[Left to right Catherine, Karl Catherine’s husband who she fosters with, Linda and Christine]([link removed])

Single mum and twin daughters celebrate 51 years of fostering

 

Huge thanks and congratulations to Linda and her twin daughters Christine and Catherine, who have collectively fostered through Oldham Council for over five decades and cared for over 300 children.

 

Linda, despite starting to lose her eyesight 11 years ago, has been fostering for 33 years. She began as a single parent with three children of her own, and her journey has now grown to include her twin daughters Christine (13 years fostering) and Catherine (five years fostering).

 

Linda's journey began with a simple call to Oldham Council. She doesn't just offer short-term help; she often cares for children until they grow up, and she's even adopted one child.

 

She said: "Despite the challenges, fostering brings so much happiness. Each child is unique, and they all bring something precious into our lives."

 

Nick Whitbread, Assistant Director of Corporate Parenting for Oldham Council, praised: "Their selfless actions have made a real difference in the lives of vulnerable children in our community."

 

Read their inspiring story [here.]([link removed])

 

And for more information about fostering call 0161 770 6600 or visit [www.oldham.gov.uk/fostering]([link removed])

Celebrating 20 years of Oldham Pride

 

Oldham Pride festival returns for 2024 with a range of entertainment and activities across the town centre on Saturday 20 July. 

 

The Pride parade will travel through the town centre from Billngtons ballroom and bar at 12pm to the Queen Elizabeth Hall where there will be community stalls, a youth event and a main stage cabaret.

 

You can find out more on the [Oldham Pride Facebook page]([link removed]).

[Millbottom by Oldham-born artist James Purdy]([link removed])

Free exhibition to mark 175th anniversary of the borough
 

Staff from Oldham Council’s Heritage, Libraries & Arts Service and members of the public have chosen some of their favourite objects and stories from 1849 onwards to mark the 175th anniversary of Oldham for a free exhibition.

 

One Seven Five: An Incomplete History of Oldham in 175 Objects opens at Gallery Oldham tomorrow (Saturday 15 June) and runs until Saturday 11 January.

 

Residents have lent some interesting objects, such as Peggy who came from Barbados in 1958 to train as a nurse. She has loaned the suitcase she brought with her on the ship across the Atlantic.

 

And Matt from Oldham Athletic Supporters Foundation has let us borrow his precious flag that he took as boy to the Littlewoods Cup Final at Wembley in 1990. 

 

We will also be showcasing some of Oldham's pioneers, including hang gliding icon Len Gabriels, Olympic hero Henry Taylor and Dame Sarah Lees, one of the country’s first female mayors.

 

And, to salute Oldham’s contribution to the arts and culture, an item from the heyday of Indie legends Inspiral Carpets will be just one of the many pieces on show marking the town’s musical roots.

 

There will also be activities for younger visitors and a programme of talks and tours. All talks are free and you don't need to book.

 

Read the [full story here]([link removed]).

 

For more information about the Oldham 175 Celebrations and to get involved, visit [www.oldham.gov.uk/Oldham175]([link removed]) 

 

The Halloween Half 2024 is waiting for you!

Oldham's Halloween Half, the borough’s 13.1 mile course widely regarded as one of the toughest half marathon events in the country, is open for sign-ups.

With its hilly landscape, the course is popular with running clubs, charities, businesses and residents, and showcases some of the best scenery Oldham has to offer.

Starting off in Oldham town centre at 9.30am on Sunday 27 October, runners will make their way up to Saddleworth and its surrounding villages before returning to the centre of Oldham.

Entry costs £29 for running groups and club members, and £31 for general runners.

Volunteers are also needed with various roles available including registration, marshalling, water stations, setting up and de-rigging the event.

To sign-up for the run or to volunteer on the day visit [oclactive.co.uk/halloween-half]([link removed])

Oldham’s Low Vision Committee is hosting its annual Visual Impairment Information Day.

 

The free drop-in event will be held from 10am-2pm on Wednesday 26 June in the performance space inside [Oldham Library.]([link removed])

 

Exhibitors include Oldham Council's Sensory Team, Oldham College and the charities Henshaws, The Royal National Institute of Blind People, Sightline, Glaucoma UK and Macular Society. 

Refreshments will be available

www.oldham.gov.uk

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