Monica Seville, PCSO Kath Crompton and PC 09098 Mark Clough at: oldhamborough@gmp.police.uk or calla call on 0161 856 8825
Walks and rides galore around Saddleworth
Stepping Stones, Uppermill
Walkers around Saddleworth can follow in the footsteps of Romans, monks and poets in the 2014 South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival this September.
One of the best ways to experience any landscape is on foot, which makes this year’s festival the perfect place for anyone wishing to explore the hidden gems of Oldham. Taking place between Saturday, September 6 and Sunday, September 21, the festival has over 140 events across the South Pennines, with Oldham hosting several walks and cycle rides. Details of the all the events taking place can be found on the festival website at www.walkandridefestival.co.uk
All the festival walks are led by experienced volunteer guides, who have a passion for their area. Each year they create routes that encompass points of interest, whether historical, artistic or visual. Many walks will include the best local viewpoints and opportunities to see wildlife with guides keen to share their knowledge and expertise.
The stunning landscape brought to life by the 19th century poet, Ammon Wrigley, can be explored in Tramping with Ammon, a five mile walk from Delph Bridge, Saddleworth, on Sunday, September 7. Walkers will be able to explore the edge of Friarmere Moor and listen to Ammon Wrigley’s poetry and prose amid the landscape that inspired him.
There will be a guided walk of Castleshaw Valley looking at the many sites of historical interest in this rich area, including the Roman fort, medieval grange, domestic textile manufacturing and water powered mills. The Romans, Monks and Weavers walk is a 4.5 mile medium-graded local history guided walk on Wednesday, September 10, from Delph Bridge.
On September 17 walkers are invited to join the Wednesday Walkers on one of their regular walks exploring Oldham’s countryside. There are three options. The first is a six mile walk graded as easy and sets off from Trinity Methodist’s Church, Royton. The medium-graded walk is eight miles and starts at the Wren’s Nest, Shaw and the hard-graded walk is nine miles and sets off from Brun Clough car park, Standedge.
To enjoy good views from the high ground at Whitfield walkers are invited to join the Shaw and Crompton Circular. The eight-mile, medium-graded walk will start and finish at the Shaw and Crompton Metro tram stop on Thursday, September 18. It will follow the Beal Valley to Sholver Nature Reserve.
The South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival is managed by Pennine Prospects, a rural regeneration company set up to champion the South Pennines; an area renowned for its natural beauty and wildlife, great people, quirky traditions and independent businesses.
With so much to offer the festival is the ideal way of exploring this beautiful region, as Pennine Prospects operations director, Mark Turner, explained: “The South Pennines is a stunning landscape, often overlooked or taken for granted by those of us who live and work here. The South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival gives everyone, residents and visitors alike, opportunities to explore this rich and diverse area in new and different ways.”
The South Pennines is criss-crossed by rail links making the events easily accessible from surrounding urban areas. Northern Rail has always been a keen supporter of the festival and this year is the official sponsor.
OMBC adjust their sites re Saddleworth School
Diggle Front Option
Diggle Rear Option
Oldham Council approved, at Cabinet on July 21st, proposing an alternative site option for consideration in the project to deliver the new Saddleworth School.
The project to build the new Saddleworth School is being managed by the Education Funding Agency (EFA) on behalf of the Department for Education but Oldham Council are responsible for identifying potential site options and negotiating any necessary legal agreements. This is needed for whichever site is chosen.
The EFA are currently undertaking feasibility studies on four site options – two on the existing Saddleworth School site in Uppermill and the two on the former pallet works in Diggle. One will be selected later this year to take forward to the formal planning process.
In April 2014 the council completed legal agreements, in principle, to potentially buy land at the former WH Shaw Pallet Works in Diggle. This option proposed to site the new school on land at the front of the site, adjacent to Huddersfield Road.
The council has now approved an option to complete legal negotiations to purchase the rear of the site, if it is selected by the EFA.
This option would provide a bigger site of approximately 18 acres in size. It would see industrial buildings cleared to make way for the new school, sports hall and ancillary buildings, and be more sympathetic to the local environment. In this proposal, Green Belt land at the site would still be used for sports pitch provision.
Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “To achieve the best outcome for everyone we know the concerns of local residents have to be balanced with the need to deliver a new school.”
“We’ve listened to the community’s concerns about the earlier Diggle proposals and are proposing a scheme here that would mitigate the potential impact.
“There are still a number of significant issues to deal with but using the rear site addresses the concerns about building structures on the front field.
“This could provide a credible long-term site offering the school a fit-for-purpose educational facility because of its sheer size.
“Another plus would be the demolition of industrial buildings, which are an eyesore.
“The Grade II-listed clocktower building at this site is excluded from the EFA’s options and budget. The council is now prepared to buy and explore grant funding options to enable its restoration as part of the development. This would enable us to bring it back into use in a way which would complement the school.
“The previous Diggle option also proposed siting a sports hall and ancillary buildings on Green Belt land. Those buildings would now be accommodated elsewhere.
“Buying the rear site would mean additional costs for the project. However, as a council we are prepared to contribute towards funding that gap. We also remain 100 per cent committed to the works and associated costs we already know would be required to address people’s concerns about highways, parking and access issues.
“The EFA has been informed of our position. They confirmed they will consider this option as part of their feasibility study which is evaluating all the site options in terms of location, size and suitability. [and cost – Editor]
“They will now undertake the further survey work required to consider this option and hope to report back in September with a decision on which site to take into the formal planning process.”
Independent Councillor Nikki Kirkham said “we have had positive discussions with the EFA in recent months and we met with their senior officers recently in Manchester to discuss the Uppermill options and the difficulties with the Diggle site. It is now clear that the extra costs of building at Diggle will be far in excess of those at Uppermill. The technical and planning difficulties at Diggle are also formidable. I believe the EFA now see the Uppermill options as better value for money.”
Independent Councillor Mike Buckley speaking on behalf of the SDAG said “I can only conclude that the latest attempt by Oldham Council is a panic move to pressurise the EFA to build the school in Diggle. I can’t understand why the Council are so determined to move the school to Diggle when the people of Saddleworth have made it clear that they want the school to stay in Uppermill. The fact we are going to get a new school is not in dispute, nor is the fact that the school can be built in Uppermill. Oldham are now proposing that ratepayers money will be used to ensure the school moves to Diggle. This shows the lengths the Council will go to ignore the wishes of Saddleworth people and to ensure the land swap deal is not derailed.”
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “Once again I re-state my belief that that the need for a new Saddleworth School fit for our young people in the 21st century is paramount. I am glad that the Government and EFA are undertaking these additional feasibility studies as I requested. Once these are published I will be in a position to consider any new evidence. I welcome the EFA’s move away from the intransigent position it first took when I raised constituents’ concerns.”
Stuart Coleman, Diggle Community Association Chairman said: “It is clear to me that, for whatever reason, OMBC are intent on developing the Diggle site despite the feasibility study on the four proposed sites not being completed yet. Even though this information is vital to making an informed decision, Oldham Council appear to remain set on Diggle. Many residents remain baffled as to why this is and don’t believe this single-minded drive at Diggle can produce a quality outcome because there are so many issues still to be resolved.”
Keith Lucas, member of SDAG said: “SDAG have campaigned tirelessly to get people in official positions to take on board the massive concerns of residents, tourists, educationalists and well wishers to be open and transparent in this controversial planning proposal. I am therefore delighted that OMBC are now realising the genuine concerns and groundswell of opposition to the proposed Saddleworth school rebuild in Diggle.
A Big Move for a Small School
The new outdoor classroom
by the Diggle Junior Reporters
In June 2014 Diggle Primary School decided to make some major changes to the organisation of the school. They called it, ‘The Big Move’.
Up until ‘the big move’ year group classes were located in different parts of the school making it difficult for groups of a similar age to work together. To rectify this, the school relocated all its year groups. Classes are now organized sequentially. For example year five is now next to year six. The changes allow for the juniors to be together in one area and all the infants in another.
Jessica Ball from year 4 said: “This makes learning far more interactive between year groups. It’s added a flow to the school. The classes are now in order and learning happens naturally across the year groups.”
The following interview held on the 27th June 2014 with Ms. Moore, deputy headteacher, explains why the the ‘big move’ was needed.
Q. Elliot (Yr. 4 Reporter): Why did you decide to make the big move?
A. Ms. Moore: Well, when Mr Fowler started in January 2014 he said there had to be some improvements made to the school to make it better. One of the ideas he had involved creating an outdoor classroom. Following discussions in school, the teachers and teaching assistants decided the only place to put an outdoor classroom was outside year six. So. In order to make it work, we decided to make ‘the big move’.
Q. Hope (Yr. 4 Reporter): When did ‘the big move’ happen and how long did it take?
A. Ms. Moore: It happened on the 16th of June and lasted until the 27th of June. It was expected to take two weeks but, in the end, only took one week and two days.
Q. Imogen (Yr. 4 Reporter): Did all the classes have to move?
A. Ms. Moore: Apart from class five all the classes had to move.
Q. Aaron (Yr. 4 Reporter): Where did you get the idea from?
A. Ms. Moore: Mr. Fowler said the outdoor area wasn’t appropriate for the Reception class so we decided to make the ‘big move’. We wanted the younger children to have a better outdoor space to learn in. We got ideas for the outdoor classroom by visiting different schools in the area. We particularly liked the music and water areas we saw, and the large tyres used to create a car track.
Q. Roman (Yr. 4 Reporter): How did you organise it?
A. Ms. Moore: Well, all the teachers went into the staff room and explored the possibilities. Having worked everything out, we then planned for the ‘big move’.
We decided that it would be best for: year six to go to year four, year four to go to Reception and Reception to go to year six. This was planned for the first week. Then we thought that in the second week that year one could go to year three, year three could go to year one and then year one could go to year two.
Q. Jess (Yr. 4 Reporter): And finally, how do you feel about the move?
A: Ms. Moore: I feel very excited and I think it’s improving the school for all the pupils.
For more information visit Diggle Primary School
Related stories:
SADDLEWORTH SCHOOL PLANNING APPLICATIONS ‘GO LIVE’
Year 4 pupils at Diggle Primary School share their dream of equality
A big thank you to the Diggle Hotel from Diggle Primary School
The New Saddleworth School – Public drop-in event to take place over the Christmas break
Diggle Dandelions Judged to be ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted
Kieran McMahon attempts to play guitar for 100 hours
Local musician Kieran McMahon is definitely giving himself a challenge! He plans to play his guitar for 100 hours starting from 19th July. To keep it entertaining he will be adding in some obscure rules and antics. I can already feel the hand cramps!
Anyone wishing to donate can do so online at https://www.justgiving.com/Kieran-McMahon/
Charlotte’s Story
Charlotte Coleman (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
July 2000…cancer was always something that happened to other people – definitely not me! I had a healthy life style, I wasn’t overweight, and I was very active – cycling, hiking and going to the gym.
One night whilst lying in bed, I felt quite a large lump in my breast – right underneath against the chest wall. Unbelievably, I didn’t in my ignorance rush to the doctors. I thought it would probably go away (a clear case of denial). A week later, it was still there so I thought I had better make an appointment.
Even my GP thought it might be an abscess, as it felt tender. Actually, that was just me being soft! He still referred me to the Nightingale Centre, to my utter amazement it was diagnosed as breast cancer and not only that; it was the most aggressive type.
The good news was that the tumour was still fairly small and would need radiotherapy and 5 years of hormone treatment. I thought I was out of the woods! In a way, I was, but nothing could prepare me for the loss of oestrogen, which is basically what the drug Tamoxifen does.
Overnight I became menopausal, having hot flushes that were so bad I felt like tearing my clothes off and if I could have rolled in snow, I would have done! I became forgetful too, often going out then doing something entirely different and not coming back with what I wanted.
I was too young to retire and in any case, I still wanted to work, (I was a primary school teacher). My class were brilliant – bless them. Some of the girls knew when to open the window and would try to help me to stay cool.
In summer, I became a permanent moist rag and would wake up every morning dehydrated. This went on for years, not months and I can honestly say that it was horrendous, and far worse than the op and the radiotherapy.
I could not take hormone replacement therapy – it’s not allowed once you have had cancer. The hot flushes have diminished now and I feel a lot better these days thank goodness, although I still overheat from time to time.
Everyone who suffers from this horrible disease has a unique and different story, but for me breast cancer takes away your self-confidence as a woman. I know many people will disagree with me but I can only say how I felt, especially when 5 years later I had to have a radical hysterectomy just in case there were any last bits of oestrogen lurking in my poor ravaged body!
Anyway, thanks to the skill and knowledge of the doctors at The Christie, I am still alive to tell the tale and that is why I want to fund raise for this brilliant hospital that is touching so
Charlotte with school friend Lynda in Morecambe (Photo: Stuart Coleman ©2014)
many lives.
And for my friend Jo, who is fighting breast cancer as I write, who is amazing and still cycles with me, usually once a week, over the hills and valleys of Saddleworth.
That’s why I decided to cycle the Way of the Roses, across the country from Morecambe to Bridlington, with my school friend Lynda who came over from California. It was a very
challenging cycle ride of 170 miles across very hilly terrain!
The ride was exhilarating – an often beautiful journey through the Northern Trough of Bowland and the Yorkshire Dales finishing in The Yorkshire Wolds, then down into Bridlington.
The most challenging day was undoubtedly day 2, which has two enormous hills and many little ones, but offset by some fantastic descents. We had a lovely lunch that day at the Angel Inn at Hetton, sat in wonderful sunshine. It’s a gastro pub but we thought we deserved it! What made the journey extra special were the yellow bikes everywhere, as some of route was the same as the Tour de France.
Thank you so much everyone who donated so generously. Breast cancer is like an epidemic – it is affecting so many women: if everyone gives a little, together we can help to fight the scourge that is taking away our mums, sisters, nieces and daughters.
To make a donation got to: https://www.justgiving.com/Charlotte-Coleman2/
http://www.christie.nhs.uk/about-the-christie/latest-news/the-christie-blog.aspx
Diggle Beavers Celebrate 21 Years
Back row left to right: Christine Smith, Linda Hall, Grandpa Green’s Carole Scholes and Richard Scholes (former Beaver), Anne Collier (Assistant District Commissioner for Beavers), Rev Duncan Rhodes. Front row left to right: Alfie Milovanovic, Finlay Ashton, Oliver Ashton (not in uniform as he will be joining at our next meeting and will be our 260th new beaver) , Thomas Wallace, Joseph Rutter, Ewan Haigh, Brandon Howarth, James Metcalfe, Thomas Ward, Louis Yarwood, Harry Platt, Jack Holden (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
In 1993, Linda Hall, a young mum with two small boys aged four and one, decided to set up a Beaver pack in Diggle. She spread the word around the village that she was looking for people to help her and Christine Smith, another young mum with two children aged four and five, got on board. Over the last twenty one years various people have been involved but stalwarts Linda and Christine, have stayed the course.
The first meeting of Diggle Beavers was in September 1993. The Rev Duncan Rhodes, who has always been supportive of the group, offered them Kilngreen Church as a meeting place. Supported by Anne Collier, the Assistant District Commissioner for Beavers in Oldham, the group have gone from strength to strength.
From the outset, it was decided that the Beaver pack would follow a native American theme. The boys are divided up into teams which are named after native American houses, Teipi, Wigwam, Long House and Earth Lodge. The leaders are named after tribes, Linda is Apache and Christine, Mohican.
Beaver Scouts are the first and youngest section within the scouting family involving boys aged 6 to 8 years old. They were the first scouting section to be formed in Diggle and have subsequently been joined by both Cubs and Scouts.
The Beavers meet at Kilngreen Church on a Tuesday evening at 6.00pm for an hour during the school term. There are currently twelve boy but in the past there have been as many as twenty four. The numbers vary in relation to the number of boys in the village and, due to the demand for places, membership has always bee restricted to boys from Diggle and to those attending Kilngreen Church Sunday School.
Between April and September, whatever the weather, they can be found out and about in the village and surrounding hills. The boys are easily recognised by their turquoise sweatshirts and purple and green neckerchiefs. Linda Hall said, “They learn about nature, the country code and work towards different badges. It’s not all work, the boys like nothing better than running about getting muddy and wet. One of their favourite activities is dam building in the river. With help from their dads it nearly always ends in a water fight and swimming.”
During the winter months the boys are based inside. There is an opening ceremony and then a few games to burn off excess energy. These comprise of mainly team games to encourage working together and ensure that new beavers are not left out. After a drink and a biscuit there is a craft activity which covers a wide range of things, working towards badges or gifts and cards for special events such as Christmas, Easter or Mothers day. Linda said, “The boys always enjoying making different paper aeroplanes and seeing whose will fly the furthest. Another good evening is pancake Tuesday. The boys make a batter mixture, Mohican cooks the pancakes and each boy gets to toss one before eating it. Fortunately, not many end up on the floor!!
“It is always interesting to see how the boys grow and develop over the two years they are with us. The quiet ones nearly always end up the noisiest.”
Over the years several boys, aged 14 and upwards have returned to help on a Tuesday evening to work towards different stages of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. Christine said, “It is always satisfying seeing them help the younger boys.
“It is hard to believe that we have been doing Beavers for 21 years. The time has just flown by. We have been lucky that we have been able to juggle family life, work. Not sure how long we will continue but I think there is still a few more years in us yet!!”
The Beavers 21st Birthday party was held at Grandpa Greene’s, Ward Lane Diggle on Tuesday 1st July. They celebrated with beef burgers, crisps, ice cream and a birthday cake decorated with a beaver. Four of our newest beavers were invested and received their neckerchief and badges.
Linda showing the correct way to fold a neckerchief (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
Linda and Christine receiving flowers from the Beavers (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
Fashion Show at Kilngreen
Super model Gail Beaumont (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2014)
Friends Of Diggle School presents
Fashion Show
at Kilngreen Church Hall
On Friday 11th July from 7.45pm
Tickets now on sale from the school office or Diggle Post Office for just £5 (Ticket includes one free drink).
High street Fashion and Reduced Designer clothing to suit all ages, Size 8 – 20 with up to 75% off RRP.
All garments are perfect and brand new
Wallis, Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Marks & Spencer, Next, Designers At Debenhams, New Look, Oasis, River Island, Evans, many more…
2014 Saddleworth Show
Details for the 2014 Saddleworth Show at Saddleworth Secondary School on 12th/13th July.
Church Road due to close for sewer work
A letter from United Utilities explaining when, and for how long, Church Road in Uppermill will be closed for sewer replacement work.
Plan your journey – it’s the Tour de France
Tour de France 2006, Stage 11 (Photo by Kallenovsky)
Make sure you plan your journey this weekend as the Tour de France rolls into town
The world’s biggest annual sporting event – the Tour de France – will be passing through Greater Manchester this weekend and the public are advised to plan their journey regardless of whether they are watching the spectacle or not.
The second stage of the race will begin in York before passing through parts of Rochdale on Sunday 6 July, with both road & public transport services in Greater Manchester being affected by the race. Around one kilometre of the route passes through Rochdale along a section of the B6138 and the A58 adjacent to Blackstone Edge reservoir, before heading off towards Huddersfield and Sheffield where the second stage finishes.
Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to watch the world’s best cyclists on Sunday, and to help people get there TfGM has worked with transport operators to provide a number of additional or enhanced services on the day. Metrolink will be running enhanced services to Rochdale all weekend, with every other tram to Rochdale being a double tram. Northern Rail has also increased capacity on services between Manchester and Rochdale, Hebden Bridge and Littleborough which are some of the locations close to the race site. There will also be a special bus service operated by First from Manchester City Centre to Mytholm via Rochdale early on Sunday morning, as well as a shuttle service taking people between Littleborough Rail Station and Cragg Vale – one of the key points of the second stage – which has been provided by Rochdale Council.
However, these enhanced and additional services are expected to be extremely busy both to and from the event so anyone planning to use these services this weekend, whether they are attending the race or not, should allow plenty of time to complete their journeys and plan ahead.
Road users are also being advised of a number of road closures and diversions in place for race from early on Sunday, so anyone wanting to drive to the event is advised to plan ahead as a significant part of their journey will involve walking, cycling or taking a shuttle bus towards the race site itself.
Road users in Rochdale, Oldham, Stockport and Tameside who aren’t heading to the race need to be aware that there will be significant disruption as a large section of the race passes close to the borders of these areas. Anyone travelling across the Pennines on the day will also need to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey to minimise the impact of any disruption. The M62 will remain open on the Sunday, but a large number of roads across the Pennines will be closed whilst the race takes place.
Dan McMullan, Head of Communications and Customer Service at TfGM, said: “Whether you are going to watch the Tour de France or not, you need to plan ahead. Roads and public transport services will be busy, so please make sure you don’t get caught out.”
TfGM can provide all the information about the Tour de France coming through Greater Manchester and how to get around on the day visit: www.tfgm.com/tourdefrance
To find out more information about the race itself visit: www.letour.yorkshire.com
For updates on travel over the Tour de France weekend follow TfGM on Twitter: @OfficialTfGM #TourDeFrance #TDFTravel
Related stories:
Commuters warned of two days of strike disruption
The Scarborough Flyer entering Standedge Tunnel, Diggle: September 2013
Eight months of improvement work on Trans-Pennine Rail Routes
Transport services return to Victoria following terrorist attack
Plan ahead to avoid any unexpected travel spooks this weekend
World War 1 Show back by popular demand
World War 1 Show
Back By Popular Demand – The World War 1 Show makes a second appearance in Uppermill!
Uppermill Stage Society will be performing their World War 1 Show, “Keep the Home Fires Burning”, again on July 18th and 19th at Ebenezer Church, School Street, Uppermill.
Written by Lindsey and Paul Bradbury, both of whom have acted in many of the Society’s plays, the musical show tells the story of World War 1 from the point of view of the soldiers at the Front and the women at home, and is presented through popular songs of the time as well as actual poems and letters. The show is performed by members and friends of the Society.
Sandie Beswick, Chair of the Society said: “We were overwhelmed by the impact that the show had on our audiences, and many people who were unable to come along at the time have asked if we could repeat it, so we are happy to oblige. In fact, the show has proved such a success that there is a possibility we will be taking it ‘on tour’ later in the year!”
Tickets are available at Turners Dry Cleaners, New Street, Uppermill and are priced at £6.00.
View plans for new development on Ward Lane
Proposal for a new development on Ward Lane, Diggle.
