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Scammonden gets its own Stanza Stone
Sculptor Peter Maris and poet Simon Armitage will put the South Pennines on the map at Walk and Ride Festival event on Saturday, September 21
This year’s Walk and Ride Festival event at Scammonden Water will get off to an extra special start as the Mayor of Kirklees, Councillor Martyn Bolt, unveils a unique Stanza Stone: a special collaboration between sculptor Peter Maris, poet Simon Armitage and local young people.
Yorkshire Water, Kirklees Council, White Rose Forest and Pennine Prospects have worked together on a variety of projects to improve access, habitat and enjoyment around Scammonden Water. In particular, Yorkshire Water has invested significantly in access trails and improving the car park close to where the Stanza Stone is sited.
The project has been a challenge which sculptor Peter Maris has relished. He has had to incorporate 26 unconnected phrases, describing the South Pennine landscape, into a visual format to give a relevant sense of meaning and celebration of the environment which the sculpture overlooks. The words were selected by Simon Armitage from recent work that he initiated with local writers as a community based part of the Stanza Stones project, which incorporates a 47-mile trail across the landscape with six carved stones en-route, commissioned by Ilkley Literature Festival.
Peter has chosen a variety of ways to letter the Scammonden Water Stanza Stone as an attempt to depict the written sentiments with different voices and volumes. He has also designed an accompanying bench which has been cut by water-jet technology to mimic the shape of the reservoir. In both projects he has used a mixture of local stones supplied by Marshalls plc and also called upon Hipperholme based Scribble Stone for their technological services.
The piece celebrates both the three year Watershed Landscape project in the South Pennines, which is managed by Pennine Prospects, and the significant investment in access and paths around Scammonden Water by Yorkshire Water.
Pam Warhurst CBE, Chair of Pennine Prospects, said, “The Heritage Lottery funded project has received recognition both in the UK and internationally. Peter’s work quite literally puts Scammonden Water on the map.”
The investment in the footpath infrastructure around Scammonden Water is part of Yorkshire Water’s ongoing commitment to open up as much of its land to as many of its customer’s as is feasible. The paths around the site cater for a variety of abilities with the path leading to the Stanza Stone suitable for those in wheelchairs or people with pushchairs.
Kirklees Council countryside officer, Simon Pedley, commented, “Scammonden Water is a fantastic site to explore and the days’ activities will be a great way to celebrate all the work that’s been done over the last couple of years. We are grateful to the Pennine Prospects Walk and Ride Festival for the opportunity to showcase the site as part of this festival.”
Events on the day will include Nordic walking, orienteering, a story trail and children’s craft activities. There will also be a showing of the film project created by pupils from Colne Valley High school and film maker Bev Addy which looks at time and nature at Scammonden Water.
At the same time as working with the young writers Simon Armitage has also written his own set of poems for carving into stone in remote situations high on the South Pennine moors. His six Stanza Stones, each bearing one poem of the set titled In Memory of Water, are spaced out along a 47 mile trail stretching from Marsden, Simon’s birthplace, to Ilkley.
Letter-cutting artist Pip Hall carved all six poems individually inspired by and titled in the name of the various forms in which water manifests and has shaped the Pennine landscape: snow, rain, mist, dew, puddle and beck.
There is a Stanza Stones Trail Guide, authored by Landscape Architect Tom Lonsdale, available to download free of charge from the Ilkley Literature Festival website.
Debbie Abrahams MP signs up to be a ‘Dementia Friend’
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP, Debbie Abrahams, has signed up to be a Dementia Friend ahead of World Alzheimer’s Day on Saturday 21st September.
After completing the Dementia Friends training facilitated by the Alzheimer’s Society, Debbie has also pledged to take action to support the 800,000 people living with the condition across the UK and work to make Oldham a dementia-friendly community for people living with it across the borough.
Debbie says, “We are an ageing society and we know that in 2010 over 2,300 people in Oldham were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, but it is estimated that this is only half of the actual number. By 2020 this number will have increased by 20%. I hope as many people as possible will sign up to be Dementia Friends and help with the vision to build a dementia-friendly Oldham.”
Dementia Friends aims to help people understand what it might be like to live with dementia and turn that understanding into action. Alzheimer’s Society is aiming to have one million Dementia Friends by 2015, to help make England more dementia-friendly and improve the lives of people currently living with the condition.
Debbie added, “One in three people over 65 will develop dementia, and it is a health issue that we can no longer afford to ignore. Although we know there are 800,000 people in the UK diagnosed with dementia it’s very likely that there are many more who have not yet been diagnosed.”
Sue Clarke, Locality Manager for the Alzheimer’s Society in Greater Manchester, said, “Most people don’t know enough about dementia. Dementia Friends is the perfect opportunity to be able to invite everyone to improve their knowledge.”
As part of the on-going awareness building events a Memory walk is being held in Heaton Park on 28th September.
Chief Executive Charlie Parker to leave Oldham Council
Charlie Parker
Charlie Parker is set to leave his post as Chief Executive of Oldham Council to take up one of the top jobs in Local Government. The 52-year-old has today been recommended for appointment to the post of Chief Executive at Westminster City Council. The recommendation will go before a Full Council meeting at Westminster on September 26 and, subject to approval, he would replace Mike More, who is stepping down at the end of 2013.
Mr Parker joined Oldham Council in October 2008 and has overseen a period of rapid recovery and transformation that has earned national recognition – including being named ‘Most Improved Council’ at the 2012 Local Government Chronicle (LGC) Awards. His tenure has seen the introduction of major innovative service improvements and an estimated £500 million of investment has also been attracted to the Borough – all at the same time as finding budget savings of around £140m.
Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said: “When Charlie arrived here we agreed across political parties that Oldham Council needed to change: it was time to put Oldham above petty party politics which had dogged the Borough for too long. Charlie was clear that to see real change it would take five-years to make the Council fit-for-purpose again, kickstart regeneration and deliver the town we all know we can be. He has delivered on both counts and set Oldham on a journey that residents, businesses and partners are starting to see the results of on the ground.
“Our achievements here have clearly caught people’s attention because the post that he is taking is one of the very top local government jobs in the country. On a personal level I have been fortunate to have worked with one of the very best in local government and someone who has public service in his blood. Charlie has left us in good shape and more confident and determined than ever to take the next steps in the improvement journey that he has helped Oldham to make.”
Mr Parker, who is also Chief Executive for the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority – and the regional lead on Low Carbon and Green issues – was selected for the Westminster post this week after a rigorous recruitment process. An agreed start date in his new role – and arrangements for the appointment of a successor at Oldham Council – will be released at a later date.
Oldham Council has gone from the lowest resident satisfaction in the country (23 per cent in 2008) to 63 per cent in 2012 under Mr Parker’s stewardship. His achievements include rapid improvement in service areas ranging from children’s services to recycling, plus securing and delivering an £83 million investment to bring Metrolink to the Borough and link it to new job and leisure, business and job opportunities.
Charlie Parker said: “This has been a very difficult choice for me to make. The Westminster role is the type of opportunity that only comes once in a lifetime and it’s probably only one of a couple that I would have left Oldham to take. I’ve had a fantastic five years here. It’s been a privilege and pleasure to be involved in the improvements that have set us apart – both the Council, and Oldham as a place – to make people sit up and notice us again in a positive way regionally and nationally.
“I’d like to thank Jim McMahon as Council Leader for the support he has given me and the partnership we’ve forged to tackle some very big challenges. I’d also like to pay tribute to his predecessor, Councillor Howard Sykes, for giving me the initial opportunity to come here and work alongside him on the first phase of recovery and change. Most importantly, I’d also like to thank all Oldham Council staff for their fantastic support. None of these achievements would have been possible without them. I will miss them, members and the many residents I have got to know, as well as colleagues from the business and voluntary sectors. Before I go, however, plenty of important work remains to be done – particularly in terms of finalising regeneration deals – and I am totally focussed on ensuring that I leave Oldham on a high.”
Prior to joining Oldham Council, Mr Parker was Director of Investment and Performance at English Partnerships and a member of its Executive Management Board. His other previous posts have included Group Strategic Development Director at Enterprise plc, Executive Director for Regeneration at Liverpool City Council, and head of Manchester Council’s Inner City Department. Married with two grown-up children, his hobbies include swimming, cycling, skiing and music. He is also a long-standing season ticket holder at Manchester City.
Charity Music Festival at Diggle Band Club
The Scarborough Flyer entering Standedge Tunnel, Diggle: September 2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
Saddleworth Parish Council concerned about the lack of consultation re: Saddleworth School
Shaw’s Pallet Works, Diggle (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Saddleworth Parish Council is concerned that, to date, there has been no consultation with residents and parents of Saddleworth on the proposals for a new secondary school. It is therefore organising an additional public meeting to the one listed below (See ‘What’s the future for Saddleworth School.) to find out what is happening and to discuss issues of concern.
It is understood that a public meeting is planned on 16th October when OMBC will inform residents of the decisions they have taken concerning the new school. The Parish Council is concerned, however, that there has been no opportunity for residents and parents to be consulted in advance of final decisions being taken on a major proposal that will have a dramatic impact on the Saddleworth community as a whole.
The purpose of the meeting will be to inform residents of what is known about the present proposals and what action the Parish Council have taken to date to open a dialogue and open public consultation.
The meeting will allow the public to voice their opinion, highlight their concerns and seek reassurance about the issues faced.
The headteacher of Saddleworth School has agreed to attend the meeting and will answer questions as far as he is able. Sadly, OMBC has declined the invitation to attend stating they will attend the meeting on October 16th when we believe all key decisions will have been taken; a situation we find unacceptable.
The Parish Council propose to present the outcomes to the key decision makers which include the Minister for Schools, our MP and OMBC.
The meeting will be held at the Civic Hall, Uppermill at 7.30 p.m. on Wednesday 25th September 2013 and all Saddleworth residents are invited to attend.
Issues to be raised following discussions over the past few months with Saddleworth residents include:
a. Diggle is understood to be the preferred option for the new school. Access arrangements to the new site are a concern considering the volume of traffic entering and leaving the likely school site. Safety is an issue together with the impact of noise and fumes on the villages of Diggle and Dobcross.
b. Concerns about school equipment. Other new schools in Borough have been fortunate in receiving new equipment. However, it appears that the new Saddleworth School will not be so fortunate and will have to ‘make do’ with what it already has. Thus the pupils and potential educational standards will be placed at a disadvantage to the other new schools recently built in the rest of the Borough.
c. Pupils and parents need to be confident that sporting facilities will effectively cater for school requirements and that this part of the curriculum will not be compromised as a result of the increased distance to the Uppermill facilities.
d. Reassurance that the school building will be of a high standard with a design sympathetic to the local area.
e. Assurances that the listed building currently on the proposed Diggle site will be retained and not compromised by the development.
f. Some residents in Saddleworth also need convincing that the existing school cannot be further developed and modernised thus removing the need to move.
Over the past few months the Parish Council has actively pursued issues associated with the new school and letters have been sent to our MP and the Government also discussions have taken place with many members of the Saddleworth community. Government responses have emphasised that the issues are solely the concern of Oldham Council and the school governors.
An opportunity for public discussion across the whole community is long overdue. Invitations to attend the meeting on 25th September 2013 will be sent to our MP, members of Oldham Council’s cabinet, members of all resident and community associations in Saddleworth, parents, pupils and the community as a whole.
Related stories:
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Residents asked to submit questions for a public meeting: “The Future of Saddleworth School…”
Letter to the Editor regarding a new Saddleworth School in Diggle
Saddleworth residents angry about the lack of consultation in relation to proposals for a new Saddleworth School
Letter to the Editor
2013 Saddleworth Rushcart Festival
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013
Re-dedication of the Wrigley Mill War Memorials
Frank Holden, John Button, Denise Hudson, Rev. Peter Moorhouse, Dawn & Mike Naughton, Rosalind Gartside (Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013)
Generous acts of courage and sacrifice were remembered during a brief service at Diggle Day Nursery on Sunday 8 September to re-dedicate war memorials which, until July 2012, had been in the Wrigley Mill Methodist Church chapel.
Following the closure of the church and the sale of the building, Oldham and Saddleworth Methodist Circuit, which has continuing legal responsibility for the memorials, came to an agreement with Mr and Mrs Naughton, the owners of the nursery, to re-locate them in the top room of the nursery complex. This room, which is available for the community to hire, was felt to be the most appropriate site.
The plaques record the names of thirteen men, connected to the former church, who had made the ultimate sacrifice during the two world wars. The moving stories of three of them, Irvine Holden, Joe W Schofield and Elliot Longley, were recounted by their relatives.
As well as the relatives who had earlier enquired about the future of the memorials and Mr and Mrs Naughton, representatives of the Circuit also welcomed members of the former church congregation, leaders from the Diggle Community Association, friends from other churches and the village community and, the Commanding Officer and a senior cadet from the Saddleworth Air Training Cadet Corps.
The two Wrigley Mill war memorials (Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013)
Circuit minister, Rev Pete Moorhouse with ATC Chaplain, Rev Godfrey Adams, led the re-dedication of the memorials and offered prayers for those who have suffered in conflicts, and prayers for peace and justice in the world. The gathering listened to music recorded by Diggle Brass Band while reflecting on the cost of our freedom, concluding in a spirit of thanksgiving and hope.
Following the service, the guests were invited to stay for afternoon tea and home baked cakes.
What’s the future for Saddleworth School?
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Oldham Gallery announces new season
by Oldham Gallery
October 2013 – March 2014
This season we have an extensive programme for your enjoyment including three new exhibitions and an exciting Community Gallery programme.
As well as our new permanent gallery, Oldham Stories: Encounters with our Collections, we also welcome exhibitions from Albert Adams one of South Africa’s greatest artists, displays from our collections about marine life and fish and an exciting new body of work from Leeds-based artist Jack Chesterman.
The ever-popular Oldham Open exhibition is also back.
We also hold events, courses, talks and concerts as well as popular schools workshops and family activities.
We have more exhibitions, activities and events for families this season, so look out for the Family Friendly logo on exhibitions and events that are particularly suitable for families with young children.
For more information call 0161 770 4653 or log onto www.galleryoldham.org.uk or www.gooldham.com
Gallery Oldham, Cultural Quarter, Greaves Street, Oldham OL1 1AL. Gallery Oldham is part of the Library and Lifelong Learning building.
Exhibitions
‘Oldham Stories: Encounters with our collections’
In response to feedback from our visitors we launch a new permanent exhibition packed full of Oldham stories. This is your chance to see some of our most treasured artefacts alongside items that might just surprise you. We bring together objects from our Natural History, Social History and Art collections to look again at Oldham’s past and present. We tell the stories of a range of local figures such as suffragette Annie Kenney, the pioneering natural history collector James Nield and popular artist Helen Bradley. Oldham Stories features the breadth of our extensive collections. From birds and shells to archaeology and embroidered samplers, every object has a tale to tell. Artwork on show includes important British paintings from the Charles Lees Collection as well as paintings by artists that illustrate local scenes and characters.
The Oldham Open (28 September – 16 November)
The ever-popular Oldham Open exhibition is back! The show is held every two years and is a celebration of creativity, showcasing work by artists living or working in the borough of Oldham. The exhibition promises to be a visual feast and always includes work in a diverse range of media. From drawing, painting and photography to ceramics, jewellery and sculpture, the exhibition features a wide range of artists with different interests expressed through their work. The exhibition is also a great opportunity for visitors to view and buy a range of artworks by local artists
Jack Chesterman Boat Stories (23 November – 29 March)
Leeds-based Jack Chesterman’s monumental painted canvases and sculptures examine themes of journeying, history and loss. He has been depicting boats and
ships for many years exploring their colour, structure and material, as well as the stories they contain. More recently he has created a series of large scale boat sculptures that lie upturned on plinths like tombs. These sculptures are extraordinary visual objects but are also vessels for stories that span 500 years of history, from El Gran Griffon, a supply ship in the Spanish Armada, to the battleships of the Second World War.
Albert Adams (30 November – 19 April)
Albert Adams (1929-2006) was one of the greatest artists to emerge from South Africa in the 20th century. His work explored not only the specific trauma of Apartheid, but broader issues of abuse of power, justice, and personal expression through art. This show is on loan from the University of Salford who received a gift of over 70 works following Adams’ death. In addition to paintings, drawings and prints the exhibition includes objects from his collection, including Indian embroidered textiles and wood carvings from Sierra Leone and Nigeria.
Gone Fishing! (14 December – 14 June)
You’ll be amazed by how many fishy objects we have in our collection! This exhibition explores marine and freshwater environments and the fish that live in them. It includes landscape paintings portraying rivers and maritime scenes, and images of people fishing, by artists such as William Stott, John Constable and
local painter John Houghton Hague. Objects from our exceptional Natural History collection take centre stage, with ancient fossil fish, biologically accurate fish models and trophy mounts donated by Oldham Central Angling Club on display. There are some unexpected objects too. As Oldham was the birthplace of fish and chips we are including our splendid 1930s Mallinson’s fish and chip range, and Arthur Dooley’s bronze fish commemorating a strike at the Fisher Bendix factory in 1972.
Many objects are displayed for the first time.
Last chance to see…
‘Spindleopolis! When Cotton was King (Until November 30)
In 1913 Oldham boasted more cotton spindles than any other town in the world and the town brimmed with confidence and certainty about its future. A century on, Spindleopolis revisits this time of economic boom using contemporary paintings,
photographs and objects to explore the lives of ordinary Oldhamers. Cotton helped to create a prosperous working class whose cash fuelled a market for seaside holidays, football, music hall and fish and chips. The display uses the cartoons and words of local man Sam Fitton to recreate this lost world. This dialect writer and entertainer chronicled the lives of the working men and women of the town in the pages of the Cotton Factory Times, the operatives’ own weekly newspaper). This exhibition is curated by historians Alan Fowler and Terry Wyke and includes objects from Gallery Oldham’s collections alongside loans from various North West institutions.
Community Gallery
The Community Gallery features work by groups or individuals who live or work in Oldham, or anyone whose subject matter relates to Oldham. Do you have an exhibition proposal? Please contact Joy Thorpe on 0161 770 4663 or email
Positive Light (24 August – 19 October)
Take another look at Oldham through the lens of photographer Mina Ahmed. Taken at night, these images show the beauty, vibrancy and colour of our town, encouraging us to explore a little further and think a little deeper.
Fifty Years of Oldham Symphony Orchestra (26 October – 4 January 2014)
Oldham’s amateur orchestra has been performing since 1863. This exhibition celebrates their many performers and performances.
The Language of Silk (11 January – 8 March)
In partnership with the Workers Educational Association, Gallery Oldham has provided a series of arts based classes to widen the learning opportunities available to local ESOL students. This exhibition of silk paintings created by the learners is a fantastic showcase of creativity and imagination.
We’ll show you ours…(15 March – 10 May)
Hidden in Gallery Oldham is a talented community of artists – within our staff! Take a look at this exhibition including photography, drawing, textiles, prints, paintings and sculpture and find out what we get up to in our time off.
Foyer Displays
The North West and the Spanish Civil War 1936 – 1939 (5 October – 4 November)
We are delighted to host this touring exhibition as part of Oldham’s celebration of Local Democracy Week. Produced by the International Brigade Memorials Trust, it includes the stories of Oldham men who joined the fight against fascism in Spain.
Gallery Events
Talks
Our monthly lunchtime talks are a great way to find out more about exhibitions. Talks are free, informal and last around 30 minutes with time for discussion afterwards. There is no need to book.
Children and Families
Children must be accompanied by an adult for all family activities.
Holiday fun at Gallery Oldham Free family activities take place during all school holidays. These are linked to our exhibitions so please take a look around the galleries before you come along. Face painting and craft activities at each session. Most suitable for ages 4–10 years.
Free – no need to book, just drop in from 1– 4pm.
Oldham Councillors call on Government to Legislate for Plain Cigarette Packaging
At today’s Council meeting (Wednesday 11th Sept.), Lib Dem Councillors Rod Blyth and John McCann will propose a motion calling on the Government to reinstate its commitment to introducing plain cigarette packaging.
The tobacco industry spends vast amounts of time and money targeting young people as they see them as the next generation of smokers.
In the North West, 4 out of 5 children who try smoking do so before they are 14 years old. Estimates from Cancer Research UK indicate that 24,846 children start smoking every year (or 478 children a week or 68 every day).
Health experts say there is strong evidence that un-branded packs would make them less appealing to children.
During the Government consultation last year, over 60,000 people in the North West signed up to support the Plain Packs Protect campaign run by Tobacco Free Futures to introduce plain, standardised tobacco packs and demand the end of glitzy cigarette packaging aimed at young people.
The tobacco industry has spent a significant sum opposing this measure. Japan Tobacco International ran a £2million campaign in the UK, which according to the Advertising Standards Authority breached the UK advertising code.
Of the motion, proposer Cllr Blyth said: “The big tobacco manufacturers are desperate to prevent this measure being introduced at all costs. When you manufacture a product that, despite being legal, is estimated to lead to the premature deaths of approximately half of its consumers you need to be constantly marketing your product to the next potential younger customer. Quite simply the Lib Dems want to discourage young people from smoking and instead support them in making healthy lifestyle choices – and the introduction of this measure through legislation is just one small measure to help do this.”
Cllr John McCann, seconding the motion, said: “Smoking kills; end of. This motion asks Councillors of all political persuasions to back the call of Oldham Liberal Democrats for the early re-introduction of this measure to help prevent the early deaths of anymore of our young people through smoking, as well as the ill-health and addiction that results through taking up smoking. At last Council, the Lib Dems proposed a motion for the Government to introduce a minimum price for alcohol. Unfortunately this was defeated with a block vote from the ruling party. I hope [our] colleagues will back us in supporting this much needed measure”.
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Transport for Greater Manchester backs national cycling initiative
Commuters in Greater Manchester are being urged to ditch four wheels in favour of two this Thursday as part of a nationwide initiative.
Cycle to Work Day is a national event, championed by multi gold medal winning Paralympic cyclist, Dame Sarah Storey, which aims to encourage everyone to cycle to work for just one day on 12 September 2013.
Launched by Cyclescheme and supported by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), British Cycling, Sustrans, Bicycle Association and Business in the Community, Cycle to Work Day aims to highlight the benefits of cycling as a means of transport and encourage more people to cycle, more often.
The date supports work already in place to make cycling safer and easier in Greater Manchester. In August this year, TfGM was awarded £20 million national funding from the Cycle City Ambition Grant to support the 12-year cycling strategy Vélocity 2025.
As part of this strategy TfGM, along with key cycling organisations, such as Manchester-based British Cycling, Sustrans and the CTC, have set out a 12-year vision for transforming levels of cycling.
Over the next two years through to 2015, the funding will be used to:
- Deliver a major new network of strategic, integrated and – where possible – segregated cycle routes to employment centres, schools and leisure facilities.
- Develop ‘Cycle and Ride’ stations for Gatley, Irlam, Flixton and Guide Bridge railway stations and at Prestwich, Hollinwood and East Didsbury Metrolink stops.
- Work with a number of partner schools and colleges to improve cycle facilities to help encourage cycling as a travel choice for younger people.
- Roll out an ambitious programme of cycling promotion and education inspired by other European cities.
Councillor Chris Paul, Transport for Greater Manchester Committee’s Cycling Champion, said: “We are fully supportive of National Cycle to Work Day which supports our plans under Vélocity 2025 to boost the number of cyclists in Greater Manchester by 300 per cent over the next 12 years.
“Greater Manchester is the home of British Cycling and our ambitious plans aim to make that association not just a matter of geography but of a shared philosophy – a culture of cycling.
“That is why we are leading a major investment in cycling, on a scale never before seen in Greater Manchester, the benefits of which – a healthier, fitter, greener and more active and sustainable society – will last for generations.”
Dame Sarah Storey said: “If we start by encouraging people to cycle to work, then they’ll feel healthier, will save money and be more inclined to ride their bikes for other journeys and leisure time too.
“Cycling is one of the best modes of transport for local journeys and Cyclescheme provides the means for people to obtain a bike in order to make those journeys to work. We hope to inspire even more people to challenge themselves, dust off the bike and cycle to work on 12 September.”
Daniel Gillborn, Director of Cyclescheme, said: “Cycle to Work Day is a very exciting initiative for us and it’s great to be able to work with some of the greatest names in the bike industry.
“We hope the day will inspire as many people as possible to make a positive change to their commuting habits and get more people cycling more often. Every mile cycled, every calorie burnt and every kilogram of CO2 offset as a result of the day will be a massive achievement that we can all be proud of.”
For more information on how to get involved please visit www.cycletoworkday.org
Autumn Craft Festival
Tea and cake party raises £1050 for the animal charities
Local Diggle resident Vicki Harrington recently organised a tea and cake party to raise money for Pennine Pen Animal Rescue and Manchester Dog’s Home.
The event, which was held in Vicki’s garden, was well attended and raised £1050 to be split equally between both charities.
The wide selection of home baked cakes and glorious summer weather attracted visitors from across Saddleworth. Local artist, John Hewit, said, “It’s a great event and I’m pleased to be able to contribute to the valuable work these charities do.”
Vicki said, “It’s always hard work but it’s worth the effort. Visitors have been very generous. I don’t charge for the tea and cakes, I only asked for a donation.”
Pennine Pen was founded in 2001 by Michael Waugh with the aim of alleviating animal suffering and neglect. Michael said, “I want to help those who can’t help themselves.”
If you would like more information about either charity click on the link.
Michael with 3 year old Roxy
New Saddleworth School: Planning and talks advancing
Planning and negotiations for a new Saddleworth School are advancing as part of the Government’s Priority Schools Building Programme.
Saddleworth has been allocated funding within a phase whereby construction would begin in Easter 2014 – with the new school set to open in Autumn 2015. Oldham Council and Saddleworth School are working in partnership on this with the Education Funding Agency (EFA), which is managing the project for the Department for Education.
The EFA has been clear that there is a finite amount of money available for this project. That is calculated on the basis of the new school having 1,500 pupils – an expansion from the current pupil capacity of 1,350. All parties have been looking at viable site options with the aim of delivering a new, fit for purpose school – and also a facility that the whole community can be proud of and use.
A number of Council and privately-owned sites have been assessed against strict planning, access, engineering and timeframe criteria. The preferred location cannot be identified while confidential commercial negotiations are ongoing.
The EFA has already been tendering for a contractor for the ‘North West 3’ group of school projects, including this scheme. This process has now shortlisted two bidders with the successful applicant set to be appointed by the end of October. The successful contractor would then agree a programme of works and it is anticipated they would start work on the new site no later than Autumn 2014.
Oldham Council, Saddleworth School, Saddleworth Parish Council and the EFA are currently working as hard as they can to conclude negotiations that will enable them to confirm the location of the preferred site. A consultation would then take place. This would allow pupils, parents, the local community and partner agencies to have their say on issues relating to a new school being built on the proposed site before any planning application is submitted.
Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Cabinet Member for Education, Employment and Skills, said: “Oldham Council is 100 per cent committed to working co-operatively with the EFA and Saddleworth School to deliver a new site. In doing so we must balance many factors including the needs of pupils, parents, staff and the local community alongside a need to deliver within a tight funding deadline. We are keeping in close contact with the school’s management and governors, plus local ward members and Saddleworth Parish Council, and will reveal more publicly about the plans as soon as we are permitted to do so.”
Matthew Milburn, Head Teacher at Saddleworth School, said: “It’s only natural that people want to know the location of the new school and we’re working hard alongside the Council and the EFA to agree on the optimum site. In the meantime, it’s important that we reassure pupils and parents that there will be no disruption to learning. Results gained by the Year 11 group that have just left were the best the school has ever seen and we will continue to develop and improve while construction work takes place. We are all excited by the prospect of working in a new school, with space and facilities specifically designed to enrich learning.”
South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival
Challenges abound in this year’s South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival with charity fundraisers and skills training days on offer alongside the traditional guided tours in the stunning uplands.
Three charity events will take place during this year’s South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival, which runs from Saturday, September 7 to Sunday, September 22. The festival is managed by rural regeneration company, Pennine Prospects, and is now in its sixth year.
On Sunday, September 15, walkers will be able to choose between two events in one. Both walks in the Huddersfield Rotary Club Pub to Pub event start at the Old Bridge Hotel in Holmfirth and end at the Nook Brewery. One walk involves a seven mile loop via Digley Reservoir and the Fleece at Holme, and the other is a short stroll across the road from the start to the finish. Participants in both pub to pub walks will be able to raise funds for Disaster Aid.
Walk organiser, Narrell Leffman, explained: “We want as many people as possible to get involved in this year’s sponsored walk. Some people may not want to make the steep climb up Upperthong to Digley Reservoir and would prefer to cross the road to the finish line. But of course only those who make the climb will see the wonderful views from the Fleece, where we will stop for refreshments.”
For cyclists there will be two major charity events this year: the Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge, raising money for Sue Ryder; and the Moor Power Mountain Bike Challenge, in aid of Dementia UK.
The Bronte Mountain Bike Challenge will take place on Sunday, September 22 and will include three rides. The challenging 26-mile Charlotte route is shorter than in previous years but has more off-road cycling, including a brand new section of the Pennine Bridleway. Emily offers intermediates an opportunity to ride on a mix of tracks, trails and minor roads over a 21-mile course. And the 11-mile Anne course will take beginners over less rugged terrain through Haworth, Cullingworth and Harecroft. Last year over 280 entrants took part and raised £11,000 for Sue Ryder.
The Moor Power Mountain Bike Challenge is a tough 20-mile ride taking in the best of the South Pennines bridleways with lung busting climbs and exhilarating downhills. It will take place on Sunday, September 8 starting from Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough, and money raised will be in aid of Dementia UK.
Registration before the day is required for all the charity events and further details are available from the South Pennines Walk and Ride Festival website at www.walkandridefestival.co.uk
For those wishing to try their hand at a new skill or to enhance a skill they already possess there will be over a dozen skills days on offer in this year’s festival. All skills days are led by trained professionals and some lead to recognised qualifications.
“There are a number of navigation courses available this year,” explained festival co-ordinator, Sue Leffman. “On Saturday, September 7 you can choose from the First Steps in Navigation above Hebden Bridge, or the Exploring with Map and Compass event at Wycoller.
“For those wishing to take their navigation skills further there are two courses being delivered by members of the Association of Mountaineering Instructors; both two day courses, one leading to the Bronze Level and the second leading to the Gold Level in the National Navigation Award Scheme.”
There are also skills days for those wishing to try dry stone walling, Nordic walking, forest skills, rock climbing and mountain bike repair. Details and booking information for all the skills days, as well as details of all the events in this year’s festival can be found at www.walkandridefestival.co.uk
With over 160 events, this year’s festival, the biggest yet, offers something for everyone; most are led by volunteer guides and organisers who have expert knowledge of the area and terrain. To find out more visit the festival website for full programme information at www.walkandridefestival.co.uk
Greater Manchester’s Yellow School Buses are set to go green
Even more of Greater Manchester’s Yellow School Buses are set to go green after a successful bid for government funding.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has been awarded £682,890 from the Clean Bus Technology Fund to upgrade 30 of the region’s earliest Yellow School Buses.
Greater Manchester’s fleet of 81 Yellow School Buses run to schools across the county, and include 39 green hybrid-electric vehicles. A further 10 hybrid buses will be introduced onto school services in the next 12 months. Now, 30 of the older vehicles – which run on diesel – will be retrofitted with air pollution control equipment to cut down on harmful emissions.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee, said: “This is great news for our older Yellow School Buses and another boost for clean air in Greater Manchester. We are already a green bus capital – with more low carbon vehicles than anywhere outside London. But we’re always looking to improve. The Yellow School Buses which will now be upgraded have many good years left in them – and as long as they are on the road we’re glad to see them playing their part in reducing air pollution.”
Greater Manchester will soon have 280 hybrid-electric buses on its roads. TfGM is also purchasing three fully electric buses, thought to be the first of their kind in Greater Manchester.
The ‘Iveco Scolabus’ Yellow School Buses to be upgraded are between five and ten years old, with an expected life-span of 20 years. They currently meet Euro III engine standards and will have specially tailored equipment fitted to reduce the level of nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions.
Greater Manchester’s is one of eleven successful bids to be awarded funding from the £5m Clean Bus Technology Fund.
Letter from United Utilities: Sewer improvement work – Church Road, Uppermill
September 2013
Dear Customer
Sewer improvement work – Church Road, Uppermill
Every time you take a shower, wash the dishes or flush the toilet we make sure your wastewater is taken away.
However on Church Road, the sewers are struggling to cope with the demand being put on them particularly during heavy periods of rainfall, resulting in sewer flooding to some properties.
We need to carry out a series of utility diversions to ensure we can start our major sewer work as planned.
How this may affect you
The work will start on the 16 September 2013 and will last around 13 weeks.
Work to take place will be
- Moving a clean water pipe
- Moving a BT cable
- Moving a gas main
- Moving Electricity cables
The work will involve moving the above utilities so that our new sewer can be installed as quickly as possible.
During the works there will be some temporary traffic lights, close to Pickhill Lane, where the works are being carried out. Vehicles will be able to travel down Church Road in both directions.
We are due to be starting our major sewer work on Church Road at the beginning of October but will write to you again closer to the time, we will also hold a public exhibition, where we can tell you about our project and what it will involve.
Still have a question? Call: 0845 746 2200 quoting project number NCA 80029009
We’ll be happy to help.
Yours faithfully
Customer Services
New season at the Millgate Arts Centre
Saddleworth Players kick off their 2013 – 14 season later this month with “The Mysterious Mr Love” by Karoline Leech playing at Delph’s Millgate Arts Centre from Saturday 21st to Saturday 28th September.
This wonderful play throws together two characters in a mix of suspense, trickery and passion. Season subscriptions for all plays are available at £35 per person by contacting Maricar Shepherd on 01457 871736. Public bookings open Saturday 7th September. Individual tickets are priced at £8.
Other plays in the new season are “Improbable Fiction” by comedy writer Alan Ayckbourn playing 16th – 23rd November. Another comedy starts off the new year with “Quartet” by Ronald Harwood playing from 25th January to 1st February. The thriller “And Then There Were None” by Agatha Christie plays from 5th to 12th April and finally rounding off the season with another comedy “All In Good Time” by Bill Naughton which plays from 31st may to 7th June.
A new feature at Millgate Arts Centre this year is online booking.
A spokesperson for the arts centre explained: “We have now fully computerised our ticket sales operation allowing customers to choose and book seats via the internet, and receive etickets direct via email. We hope to have a smooth transition onto the new system and that some customers will see the benefits in being able to order online and also use debit and credit cards which is also a new facility for us. We will maintain all other sales options such as telephone, postal and direct booking.”
Full details of the season are available in the newly released brochure which is available in local outlets, or check out the web site at www.saddleworthplayers.org.uk.
You can contact the box office directly on 01457 874644, and follow the Twitter feed @millgatearts.
