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
Community groups get a boost from local Li-Dem councillors
Liberal Democrat councillors for Saddleworth North are offering community associations a payment of £500 if they make residents, in the areas they represent, members of their associations.
Councillors Garth Harkness, Derek Heffernan and Alan Roughley are looking to improve the role of community in the local decision making process.
Councillor Alan Roughley said, “The purpose of the Localism Act is to pass down decision making to local people. Communities that are unable to come together and voice their opinions will risk losing out so, to counter this, we want to encourage the development of strong, active, community groups. This is why we have offered this payment. With this support, community groups and their elected members can more effectively work together to improve the areas they represent. ”
The three councillors have offered a payment of £500 to each community group in their ward with the condition that everyone they represent becomes a member with no membership fee. Dobcross, Delph, Denshaw and Diggle groups have all accepted this offer.
Cllr Garth Harkness said, “We are delighted by the response from the community groups and that everyone who lives in each of the villages is now a member of a community group. We want to encourage people who may have been put off getting involved before to do so now. Community groups should not be political platforms but a place to work together. We look forward to working with each of our groups. “
If you would like to find out more about your local community association go to:
Related stories:
Saddleworth Parish Council concerned about the lack of consultation re: Saddleworth School
The fight will continue say Saddleworth residents
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
Letter to the Editor
The Diggle Blues Festival 2013
Kyla Brox (Photo: Stuart Coleman Photography©2013)
Diggle is set to be in full swing this June as it once again hosts the annual Diggle Blues Festival.
There is a fantastic line-up with performances from some of the North West’s leading blues artists.
Festival Programme
Thursday 13th June
An evening with Victor Brox, 8pm at the Hanging Gate
Friday 14th June
Mike Parker, 7pm at the Hanging Gate
Zodiacs, 8.30pm at Diggle Band Club
Tony Marshall, Kyla Brox Band (Stuart Coleman photography©2013)
Saturday 15th June
Charlie White, 2pm at the Diggle Hotel
Bourbon Street Preachers, 3.30pm at Kilngeen Hall
Bluzebox, 6pm at Diggle Band Club
Arthur Cale and Mick Spag, 8.30pm at the Hanging Gate
Sunday 16th June
Big Joe Bone, 1,30pm at the Hanging Gate
Mike Sweeney & Paddy O’Hare with the Collective, 4pm at Diggle Band Club
Babajack, 6.30pm at Kilngreen Hall
The Diggle Blues Festival Festival is a free music festival renowned for its live music and family friendly venues.
For more details go to: https://www.facebook.com/DiggleBluesFestival/info
Mike Sweeney and friends (Photo: Stuart Coleman Photography©2013)
Exhibition of paintings by local Diggle artist, Diane Terry
Two Women in St Vincent
Passers by:Images of observed momentsExhibition of paintings by Diana Terry1st -15th JuneBrownhill Centre, Wool Road,Dobcross, OL3 5PBOpen every day 9:00am to 7:00pm |
Diana Terry has been drawing and painting since she was a young girl. She will be at the Brownhill Centre everyday of the exhibition from 2:00 – 4:00pm where you can join her for conversation and drawing.
Diggle ‘Cake Race’ results
Runners starting the 2013 Cake Race (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
The Cake Race starts on Boat Lane, next to the Diggle Hotel and crosses the Pennines to Marsden. It then returns to finish outside Kilngreen Church where tea and cakes await the finishers.
First 30 Results: 4/05/13 Position Category Name Club Time
1 V40 Paul
Green Sale
Harriers 1:03:40
2 Sen Jason
Williams Calder
Valley 1:05:54
3 Sen Andy
Fleet Calder
Valley 01:07:12
4 V40 Colin
Bishop Saddleworth
Runners 1:07:38
5 Sen Alastair
Murray Horwich
Harriers 1:08:00
6 Sen Chris
Donnely Sale
Harriers 1:08:40
7 Sen Stephen
McArren Sale
Harriers 1:10:20
8 Sen Peter
Crawford Sale
Harriers 1:10:27
9 Sen John
Raho Holcombe
Harriers 1:12:03
10 Sen Richard
Edwards Sale
Harriers 1:12:12
11 V40 Andrew
Wainwright Unattached 1:12:24
12 V40 Karl
Beasdale Fleckney
&
Kibworth 1:12:27
13 Sen Nigel
Martin Sale
Harriers 1:12:30
14 V45 Sean
Molloy Rossendale 01:13:01
15 Sen Christopher
Merchant Rochdale
Harriers 01:13:07
16 V40 Carl
Barber Sale
Harriers 01:13:12
17 Sen Olivier
Gaillemin Sale
Harriers 01:13:36
18 V40 Owen
Flage Oldham
&
Royton 01:14:12
19 FV40 Jo
Waites Calder
Valley 01:14:37
20 V45 Andy
Lloyd Horwich
Harriers 01:14:48
21 V50 Jon
Tinman Rossendale 01:15:14
22 Sen Paul
Barrett Sale
Harriers 01:15:30
23 Sen Alex
Jones Pudsey
&
Bramley 01:15:32
24 V50 Gary
Fleet Pennine 01:15:40
25 V45 Andy
Gartside Saddleworth
Runners 01:15:58
26 V40 Gary
Hawksley West
End 01:15:19
27 Sen Sandis
Veznieks Rugby
Runners 01:17:18
28 Sen Steve
Stead Penistone
Footpath
Runners 01:17:25
29 V50 Stephen
Booth Unattached 01:17:29
30 U23 Jonathan
Milton Saddleworth
Runners 01:17:33
For further information visit http://saddleworth-runners.co.uk/races/cake-race/
The Stanza Stone Trail
The Snow Stone on Pule Hill, Marsden (Credit: Louise Brown)
IT’S with a sense of discovery that walkers venture out into the South Pennines landscape to find the six Stanza Stones sited along the watershed from Marsden to Ilkley.
The 47-mile Stanza Stones trail bridges the expanse of the stunning South Pennines landscape, linking the six stones, which each feature a poem by Marsden born Simon Armitage. Taking water, the element that has shaped the landscape, as his inspiration Simon has added his own reflections to the memorable sites in which the stones reside.
The stones, which were carved by Pip Hall and her apprentice Wayne Hart, describe water in its many forms: beck, puddle, mist, rain, dew and snow. The project was created by Ilkley Literature Festival in collaboration with Simon Armitage, imove the cultural Olympiad programme in Yorkshire with support from the South Pennines LEADER, managed by Pennine Prospects, the rural regeneration company for the South Pennines.
“The walk can be tackled in different ways,” explained Tom Lonsdale, who was asked to develop and wrote the Stanza Stones trail guide. “Hardened walkers can tackle it all in one go but the guide is written for those wishing to walk it in three sections, from Marsden to Hebden Bridge, Hebden Bridge to Bingley and finally Bingley to Ilkley. The stones are also accessible through individual family friendly walks, three of which can be accessed by buggies and wheelchairs. Maps and descriptions of all the walks are outlined in the guide.
“Each stone is sited in a location that has a sense of place and the poem adds extra impact. For those who follow the trail it gives them a real experience of the true nature of the South Pennines and allows them to share the personal reflections of the landscape with a top writer who knows it so well,” added Tom, who also identified all of the carving sites and negotiated the necessary consents.
Whereas the stones are located in lofty and isolated positions the trail itself also highlights the variety of the South Pennines landscape from the industrial heritage of Hebden Bridge to the archaeologically significant Rombalds Moor.
“The Stanza Stones trail offers walkers the opportunity to immerse themselves in this beautiful landscape,” said Sue Leffman, of Pennine Prospects. “The view from the first stone at Pule Hill is absolutely stunning,” added Sue, who also said the maps of all the walks are available from the South Pennines Walk, Cycle, Ride website at www.walkridesouthpennines.co.uk
Rachel Feldberg, the Ilkley Literature Festival director, said the different ways of accessing the Stanza Stones were very important to the project. “By giving people a purpose, a destination, we are hoping that people who don’t go out into the landscape will feel inspired to try. And of course, the full trail helps to link the South Pennines together, bringing the communities closer.
“Everyone has their own favourite poem and people will often take their family and friends to find it. Alongside the stones we have built poetry seats at the beginning and end of the Trail, and early this summer we will be installing a poetry box next to the Ilkley seat where people can post their own poem and receive a different one in return,” Rachel added.
The trail guide can be downloaded from the Festival website at www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk or picked up from local tourist information centres throughout the area.
Struggling to pay your Council Tax?
The Saddleworth Group of Artist’s Summer Exhibition
The Saddleworth Group of Artists has a long history of distinguished members. The 2013 Summer Exhibition presents an opportunity to see for yourself how well the standard is being maintained.
Enjoy a local celebration of the arts of painting and drawing in the Saddleworth Gallery and Museum, Uppermill. The exhibition opens on Saturday June 1st and runs until Sunday June 30th. .
The gallery is open Monday – Sunday 1:00pm to 4:00pm.
For further details conrtact Ron Etherington at: ronaldetherington@googlemail.com
Spring Morning, Snowdonia by Sheila Dewsbury
Summer Landscape with Delph Bridge by John McCombs
Have you discovered The Woolyknit Café, the new attraction in Diggle?
Have you discovered The Woolyknit Café, the new attraction in Diggle?
Go and enjoy a coffee with some traditional cooking and discover the delights of knitting with friends and experts.
The café is open Tuesday to Saturday from 9 till 5 pm with take out facilities available. There is a wide selection of homemade food from local produce and a cosy log burner, outside seating, disabled/baby changing facilities and easy access from the canal towpath.
Special diets catered for and of course the Woolyknit Wool Emporium with British wool, UK made products, workshops , kids parties…..and more !!!!
Don’t miss the grand opening event on the 23rd of May from 3 to 8 pm with free fizz and canapés.
Advanced felting techniques. Sat April 20th. Day workshop, 10 till 4 pm. Jane Macdonald. £30.00 Developing skills and techniques in felt making .Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Decorative panel. Saturday May 11th. Day workshop ,10 till 4 pm. Jane Macdonald. £30.00 Making a felt hanging or decorative panel. Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Knitting make do, mend, upcycle !! Saturday 25th May. 12 till 3 pm, Jacinta Bowie £15.00 Learn make up and alteration techniques. How to shorten or lengthen projects, change necklines or just repair them. Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Learn to crochet ( beginners class) Work shop. Sunday, 26th May. Half day 12 till 3pm. £18.00 Jacinta Bowie Learn the basics of crochet and go home with a granny square. The workshop is backed up with a you tube video too. Yarn and needle provided in fee. Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Rag Rugging with Joan. Saturday 2nd June 12 till 3 pm. £18.00, Joan will be showing us the various techniques you can use in rag rugging with different tools and fabrics. Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Basic Felting Workshop. Saturday 8th June. Day workshop, 10- 4 pm. £35.00, Jane Macdonald. Introduction to felt making workshop. Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Layered Nuno felt Workshop, Saturday 15th June. Day workshop 10 till 4 pm. Val Hughes £35.00 Nuno Felt with Val Hughes.
Learn to crochet (beginners class) Work shop Saturday 29th June. Half day 12 till 3pm. Jacinta Bowie £18.00 Learn the basics of crochet and go home with a granny square. The workshop is backed up with a you tube video too. Yarn and needle provided in fee. Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Knitting in the round. Sunday 21st July. Half day 9 till 12. Sarah Alderson of Wessenden Woolies. £18.00 Sarah will teach us how to knit in the round on 4 needles in a traditional way. She will also show us how to stripe effectively on 4 needles in this workshop. All materials and light refreshments will be provided.
Colour knitting techniques, Sunday 28th July. Half day 1 till 4pm. Colour Knitting techniques. Jacinta Bowie. £18.00 Learn Faire Isle, intarsia and slip stitch patterns to create your own exciting colour work designs. All materials are provided. Price includes light refreshments from our cafe.
International crochet Work shop, Sunday 28th July. Half day 9am till 12. Jacinta Bowie. £18.00 Learn to make flowers in Irish crochet and also the basics of Tunisian crochet. Learn the Indian art of ari work also. Yarn and hook provided. Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
3d objects, Saturday 10th August. Day workshop 10 till 4 pm. Jane Macdonald . £35.00 This workshop is ideal for people who have made felt before and want to develop their skills. Discover how to use plastic resists to create beautiful three dimensional shapes.You will make 3 dimensional items and take home your own unique work of art! Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Needle felted throw. Saturday 24th August. Day workshop ,10 till 4 pm. Val Hughes. £35.00 Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Felted jewellery and florals. Saturday 7th SeptemberDay workshop, 10 till 4 pm.. Jane Macdonald. £35.00 Light refreshments included in the price from our new cafe.
Knitters at Woolyknits (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
The new cafe at Woolyknits (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Find a site for a new Saddleworth School or risk loosing £15 million
Shaw’s Pallet Works (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013)
Oldham Council are faced with finding a site for a new Saddleworth Secondary School within less than five weeks or they risk losing £15 million pounds in subsidies from central government.
Saddleworth Parish Councillors were informed at the council meeting on Monday evening that four sites were being considered in the Saddleworth area but, to date, none had been purchased by Oldham Council.
The site favoured by many is the old pallet works on Huddersfield Road, Diggle but only part of this site is currently for sale. The two fields to the front of the old, grade 11 listed, office building.
There are major problems with the current school which is over 100 years old with facilities and services starting to break down. Parish Council Chairman, Brian Lord, pointed out that rebuilding on the current site would be very problematic. He said it would be difficult to accommodate pupils whilst the build took place as the grounds are not large enough for the amount of portable classrooms that would be needed. To avoid relocating pupils, it was felt it would be better to look at alternative sites.
If a school was to be built in Diggle on the front two fields of the pallet works, it would be very close to the road and would undoubtedly cause problems for the residents of Diggle. The road into Diggle is already a bottleneck for traffic and regularly becomes blocked during rush hour. A new road through the valley would alleviate this problem but, with current budget cuts, there is no money available to build it.
The Parish Council will write to the Secretary of State to inform him of their concerns and will request that they be included in all future discussions.
A group of Parish Councillors will be visiting the North East in the next few days to view examples of the type of school that can be built for £15 million. Most schools that have been built recently in the North West have cost, on average, around £30 million. The new Waterhead Academy, for example, cost £35.5 million.
Diggle News would be interested to hear your views and ideas. All comments will be forwarded to the Parish Council and the Diggle Community Association.
Related stories:
A ‘What’s On’ for Diggle
The Owter Zeds
25th to 27th April – Down Memory Lane“, A little nostalgic reflection with extracts from classic radio sketches such as: Dick Barton, Round the Horne, Hancocks Half Hour, The Clitheroe Kid, Take it from Here, I’m sorry I haven’t a clue and songs from the 50’s -60’s.
Start time: 7.30 Venue: Kilngreen Church Cost £5.00 Tickets can be obtained at the door on the night or from Margaret Hardy, Tel 873571 or Duncan Rhodes 872399
Saturday 27th April – the return of the top ska sensations the Owterzeds. Doors open: 7pm Venue: Diggle Band Club Entrance: £5 and includes a potato pie supper
2nd May – Diggle Community Association Open Meeting, Diggle Band Club at 8pm
Fri 24th May – Whit Walks and the Whit Friday Band Contest
Fri 31st May – Mnozil Brass at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham. Contact Diggle Band Club for tickets and information.
Every Saturday – Live performances at the Hanging Gate
Every Thursday – Charity Quiz Night at the Hanging Gate in aid of Christie’s Hospital, Allsorts, Saddleworth Mountain Rescue and The Diggle Community Association.
26th May – Sheep Shearing Competition at the Hanging Gate
14th to 16th June – Diggle Blues Festival
Colossal Cake Sale at Diggle Band Club
Oldham Town Hall: Council holds bidders’ event
Oldham Town Hall
Oldham Council is hosting a special one-day information event for potential contractors to refurbish and develop the Old Town Hall.
The Local Authority has ambitious plans to transform the Grade II-listed building into a cinema and family entertainment complex.
Expressions of interest were invited from contractors for work to the shell and core of the building which will create the spaces for eight cinema screens, four restaurants and a retail outlet.
From around one hundred respondents, Oldham Council has shortlisted six potential contractors who have been sent an Invitation to Tender for this work. These firms will now attend a special one-day event in Oldham on Monday, April 22. They will learn more about Oldham’s wider and town centre regeneration plans and take a tour inside the Old Town Hall venue.
Jim McMahon, Oldham Council Leader, said, “Our plans for the Old Town Hall are integral to our vision for the wider town centre and this event is an important milestone in this project. Oldham needs a cinema and family entertainment venue and this site offers a fantastic opportunity to deliver that in a unique and historic setting.
“As well as allowing bidders to hold talks with our project team about the procurement process, it’s also important they get to see the venue for themselves and understand our passion to restore it as a symbol of civic pride.
“Following this event the contractors will have approximately six weeks to price up the work with tenders due to be returned to us in June and work set to begin on-site this autumn.”
Oldham Council’s plans to turn the Old Town Hall into a cinema and family entertainment venue cleared the final planning hurdle last October when the Department of Communities and Local Government (DCLG) gave Listed Building Consent.
The plans, drawn up by BDP, were designed to capitalise on the venue’s town centre location and to sympathetically conserve as much of the existing building as possible, whilst also adding a modern glazed extension.
More information about the plans can be viewed at: http://www.oldham.gov.uk/oldtownhall
Diggle Band’s 2013 concert dates
Brian Taylor, Diggle Band
Sun 2st April – St Georges Day concert at Diggle Band Club
Fri 24th May – Whit Friday Band Contest
Fri 31st May – Mnozil Brass at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham
Sat 1st June – Mnozil Brass at Huddersfield Town Hall
Sun 2nd June – Mnozil Brass, Llangollen
Sat 22nd June – Civic Hall, Uppermill
Sun 21st July – Soloist concert at Diggle Band Club
Sun 28th July – Concert at Milnrow Cricket Club
Fri 27th September – Concert at Bethesda Methodist Chapel
Sat 5th October – Concert at Ardan Road Club, Halifax
Sat 19th October – Concert at Shaw Play House.
Fri 8th November – British Legion Dinner at Diggle Band Club
Sun 10th November – Remembrance Day Concert at Diggle Band Club
Sat 7th December – Diggle Diamonds at Kilngreen
Sun 15th December – Denton Golf Club
Sat 21st December – Christmas Concert at Diggle Band Club
Sun 22nd December – Christmas Concert, Mottram
Wed 1st January – Hanging Gate Service, Diggle
All events at Diggle Band Club will commence at 7-30 pm. For further information call 01457873937 or click here
Designer Fashion Show in Diggle
Diggle Band Club is holding a designer fashion show on Wednesday 17th April 2013
The Fashion Show and Sale Company will be presenting a full range of designer clothes from companies such as:
Wallis. Topshop, Miss Selfridge, Marks & Spencer, Next, Designers at Debenhams, New Look, Oasis, River Island, CC, Evans….and many more.
A complete range of sizes from 8-20 will be available and all ticket holders will be able to buy on the night.
Cash, cheque, debit and credit cards will be accepted and there will be up to 75% off the RRP. All garments for sale are perfect and brand new
Doors open at 7pm. Tickets cost £3 and include a free prize draw.
For ticket information or further details go to the Friends of Diggle Band Club facebook page by clicking here.
Local politicians support rail group fighting for better rail services
Photo: Stuart Coleman©2013
The Stalybridge to Huddersfield Rail Group have met with officials from both Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire Transport Authorities in their quest for an improved rail service along the Huddersfield to Manchester line post the electrification in 2018.
The group have cross party support from Councillors; 3 local M.Ps whose areas include the line and from the Chair of the European Parliament Transport Committee, an M.E.P. whose constituency is in the Northwest of England.
The group were told they should be clear about what they wanted once electrification is completed in 2018. Currently interim plans by the transport authorities include all trains going to Piccadilly rather than Victoria during the period 2016-18 when work along the line for electrification will be most disruptive. The group say the concentration of shopping in Manchester, for instance, is nearer to Victoria and this plan is wrong. A recent poll of passengers from Greenfield supported this view with over 400 signing a petition collected in little over a fortnight.
The group also indicated they wanted the current peak hour services maintained; an half-hourly service all day and better weekend and evening services. They concede that with half-hourly services ideally one train could go to Piccadilly and one to Victoria giving passengers a choice. Lastly the group are working on a timetable which could see two per hour services evenly spaced at half-hourly intervals.
Mark Ashmore Chair of the Group and resident of Greenfield said: ‘We had a most amicable meeting where the Transport Authorities clearly indicated they wanted to work with us to improve the service in a way which was consistent with passengers’ views. It has been agreed we shall meet with them again in June.’
Saddleworth North: March Crime Figures
| CRIME | OCT | NOV | DEC | JAN | FEB | MAR |
| BURGLARY (Of homes) | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| BURGLARY OTHER (Shed, Garage, Business) | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
| THEFT FROM A VEHICLE | 3 | 0 | 5 | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE | 4 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| CRIMINAL DAMAGE | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| ROBBERY | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Burglary Dwelling
No burglaries to report for this month
Burglary Other
No Burglary other than dwellings to report this month
Vehicle crime (Theft from A Vehicle)
Dobcross New Road –windscreen wipers removed from a vehicle.
Stoneswood Rd, Delph – sat nav stolen
Stoneswood Road, Delph – spare wheel stolen from a vehicle
Denshaw Road, Delph – chrome front grill, headlights and wing mirrors stolen from a vehicle
Barracks, Denshaw – compact disc stolen from a car’s glove compartment
Grains Road, Delph – Vauxhall Insignia stolen
Vehicle crime (Theft of a Motor Vehicle / vehicle interference)
Stoneswood Road, Delph – lock damaged on vehicle
Criminal Damage
Denshaw Road , Delph – damage to a motor vehicle
Spurn Lane, Diggle – Damage to front ground floor window
Delph New Road – domestic damage
Robbery
No robberies to report this month
Good News
Greater Manchester Police has introduced bigger and more flexible Neighbourhood Policing Teams (NPTs) across nine* of its 11 Divisions.
Neighbourhood and investigative officers will now work side by side in teams, allowing them to share their knowledge, expertise and experience. The change means more decisions will be taken at a neighbourhood level and officers can provide a response that better suits local needs.
Local officers will now have the capability to deal with serious offenders as well as community issues by integrating detectives into neighbourhood teams, helping to maintain the recent reductions in crime.
Assistant Chief Constable Garry Shewan said: “This restructuring process is vital to ensure that we continue to provide the best possible service to the public in the current challenging policing environment. The new teams will still be keeping communities safe, and with other agencies can provide a more joined up service to local people.
“Alongside this, GMP has also introduced a new police support staff role to assist the NPTs. Operational support officers will help with customer service, administration and IT duties, thus ensuring that police officers spend as much time as possible out in the community dealing with issues that matter.”
To raise public awareness of these changes, posters and cards have been produced to promote the Inspectors and contact details for each of the new NPTs. The communities covered by each team will also be listed, and cards are available from all police stations and a wide range of community venues.
People can continue to contact NPTs via telephone, email, Twitter and Facebook, and they can still speak to officers in person at surgeries and community meetings, or their nearest police station.
The GMP App which provides details of local teams, wanted people and appeals is now available for downloaded by going to www.gmp.police.uk and clicking on the App Store icon in the top-right corner or through this link: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/gmpolice/id592406619?mt=8. It will also be available for the Android operating system later this spring.
For non-emergency calls or to report a crime call police on 101, or for more information visit gmp.police.uk. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Use 999 only in emergencies where there is a threat to life or property or a crime in progress.
Show your work at the Oldham Open
Whitby Pier (Photo: Stuart Coleman@2013)
Gallery Oldham is inviting local artists to submit work as entries for the popular ‘Oldham Open’.
This exhibition, which will run from September 28 to November 16, promises to be a visual feast with the Gallery welcoming work from local talents in a variety of media including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, film and video.
Joy Thorpe, exhibition curator, said: “Pick up your paintbrush, get out that sketchbook and start snapping with that camera. If you live, work or study in Oldham then this is your chance to show your work as part of an exciting exhibition at Gallery Oldham. It’s all about celebrating the creativity and talents of the Borough, which we hope to do by showcasing work by a wide range of artists with different interests.”
Local artists should submit work, along with a completed entry form, between August 29 and September 7 at the Gallery Oldham reception desk (between 10am and 4pm daily).
Anyone wanting to submit work that may have special requirements, such as a large, heavy sculpture or a video installation, should contact the Gallery by August 14 at the latest to discuss installation.
If you are interested in submitting an entry, please get in touch with Gallery Oldham on 0161 770 4653 or email galleryoldham@oldham.gov.uk for further details and an entry form.
Only artists who live, study or work in the Borough are eligible to take part in this exhibition.
The Oldham Open is not only an exciting event for artists but also represents a great opportunity for visitors to the Gallery to see a showcase of the range of local skills and talents.
For more information about Gallery Oldham’s programme of exhibitions, events and activities call 0161 770 4653 or visit www.galleryoldham.org.uk
92 year old woman burgled in Greenfield
Police are warning residents to be wary about bogus workmen after a 92-year-old woman was burgled.
It happened between 4.50pm and 5.30pm, on 4 April 2013 when the victim answered the door to two men at her house on Shaw Street, Greenfield.
They claimed they needed to check her water as they were working on the plumbing of a neighbour’s house. While the victim was distracted in the kitchen with one of the offenders, the other sneaked in and stole a purse containing cash and a wedding ring.
After the offenders had left the house, the victim realised someone had been upstairs and removed cash from the bedroom.
It is believed the same pair may have targeted other victims in the area. Earlier that same day a white van was seen circling in the area.
Both offenders were in their 30s, one was white while the other was mixed race. One was wearing a natural coloured raincoat and had dark curly hair while the other was dressed all in black.
Detective Sergeant Paul Cockburn said, “This is another opportunity to remind people to be cautious when opening the door to anyone they don’t know. People should put the chain on the door and ask them who they are and what they want.
“People without an appointment or identification should be treated as suspicious. Don’t let them in your home, tell them to go away and don’t be afraid to call the police if you have any concerns.”
Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 8825 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Guide published for travelling by tram
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) has published an access guide for using Metrolink trams.
The 18-page guide comprehensively covers all you need to know including buying tickets, travel passes, using the stops and providing customer feedback.
It includes many colour photos and illustrations and has accompanying stop information and layout maps which indicate where there are steps, lifts, ramps and blue badge parking.
Though handy for anyone, the guide has been created with the needs of disabled passengers in mind following involvement from the TfGM Disability Design Reference Group (DDRG) and will be particularly helpful for people planning their journey on Metrolink.
The DDRG gives Metrolink advice on a host of accessibility issues, from the design and layout of the stops and car parks to the seating arrangements on the new trams.
Topics covered by the guide specifically aimed at passengers with disabilities, include blue badge parking at stops, wheelchair access and concessionary pass information.
Peter Cushing, Metrolink Director, said: “This new publication is a comprehensive guide to using Metrolink, so whether you’re a new or regular user, it is certainly worth a look before you hop on the tram.
“We want to ensure that Metrolink is accessible to everyone and I am pleased to see the guide covering a whole host of topics which will be of use to people with a disability.
“The DDRG is a terrific group which adds real value to our work and this is another example of where their efforts have helped a particular community.”
You can download the guide in full colour or text by clicking here. Other formats of the guide are currently being developed for future use and interested parties can contact customer.relations@tfgm.com for more information
City centre cycling hub opens
Greater Manchester’s cycling investment gets ministerial approval.
Transport Minister Norman Baker MP has seen the results of Greater Manchester’s cycling investment first-hand with a visit to the area’s flagship cycle hub.
The City Tower Cycle Hub, the first of its kind in Greater Manchester to offer showers, toilets, changing areas, lockers and secure cycle parking, all for less than £1 a day, has been delivered by Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) in partnership with Bruntwood.
This and the first district-level hub at Bury Interchange are the first of more than 10 hubs being delivered as part of TfGM’s £6 million Commuter Cycle Project, which was awarded £4.9 million from the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF).
The project is also providing free bike maintenance sessions and free adult cycle training, where qualified cycling instructors help people who want to start cycling to work get to grips with riding safely on the area’s busy streets and roads.
Almost 1,000 people have taken part in the maintenance sessions held to date, and more than 700 people have taken up the training offer.
TfGM also works with businesses across Greater Manchester to provide a wide range of support services, including travel surveys, bikers’ days, training and try-a-bike sessions among others.
To find out more about the Commuter Cycle Project, visit www.tfgm.com/cycling.
Norman Baker said, “I very much welcome the further investment in sustainable transport in Greater Manchester. Greater Manchester, irrespective of party control, has for a long time been at the cutting edge of good transport delivery, and I am delighted this continues.
“Greater availability of sustainable transport options will play a key role in helping this Coalition Government deliver transport solutions that build the local economy, reduce our impact on the environment, and improve the health and wellbeing of our families, friends and colleagues.”
TfGM is also delivering new and improved cycle lanes and infrastructure across Greater Manchester as part of a broader £53 million LSTF programme, which includes £32.5 million of DfT support.
It is also developing a Greater Manchester bid to the Government’s Cycle City Ambition Grant. The CCAG is available for infrastructure improvements that will encourage people to take up cycling, as part of a transformational long-term cycling strategy.
Councillor Andrew Fender, Chair of the TfGM Committee, said, “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.
“We hope to be able to go even further with a successful bid to the DfT’s new Cycle City Ambition Grant, and I look forward to seeing the details of that bid come together in the near future.”
City Tower Cycle Hub
The City Tower hub provides a welcoming reception and entrance area, a large open plan cycle store capable of holding around 200 bicycles and modern changing facilities.
National cycle retailer Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative is also based in the hub, providing members and non-members with bicycle repair and servicing facilities, cycle-based maintenance training programmes, and the opportunity to collect goods ordered online.
The hub is open from 6am to 8pm in the week and from 8am to 5pm at the weekend and on bank holidays. It operates on a membership basis, with access gained by use of a smartcard. For membership details, click here.
