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
The Greatest Free Show on Earth
Wit Friday walkers in Diggle (Photo: ©StuartColeman)
This year’s Whit Friday band contests are set to attract thousands of people to the borough – including musicians from as far afield as Switzerland and Australia.
Dubbed ‘the greatest free show on earth’, this traditional event dates back to 1884. Contests will run across 11 villages from 4pm until around 10.30pm on Friday, June 9 – following on from the traditional ‘Whit Walks’ in the morning.
This year the Tanunda Town Band from South Australia has made the journey not just to participate in the contests, but also to perform in concerts in and around Saddleworth. BBC Radio 2 will be broadcasting live on the day as part of ‘Listen to the Band’ and will also be filming the event for a BBC Music Day legacy film.
Several months of planning between partners have taken place to ensure residents and visitors can enjoy the day. Helen Lockwood, Executive Director Economy, Skills and Neighborhoods, said: “For more than a century the Whit Friday Band have helped put the borough on the musical map – it is the biggest event on our calendar. We’re delighted to be welcoming bands and visitors from across the country and a lot further to this great free show. It is vital we all support major events like this because they not only put smiles on faces and showcase Oldham, but also contribute to the local economy
“Thanks to the huge efforts made by the organisers and volunteers the event has been a success year after year. We’ve all been working for months with our partners, such as Greater Manchester Police, to ensure that we have all the right traffic diversions, stewarding and policing arrangements in place to make the event a success. We’d encourage everyone to act responsibly and have a great day.”
Once the music has stopped there’s also a huge clean-up operation to carry out. Working alongside an army of volunteers, council staff will clear away litter and empty street bins so that things can return to normal as quickly as possible.
The Saddleworth and Lees District Executive has been closely involved in organising the event and its’ members have again given a significant financial contribution from their devolved funding from Oldham Council towards the costs of prizes, stewarding and other vital amenities.
Some road restrictions are in force in the area from 4pm until midnight on June 9. These have been signposted in advance. Event stewards or police are also on hand at venues if motorists need help. For more information visit: Notices on inSaddleworth
GMP officers will be in attendance across the various contests. They advise all parents to keep in touch with children throughout the day so that you know where they are, who they are with and when you can expect them to return home. Any young person suspected to be in possession of alcohol may be searched.
For more background information on the band contests visit: http://www.whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org/intro.html
Follow the Thread exhibition celebrates Oldham’s industrial past
A fascinating exhibition has launched at Gallery Oldham celebrating Oldham’s proud industrial past.
In 1865 Godai Tomoatsu, a student from the western Japanese island of Kyushu and agent of the Prince of Satsuma, secretly came to Oldham. At the time Oldham was the world’s greatest cotton mill town. Godai visited the famous Platt Brothers’ Works in Werneth and placed an order for textile machinery and spindles. He also arranged for engineers to visit Japan to set up the country’s first modern textile mill – inspiring and igniting the Japanese Industrial Revolution.
Now, more than 150 years later, the ‘Follow the Thread’ project celebrates Oldham’s historic Japanese cotton connection. The project and exhibition brings together Crompton Primary School and Hashima Elementary School in Ichikikushikino, the city from which Godai first left Japan. A joint picture, produced by children from both schools, will be on display at the exhibition celebrating the relationship between Oldham and Ichikikushikino. A supporting exhibition highlights the history of these two towns and how their link is being renewed in 2017.
Sheena MacFarlane, Head of Heritage, Libraries and Arts said: “It’s wonderful that the unique history between these two towns is being recognised and that school children on different sides of the world are being given the opportunity to learn about their past. I hope the link between these two schools continues to flourish and I would urge anyone with an interest in Oldham’s history and our impact on the world during the Industrial Revolution, to visit the gallery.”
The exhibition opens on Saturday 27 May until Saturday 8 July. For more information visit: Gallery Oldham
Transport services return to Victoria following terrorist attack
City leaders in Greater Manchester have welcomed the reopening of Victoria Station following last week’s horrific terrorist attack at Manchester Arena.
The station, which has been shut since the incident on Monday 22 May, will reopen from tomorrow (Tuesday 30 May) – with Northern, Trans Pennine Express and Metrolink operating a full timetable of services.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “We continue to grieve with the families of those who died, and support those injured. I’ve been clear that all public bodies must take a families-first approach in the days, months and years ahead to ensure their needs and wishes are fully understood and considered.
“Victoria station’s reopening is an important statement about our city’s recovery from this devastating attack. It continues to send out the message that we will not be bowed, we will not be divided, and we will stand together.”
The opening of the station, following the lifting of the police cordon, means full timetabled Metrolink and rail services will resume across the network. To find out more passengers should check with their rail operator, at www.tfgm.com or on the National Rail Enquiries website.
Sir Richard Leese, Leader of Manchester City Council, said: “This has been an incredibly difficult week for Manchester and everyone affected by the attack. Our thoughts remain very much with the families and friends at this time.
“The re-opening of Victoria Station, a major transport hub, is a symbolic moment in the recovery process as the city shows its defiance and resilience by moving forwards. I would like to pay tribute to the hard work of the emergency services and railway staff, many of whom were among the first on the scene of last week’s devastating events, to return the station to use.”
Public transport users are asked to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to staff or the police and to continue visiting our page or follow our social media channels for the very latest travel information and advice
For further information about public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.
The Plan for Saddleworth – Have Your Say!
Are you concerned about issues such as planning, development, schooling, transport, traffic, health care & protection of the Green Belt in Saddleworth?
Saddleworth Parish Council are preparing their Neighbourhood plan and want to ask local people about the issues that matter to them.
Rob Knotts Chair of Saddleworth Parish Council Planning Committee is holding an open meeting and workshop at 7.30pm on Tuesday 30th May at Diggle Band Club, Bankfield House, Huddersfield Rd, Diggle.
This meeting will enable you to find out more information, get involved and have your say.
This is our chance to influence the way Saddleworth is managed and developed in the future – please come along and get involved.
For more information contact the Diggle Community Association Chairman, Mark Brooks at dcachairman@gmail.com
Related stories:
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 Parish Council concerned about the lack of consultation re: Saddleworth School
Saddleworth residents angry about the lack of consultation in relation to proposals for a new Saddleworth School
Letter to the Editor
Oldham Council open book of condolence for Manchester attack
Oldham Council has opened Books of Condolence in memory of all those tragically killed and injured in the terror attack at Manchester Arena.
A Book of Condolence is now open at Royton Town Hall on Rochdale Road and another is based at the Civic Entrance (formerly Rochdale Road reception) at the Civic Centre on West Street in Oldham Town Centre.
Members of the public are invited to show their solidarity by recording their tributes and thoughts in the days ahead.
The book at Oldham Civic Centre is available for signing on weekdays (only) between 7am and 5pm. Royton Town Hall is currently open on weekdays (only) from 9am to 5pm.
These hours could be extended dependent on public demand.
An online Book of Condolence for the borough will also be launched later today on the Oldham Council website at www.oldham.gov.uk
OMBC aim to bloom as Champion of Champions
Oldham Council (OMBC) are launching their annual Bloom and Grow campaign in a bid to be crowned ‘Champions of Champions’ in the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom UK Finals.
This year OMBC has entered North West in Bloom and has also accepted the nomination to compete in Britain in Bloom, the Champions of Champions category. The nomination is in recognition of their work in recent years. Only six others are competing in the category and they hope to be crowned one of the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful areas in the UK. Oldham’s entries aim to showcase the best the borough has to offer.
The Council have previously won Best City* in the North West six times and are hoping to build on this by winning again this year. The centrepiece will be the ‘WOW’ bed located in the town centre and this will be the main focus for this year’s displays.
The theme for the 2017 campaign is ‘Greening Grey Britain’. It aims to focus on conservation and wildlife and hopes to encourage residents to grow plants, wherever possible, across the borough.
This year, residents and businesses will be encouraged to enter one of five competitions where those with green fingers can show off their skills, gardens, green spaces or open spaces. To enter, just send OMBC pictures of your pride and joy – big or small. Furthermore, businesses can show off their flowering buildings and facades by entering the ‘Best Blooming Business, Pub or Restaurant Competition’.
In the photography competition, photographers can submit pictures of the borough. They don’t need to be a of a high standard and can be taken with any camera, including smartphones.
All competitions are free to enter and aim to showcase the beauty across Oldham beyond. The best entries will win various prizes and the deadline to enter all the competitions is July 7th.
Helen Lockwood, Executive Director, Economy, Skill and Neighbourhoods, said:
“Bloom and Grow is all about celebrating our communities, green spaces, villages and landscapes across Oldham. Over the next few months Oldham Council’s Bloom and Grow team, residents and partners will be delivering some inspiring displays, community projects and making environmental changes.
“We all need to work together and do our bit for the community – even if that’s just picking up a piece of litter each day or placing a few hanging baskets around your property or business.”
You can enter the competitions via:
Our online web form at www.oldham.gov.uk/bloomandgrow
Email your entries to: Bloomandgrow@oldham.gov.uk
Tag photos on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook with the hashtag: #OldhamBloom17
For more information about how you can take part in Bloom and Grow and details of how to enter any of the competitions visit: www.oldham.gov.uk/bloomandgrow
Fun drawing app brainchild of brainy child
A seven year old boy from Oldham is the brains behind a new fun interactive drawing app. Freddie Dickson who lives in Moorside, came up with the idea, with a little help from his parents Kathryn and Oliver.
Kathryn, along with husband Oliver owns and manages two soft play centres in Oldham. They spend their working days amongst the hubbub of busy play centres but at night want quiet time with Freddie. Looking for a family orientated game to play, they started out with pen and paper describing and drawing things in the room but soon ran out of things to draw. They bought a book on how to draw but it was too technical and certainly not fun and it was Freddie who chirped up with “if only the computer could show us what to draw”.
Mum Kathryn said: “When Freddie suggested it we laughed but then thought why not? They say necessity is the mother of invention, if the app doesn’t exist let’s make it!”
Kathryn and Oliver met with a technical whizz and a graphic designer to build the app and create the images. They then tested the app, which they named Describe n Draw, on friends and family who loved it.
The game is simple to play and the app simple to use. The describer describes the first stage of the image to the drawers (a part reveal of a bigger picture). The players then draw what they hear. When done, the drawers move on to the next stage, and the next, until they reach the final stage and see the reveal screen, showing them the completed image and what they have heard and drawn. They are often and usually very different!
Kathryn said: “We think the core market is for families with children up to 10 years old who enjoy quiet time (although it can get raucous!) but we can see it has wider potential in the same way that other drawing games are enjoyed by all ages.“
Oliver said: “Someone said to me that board games won’t be around in 5 to 10 years which is a shame as it’s what we grew up on, but simple to use apps like this are with you everywhere as long as you have a smartphone or tablet and you can see the appeal of that over traditional board games.”
Freddie, who attends Hodge Clough Primary in Moorside said “It’s really exciting seeing this game we came up with on the iPad and on Mummy’s mobile. I can’t wait for my friends at school to see it and play it.”
The app is available on Android and iOS by searching for Describe n Draw.
Metrolink tram driver hurt in malicious attack
Greater Manchester’s new mayor has joined transport bosses in condemning a senseless act that left a tram driver injured.
At about 9.40pm on Monday 8 May 2017, a rock was thrown at an oncoming tram from a footbridge north of the Derker Metrolink stop. The rock smashed through the window, causing injuries to the driver’s face and chest.
The Metrolink driver managed to drive the damaged tram to the Shaw and Crompton stop, where he was met by emergency services and taken to hospital.
Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, said: “After the attack on the tram last night, which injured a driver, I want to start by wishing him well in his recovery.
“Attacks on Metrolink will not be tolerated. Recently we have seen far too many reports of missiles being thrown at trams and often through windows, injuring and frightening those on board.
“The consequences of last night’s incident were disgraceful but could have been even worse. I’ll be working closely with Metrolink, TfGM, Greater Manchester Police and the Travelsafe team to ensure we are doing all that we can to end these attacks. Nobody in Greater Manchester should be made to feel unsafe while travelling or at work.”
Managing director of Metrolink operator RATP Dev Ltd, Chris Coleman, said: “This is a targeted attack on the tram and a disgraceful act by an individual or group with a clear intent to harm. We will not tolerate any actions that put staff and customers in danger and we will do everything in our power to support police to find the culprit.
“We have a clear strategy in place to deal with issues of anti-social behaviour on the network. These types of incidents are not isolated to Metrolink and we are working very closely with local community leaders in the areas we operate to address and reduce these issues.”
Under the Travelsafe Partnership, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the police and transport operators are committed to tackling anti-social behaviour on the tram and bus network and keeping the travelling public safe.
As part of a targeted response to recent incidents, officers have been undertaking visible patrols along the route. The partnership is also looking at other ways to tackle the wider problem, such as through engagement programmes.
Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “I am astonished that someone has thought it acceptable to throw a rock from height towards an oncoming tram.
“This one reckless action has injured the driver and left him, understandably, very shaken.
“Make no mistake the consequences could have been much worse, not only for the driver but the passengers on board.
“We condemn such behaviour in the strongest possible terms and are working closely with the police, operator and other partners to tackle problems of anti-social behaviour along the line.
“It is important to note that anti-social behaviour is not a problem that is specific to Metrolink, or public transport more generally, but is a far-reaching issue that affects all areas of the communities we serve.
“Metrolink, our staff and passengers are as much a victim as anyone. I’d encourage the local community to work with us and the police to help prevent further incidents by passing any information about the incident or person responsible to the police.”
Funding available for local youth projects and organisations
Oldham Council is giving local organisations the opportunity to apply for up to £5,000 in funding to improve the borough for young people.
Oldham Council and the Stoller Charitable Trust are giving grants from the Kerrching Youth Opportunity Fund – a pot of money that aims to provide enjoyable leisure opportunities and activities to help improve health and wellbeing.
The fund is for 8 to 19 year olds, or up to 25 if the young people have additional needs. It is managed by Oldham Youth Council which decides who will be allocated money.
The theme of the funding is health and successful applicants must address at least one of these priorities:
- Enables to achieve aspirations and expectations
- Enables young people to be ready for work and lifelong learning
- Enables young people to lead healthier and more active lifestyles
- Enables young people to be involved in meaningful, enjoyable and positive activities
- Enables young people to participate in decision making processes that affect their lives
- Enables young people to be safer from harm
Marouf Ahmed, Chair of Oldham Youth Council, said: “We are offering a maximum of £5,000 to groups in order to enhance ‘things to do and places to go’.
“We are particularly interested in applications that involve projects which improve health outcomes for young people.
“We are inviting nominations from all types of groups – non-profit organisations only – who currently offer activities and opportunities for positive engagement with young people in Oldham.”
Maggie Kufeldt, Executive Director of Health and Wellbeing at Oldham Council, said: “There are lots of great youth projects and organisations running across the borough but some may be finding things hard due to lack of resources or funding.
“These grants can really make a difference to local projects and organisations which are passionate about improving outcomes for our young people.”
The deadline for applications is at 3pm on Friday 16 June 2017. You can request an application form by contacting pam.jennings@oldham.gov.uk or 0161 770 3116.
For further information or if you have any questions Please contact Jodie.barber@oldham.gov.uk
Saddleworth Turnpike Challenge 2017
Saddleworth Rotary and Clarion Cycle Club are once again running the Father’s Day Turnpike challenge, a 25 mile bike ride into the dramatic scenery of the Pennine moors. The ride is fully supported with roaming Clarion riders and a van. There is a half way refreshments point and at the end of the ride there is Joe Castles famous meat and potato or cheese and onion pie washed down with lashings of tea. What a way to start Fathers day!
Ride Details
- Start and finish at Diggle Band Club, Saddleworth, OL3 5PJ
- 25 mile ride on A and B roads, which includes two moderate climbs onto the Pennine Moors
- Half way refreshments/aid point
- Roaming van and for mechanicals and returns to base
- Start time is between 8:30 and 9:30 AM on the 18th of June
- End of ride hot food, tea and cakes
Requirements
- Road or Hybrid bike in full working order
- Riders must wear helmets to validate insurance cover
Cost
- On line application £12:50
- On the day £15:00
On-Line Application
- Click on and follow the link
Mikron Theatre – In At The Deep End: An RNLI Story by Lawrence Peacock
Skipwick RNLI is all at sea. Crew members are hard to come by and Coxswain Darren’s management style isn’t helping. So when seventeen year old Shannon volunteers, it’s all hands on deck – particularly for Darren’s teenage son, Billy.
Can the station survive in this ‘me first’ age? Will eccentric fundraiser Hazel’s ideas ever turn a profit? And can Darren and Billy chart the choppy emotional waters closer to home?
With marvellous maritime music and fathoms of fun, join Mikron for a dive into two hundred years of lives at sea!
Saddleworth Live At The Millgate, Saddleworth on Tuesday 10 October 2017
Doors Open at 7:00PM
Starts at 7:30PM
Ticket Price: £12.00
Box Office: 01457 874644
Catalytic converter thefts on the increase in Saddleworth
Over recent weeks Greater Manchester Police have noticed an increase in the theft of Catalytic Converters in the Saddleworth North area. Consider the following crime prevention tips to prevent yourself becoming a victim.
How to prevent Thefts of Catalytic Converters
Catalytic converter or Cat theft is increasing; reports say it has increased by over 400% in the last few years. The problem is increasing as valuable precious metals that make up catalytic converters, metals such as platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold have increased in value. Thieves simply cut the catalytic converter from the exhaust pipe of a parked car and sell them on to scrap dealers.
Catalytic converters are also relatively easy to steal, very few vehicle owners are aware of this crime prevention problem and so don’t take crime prevention precautions. There are a number of crime prevention tactics you can consider to try and reduce the risk of becoming the next victim of CAT theft.
- The first step to preventing being a victim of this crime is understanding the issue. Research has identified that taller vehicles, including 4x4s and vans may be more vulnerable as their catalytic converters (CATs) are more accessible. These vehicles often have larger engines and larger CAT’s also.
- When away from your home try and park in well-lit busy areas. This may make your vehicle a less attractive target for a criminal as there is greater chance of them being seen and disturbed.
- Catalytic converter thieves will often target an area over a period of time. Be aware of local media to see if there are reports in your locality.
- If you can park your vehicle in a garage. This is an extra level of security for a thief to beat if they want to steal your catalytic converter.
- CAT thieves don’t want to be seen. Effective security lighting could help put off a CAT thief.
- Fit a catalytic converter anti-theft device such as the Armacat.. The Armacat is fitted to the catalytic converter using stainless steel collars, high strength dome head bolts and temper proof shear nuts.
An alternative could be the the Catloc, this is slightly cheaper in price. The manufacturers claim that the Catloc can be fitted to 99% of at risk vehicles.
- Consider installing CCTV devices. Modern CCTV has night vision capabilities and can be viewed on smartphones. A system like this will be a major deterrent to a criminal and could cost less than replacing a CAT.
- The metal shell of your CAT can be marked. If it is removed and the Police seize stolen CATs this may make it easier to return to you as stolen property.
- Be aware and encourage awareness amongst your community. If you see people working under vehicles be aware they may be attacking the CAT or stealing fuel
- If you operate a small fleet, consider obstructing access to vehicles with high ground clearance by parking lower vehicles close by.
Only two weeks left to register to vote
Andy Burnham (Lab)
Jane Brophy (Lib Dem)
Sean Anstee (Ind)
One month to go until election for first Greater Manchester Mayor
Today (Tuesday 4 April 2017) marks one month to go until the election to choose the first ever – but there is now less than a fortnight left to make sure you are registered to vote.
The historic vote to choose who fills the post, created as part of Greater Manchester’s pioneering devolution deals, takes place on Thursday 4 May, with the count and result declaration taking place on Friday 5 May. The deadline for people to be on the electoral register is Thursday 13 April. Anyone who is already on the electoral register at their current address need take no further action to ensure they can have their say. But anyone who is not registered and wants to take part in encouraged to register as soon as possible.
Registration is a quick and easy process. You can visit www.gov.uk/register-to-vote to download a registration form. You will just need your date of birth and national insurance number. If you need to update your details (for example if you have moved house, or changed surname through marriage) you should contact your local council.
The deadline for anyone who is on the electoral register to request a postal vote is 5pm on Tuesday 18 April. Details of all confirmed candidates for the mayoral election will be published tomorrow, Wednesday 5 April.
Eamonn Boylan, Combined Authority Returning Officer for Greater Manchester, said: “The Mayor of Greater Manchester will be a significant figure in the political life of the region. Who it will be is up to the electors of Greater Manchester. We are keen to ensure that everyone who wants to have their say is in a position to do so – and that means making sure you’re registered.”
For more information about the Mayor’s role and powers, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and the mayoral election visit www.gmelects.org.uk
Travellers warned of strike-day disruption
Travellers are being warned to plan ahead and expect disruption on Saturday 8 April as staff on Northern and Merseyrail services hold a new 24-hour strike.
Most Northern and Merseyrail services are not expected to run and any that do operate, working to a revised timetable, will be extremely busy.
The 24-hour strike runs between midnight Friday (7 April) to midnight Saturday (8 April). There will be no Northern and Merseyrail trains before 8am or after 7pm.
There are a number of major events taking place across the North West on 8 April, including the Grand National at Aintree Racecourse, Manchester City FC vs Hull City FC at the Etihad Stadium, and the World Boxing Organisation title fight between Liam Smith vs Liam Williams at Manchester Arena, as well as other local events.
Thousands of people will also be travelling across the region for shopping, entertainment and leisure, so all public transport and Greater Manchester’s roads are expected to be busier than usual.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), which is helping to co-ordinate the region’s response, is urging people to carefully consider their travel arrangements.
Those attending the Grand National, in particular, are encouraged to plan ahead. Although train services are running to Aintree Racecourse they will be extremely busy, and people are warned not to rely on the last train service of the day to get home.
TfGM is working to support Northern and Merseyrail’s own customer communications effort and has created a special travel information page on its website to help keep Greater Manchester commuters on the move: tfgm.com/industrial-action.
TfGM’s Events and Operational Coordination Manager, John Fryer, said: “We are taking action to minimise the disruption to the transport network but we know there will still be problems, especially given the number of events taking place on Saturday. To help minimise disruption and ensure a smoother journey, our advice is simple: plan ahead, be prepared, and think about all your travel choices.
“There are numerous park and ride sites across Greater Manchester offering 100 or more spaces for public transport services, helping people to avoid congestion on the roads. Metrolink tram stops provide access to key destinations across Greater Manchester, including Manchester Arena and Etihad Stadium. We also strongly advise that people check the Northern and Merseyrail websites and social media channels for regular updates and information.”
You can see the locations of the park and ride sites and help to plan your journey here.
For information on public transport across Greater Manchester visit www.tfgm.com, call 0161 244 1000 (7am-8pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am-8pm at weekends and bank holidays) or follow @OfficialTfGM on Twitter.
3D Dynamos celebrate their 25th season at Boundary Park
Saturday 29th April from 09:30 to 14:30 at Boundary Park, home of Oldham Athletic
New vision for Oldham Coliseum Theatre
The latest vision for the new Oldham Coliseum Theatre is being released today ahead of the submission of a planning application.
Oldham Council and Oldham Coliseum Theatre have been working on a redesign with Mecanoo, the project architects, following the addition of plans for a studio theatre and feedback on the initial proposals.
The new theatre is part of a phased project designed to place it amongst the borough’s other cultural jewels just yards from the Oldham Central Metrolink stop.
It will be located alongside a new Heritage and Arts centre linked with Gallery Oldham, Library and Lifelong Learning Centre.
The facility will be built on the Southgate Street car park site next to the grade-II listed former library building, which will house the Heritage and Arts Centre.
The new Coliseum Theatre designs now incorporate a 170-seat studio theatre in addition to a main auditorium for 500 people.
The four images released today show how the proposed front elevation of the modern new-build facility could look from three viewpoints on Union Street, plus a side section from Waterloo Street showing the internal layout and uses.
Francesco Veenstra, partner at project architects, Mecanoo said: “The design for the new Coliseum Theatre aims to provide Oldham with a platform for artistic expression – professional performers and community participants – that is welcoming to all.”
“We wanted to capture the ‘spirit of the Coliseum’ by creating an intimate and cosy atmosphere for theatregoers as well as state of the art facilities for performers, technicians and other Coliseum staff.
“Oldham’s rich history as a cotton weaving powerhouse is reflected in the building’s architecture, with the brick pattern referencing 
cotton designs that were created in Oldham.”
Jean Stretton, Oldham Council Leader, said: “It’s great to be able to share these latest designs with the public. The Cultural Quarter project is the next vital step in regenerating Oldham town centre and making it a destination that residents can be proud of with better facilities and preserved heritage.
“Building a new home for the Coliseum Theatre is absolutely central to these plans. It will secure their future prospects and new audiences, and also help us to attract a new type of visitor to town through a great arts, culture and leisure offer.”
Kevin Shaw, Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s Artistic Director and Chief Executive, said: “We’re delighted as this very exciting project takes a further step forward. This move, the second in our 132 year history, sees the Coliseum inhabit a purpose built theatre that will enable us to build on our strengths, realise our rich potential and make even more ambitious theatre for our audiences from Oldham and beyond.
“In our new home, we’ll continue to produce an enhanced range of excellent quality accessible theatre with a broad appeal. The new building’s specially created studio theatre, will enable us to introduce new activity, including producing home grown small scale theatre, attracting a wide range of visiting productions and providing increased opportunities to participate in the performing arts for the whole of Oldham.
“Our commitment to our existing and new audiences remains – we’ll continue to deliver our fantastic productions and there will be even more opportunities for participants to engage with the theatre. We will take our famous warm welcome with us and ensure that coming to the Coliseum is a rewarding experience for everyone.”
Ian Tabbron, Senior Relationship Manager at Arts Council England, said: “The Coliseum will form part of a cluster of new buildings that will provide an exceptional cultural offer for all the people of Oldham.”
“The Arts Council is pleased to be able support Oldham Council in investing in such an outstanding set of economic, educational and artistic assets for the town.”
Mecanoo are committed to prioritising the local supply chain throughout this project and – in support of Oldham Council’s Get Oldham Working campaign – are delivering an employment and skills strategy to focus on young people in the borough, improving links with local education providers and exploring the opportunity to create apprenticeships.
The project was given the green light after a successful joint funding bid by Oldham Council and Oldham Coliseum Theatre secured a £7.1m National Lottery-funded capital grant from Arts Council England towards the project.
Subject to planning approval, construction work is anticipated to start in April 2018 with the venue set to open in 2020.
A message from Greater Manchester Police
The following message from Greater Manchester Police.
Assistant Chief Constable Rob Potts of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Our thoughts remain with all those affected by the horrific events in London yesterday.
“The profound impact of these attacks has been felt across all our communities and I want to send out a strong message to everyone that we must stand together, remain vigilant and live our lives as normal.
“In light of the atrocities, we have been closely monitoring the situation to determine the appropriate response required here, in Greater Manchester. We are continuing to review our deployments and take all reasonable steps to keep people safe.
“I want be clear that there is no specific intelligence suggesting that an attack is imminent within Greater Manchester. I would also like to ask the public for their support and vigilance and want to stress that if you see anything that causes you concern or raises your suspicions do not hesitate to call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline – 0800 789 321 – or in an emergency 999.”
Report suspicious activity to the police by calling or visiting the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321 or gov.uk/ACT
Report online terrorist and extremist material online by clicking on gov.uk/ACT
Remain alert at home, work and when out and about, so we can all play our part in defeating terrorism and keeping everyone safe.
Action needed to help save our bees
The Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Cllr John McCann, is proposing a motion to the next meeting of Oldham Council (22 March 2017) calling on the local authority to establish an action plan to help save bees in the Borough.
Cllr McCann explained: “My parents kept bees and they were a common sight in our gardens and countryside. Many of us, however, will be all too aware that sadly their numbers are in decline and that there is a real danger they could become an endangered species or even become extinct. This is down to a number of factors such as disease, climate change, the destruction of habitat because of development or farming, and the use of bee-killing pesticides.”
“But this is not simply about preserving bee numbers for nature’s sake. It is surprising how much we as humans owe to bees for our economy and our health and well-being.”
“Bees play a vital role in our rural economy by pollinating our crops. Calculations made by the University of Reading show that £500 million of total annual crop sales in the UK result from pollination by bees and other insects. The price of many fruits and vegetables would go up without bees as farmers would be forced to hand pollinate crops; the price of British apples could double.”
“Bees provide honey, and bee-pollinated crops are also important sources of Vitamins A and C and minerals like calcium, so their work is vital to our physical health. Many of us also delight in the colours and smells of the flowers that are pollinated by bees, so they play an important role in our mental well-being and our enjoyment of the great outdoors.”
The motion is supported by Cllr Julia Turner: “In recognition of our debt to bees, the last Coalition Government published a National Pollinator Strategy. In our motion, we call on the Council to establish a local bees and pollinators action plan for our Borough which identifies the practical steps we can take as a local authority to help support and increase our local bee population.”
“Our motion lists some of these practical steps such as promoting bee-keeping; establishing more wildflower meadows that bees love; and planting pollinator-friendly plants as recommended by the Royal Horticultural Society, but we also want to engage schools and colleges, social housing providers, other public bodies and the residents of this Borough to support this work by encouraging them to also grow the right plants on the land that they own.”
“One action that our motion specifically identifies is the need to cease using bee-killing insecticides, the neonicotinoids and glyphosate-based products, on our land wherever possible and to encourage the public and our partners to do likewise. Their use has been a significant factor in the decline of bee numbers and there are also real fears that such products are also detrimental to human health so we are calling on the Government to maintain the temporary ban on the use of neonicotinoids and to fund proper research into the hazards of neonicotinoids and glyphosate on human health and the environment.”
Gallery Oldham Announces ‘The Oldham Open 2017’
Gallery Oldham is inviting local artists to submit work to the ever popular ‘Oldham Open’.
The exhibition – which will run from 22 September to 18 November – promises to be a visual feast, with the gallery welcoming work from local talent in a variety of media including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, film and video.
Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and Co-operatives, said: “Pick up your paintbrush, get out your 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, by showcasing work by a wide range of artists with different interests.”
Local artists should submit work – along with a completed entry form – between 6-9 September at the Gallery Oldham reception desk (between 10am and 4pm daily). Entry forms can be downloaded at www.galleryoldham.org.uk/oldham-open-returns
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 September 7 at the latest to discuss installation at galleryoldham@oldham.gov.uk
Only artists who live, study or work in the borough are eligible to take part in the exhibition.
Spring has arrived in Diggle
A lovely display of purple crocus are on show opposite Wharf Mill. The bulbs were planted last year by children from Diggle Primary School, members of the Diggle Community Association and Saddleworth Rotary Club.
