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
Heaven knows I’m miserable now
Heaven knows I’m miserable now by local playwright Colin Smith opens at the Millgate Arts Centre, Delph on the 6th April and runs to the 15th.
Newly rewritten; with a new ending, it follows the plight of (recently deceased) Andy Reardon, a man faced with a dilemma. He has to choose one of his three ex-wives (also deceased) to spend eternity with in the ‘afterlife’. With the combined wisdom of Adolph Hitler and Jesus Christ to help him it’s down to him to make the right choice. As the story unfolds, Andy discovers that his ex-wives may not be like he remembered making choosing between them less than straightforward.
Colin writes: “I’m delighted to say we have a fine cast for our production of this new play which is only my second attempt at writing a play. It provided a lot of laughs when my family read it for the first time around the table on Christmas day, 2009. We all agreed it was a very funny and an enjoyable romp.”
Since it was written, the play has been a major crowd pleaser. It was an award winner when it was first performed at Oldham’s Lyceum in 2010 and was also a hit at Guide Bridge Theatre in 2012.
For further information and booking details go to the Saddleworth Players website.
Oldham schools backing crossing patrols
School safety car
School crossing patrols will continue at the majority of Oldham schools next term, with seven also taking up the service for the very first time.
The provision of lollipop men and women is not a statutory service and, from April, all local schools are now responsible for funding their own crossing patrols, where they believe they are needed.
The Local Authority has been working closely with schools to review the current patrols in advance of this change and to agree which will continue using the service.
There are currently 37 school crossing patrols across the Borough. A total of 29 schools have agreed to fund patrols from the start of the summer term (15 April onwards), a figure that includes seven new schools. Discussions remain open with the 15 schools which are currently choosing not to continue with this service.
As part of our firm commitment to school and road safety, Oldham Council can also confirm it is now funding the purchase of a second ‘School Safety Car’. The vehicle’s mission is to stop the disruptive car parking that can endanger pupils’ lives at local schools.
This second car, named ‘Kes’ (Keeping Everyone Safe) by local pupil Ellie Derbyshire in a schools competition, will soon also start visiting sites across the borough several times each term at the start and end of the school day.
It aims to stop vehicles from parking on keep clear signs, zig zag markings, footpaths and other illegal places that create ‘danger spots’ for young people and other pedestrians. The first vehicle ‘Oscar’ (Oldham’s Safety Car) has – to date – issued 260 Penalty Charge Notices at £70 for inconsiderate parking at local schools**.
Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Planning, said, “We’re very encouraged by the number of schools who are opting to continue with our school crossing patrols – and delighted that some new ones have also come on board. This is a really positive example of Co-operative working with local schools to help keep our young people safe. The fact that the majority of them want to keep funding a crossing patrol shows this service is highly valued by pupils, parents and staff.
“At this stage some schools have decided not to fund a patrol next term. But our door remains firmly open if they wish to reconsider and we will continue to work with them to monitor the potential impact. If a concerned parent thinks their school needs a crossing patrol and wishes to challenge that decision then they should contact the headteacher direct.
“The Council’s investment in a second School Safety Car is a further extension of our commitment to road safety. We all know that many schools and neighbouring residents suffer parking problems and we must be proactive about this. The vast majority of drivers pay attention to road markings and behave responsibly. They have nothing to worry about, but our message to the thoughtless minority who continue to use restricted zones when dropping off and collecting children, is crystal clear. Parked vehicles can hide children who are trying to cross the road and we make no apologies for taking direct action to potentially save lives.”
The new school crossing patrol arrangements will begin on 15 April at the start of the new term.
2013 Spring Exhibition at the Millyard Gallery
The Spring Exhibition 2013 will open at the Millyard Art Gallery in Uppermill on Friday 19th April and will run until the 19th May.
Sixteen established artists from the North West have been invited to show a selection of their most recent work.
The exhibition will be shown over two floors and the gallery will be open daily from 10am – 5pm; Sunday, 12 noon – 4pm. Closed Monday.
Millyard Gallery is located at 97 The Square, Uppermill, Saddleworth OL3 6BD.
For further information telephone on: 01457 870410; visit the website at: www.millyard-gallery.co.uk or email: millyardgallery@xln.co.u
Final Destination at Diggle Band Club
Winter weather set to continue
Gritter operative clearing roads in Diggle {Photo: Stuart Coleman©2012)
The Met Office has forecast another very cold day with a few snow flurries.
Tuesday will be very cold with variable amounts of cloud and strong easterly winds. There will be some drifting of lying snow on high ground and this is expected to cause problems for drivers using high-level routes. There will be some bright or sunny spells, most likely towards the west. Maximum Temperature 3 °C.
Tonight will see a widespread and penetrating frost develop. Scattered light snow showers will continue, especially in the east. The wind will ease slightly during the night but there is a high risk of ice forming on untreated roads. Minimum temperature -2 degrees celsius.
Wednesday will be largely cloudy and remain very cold. There will be some sunny spells but these will be mainly limited to the west of the region. Scattered snow showers will continue coupled with cold easterly winds. Maximum Temperature 3 °C.
Thursday to Saturday will be very cold with the odd snow shower possible, most likely in the east. The nights will have widespread, penetrating night frosts that will be locally severe. Bitter easterly winds will continue throughout the region.
Roads closed are:
A635 Holmfirth Road between Greenfield and Holmefirth
The A672 Ripponden Road between Denshaw Crossroads and the M62 junction 22 junction.
Oldham’s gritting teams are working flat out and at present most primary and many secondary roads in the area are passable with care.
Liberal democrat Garth Harkness said, “The weather in Saddleworth was particularly bad this weekend with the high winds and drifting snow causing huge problems.
“Keeping many parts of Saddleworth and the Trans Pennine routes open has been extremely challenging. The commitment of gritting teams, the Mountain Rescue Team and local people has been outstanding. There was a great community spirit as people pulled together.”
For more detailed weather information click here.
