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Marking the end of an era on Victory in Europe Day
 
Yesterday, our borough came together in heartfelt commemoration of Victory in Europe Day, marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
 
The day was filled with reflection, remembrance, and a shared sense of gratitude.
 
As evening fell, our iconic Civic Tower was illuminated in red, white, and blue — a final, symbolic gesture before we bid farewell to the Civic Centre this summer. 
 
Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah was joined by the Mayor, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, and Jim McMahon MP, veterans, and councillors from across different parties as they gathered to witness the tower’s final lighting.
 
It was a fitting and moving tribute — a powerful blend of remembrance and renewal.

 

A day of reflection and remembrance in Oldham town centre
 
As part of this year’s poignant Victory in Europe Day commemorations, Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader Cllr Abdul Jabbar, and the Mayor of Oldham Cllr Zahid Chauhan walked through our town centre, joined by members of the armed forces community.
 
Together, they visited local businesses proudly decorated in red, white and blue.
 
At Levers Fish and Chips, they met with local veterans — a chance to share stories of service and sacrifice, and to express deep gratitude.
 
Over at the Spindles, a commemorative card invited residents to write heartfelt messages, turning personal reflections into a powerful collective tribute, and the group were joined here by children from Hollinwood Academy.
 
The spirit of remembrance was brought to life in Tommyfield Market where vintage-style singer Abbi-Kaye, known as Viva la Vintage, sang some of the wartime era's greatest hits.
 
It was a day of connection, reflection, and pride — reminding us all of the strength in community.

 

A familiar face joins Oldham’s VE Day celebrations
 
During Oldham’s VE Day commemorations, we bumped into one of our favourite people - Coronation Street legend Julie Hesmondhalgh.
 
Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah, Deputy Leader Cllr Abdul Jabbar, and the Mayor of Oldham Cllr Zahid Chauhan were delighted to meet Julie as they toured the town centre alongside members of our armed forces community, reflecting on 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
 
As the group walked past Fairbottom Street and Oldham Coliseum, they bumped into the acting legend, who was leaving the town centre after doing some filming.
 
Best known for her iconic role as Hayley Cropper in Corrie, Julie has also been highly acclaimed for her powerful performances in Broadchurch, Happy Valley, and most recently Mr Bates vs The Post Office. 
 
It was a warm and memorable meeting that brought a smile to faces on what was already a poignant day of remembrance and community spirit.

 

[Jo Haigh, Customer Experience Assistant from Oldham Heritage, Libraries and Arts]

Tea, tunes and a touch of nostalgia at Oldham Library
 
It was bunting, biscuits and big smiles all round as the Brews, Biscuits and Banter group pulled out all the stops for a special vintage-style garden party at Oldham Library in honour of VE Day.
 
The popular Thursday morning group enjoyed an extended get-together with a celebratory spread of sandwiches, VE Day cakes under the spring sunshine.
 
Adding a splash of wartime glamour to the day, our very own Jo Haigh — Customer Experience Assistant from Oldham Heritage, Libraries and Arts — donned her best vintage outfit to host the festivities with flair. From the bunting to the buffet, every detail was lovingly put together to transport guests back in time.
 
Just drop in at the library on Thursdays at 10.30am if you fancy joining the group, and it's free.

 

[Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Oldham Council, visiting the breakfast club ]([link removed])

A bright start for St Agnes Pupils thanks to new breakfast club
 
A new breakfast club at St Agnes Primary School in Lees is already having a positive impact, with improved attendance and happier mornings for pupils.
 
The school is one of eight in Oldham taking part in a pilot scheme offering every child a free, healthy breakfast and 30 minutes of childcare each weekday morning.
 
Since launching last month, the club has proven a hit with 85 of the school’s 110 pupils now starting their day with fruit, toast, and cereal in a friendly, welcoming environment.
 
Headteacher Sarah Butterworth says the new initiative is already making a real difference, helping children arrive on time, ready to learn, and setting a positive tone for the rest of the day.
 
Read the full story [here.]([link removed])

 

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Join us for the Foster Care 5K Park Run
 
Foster for Greater Manchester is inviting you to join a free, fun, and family-friendly 5K Park Run at Heaton Park at 9am on Saturday 17 May as part of Foster Care Fortnight.
 
Whether you're just curious about fostering or already thinking seriously about it, this is a great chance to meet our team and chat with real foster carers. 
 
You can run alongside some of our team and foster carers in the 5k Park Run, or just come a long an have an informal chat with us at the Lakeside Pavillion near the boating lake where we will be based for the morning from 9am-12pm.
 
You can walk, jog, run, or just spectate – it's totally up to you.

Register at [www.parkrun.org.uk/heaton]([link removed]) or learn more about fostering at [fosterforgm.com]([link removed])
 
And please share this with anyone who you think would make a great foster carer – we’d love to meet them!

 

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Running a business? Don’t do it alone
 
Join us for a Build a Business Coffee Morning at Oldham Library – free monthly sessions designed to help you grow, learn, and connect with other local business owners.
 
Each month features a guest expert sharing practical tips to help your business thrive – plus, there’s coffee.
 
Upcoming sessions are:
 
📅 Wednesday 14 May – Finding Your Customers

Andrew from Build A Business will show you how to identify your ideal audience and make smarter business decisions.
 
📅 Wednesday 11 June – Social Media Strategy

Brianna from Digital Flamingo will guide you through building a strong social media plan that gets results.
 
Book your free spot now [here.]([link removed])

 

Support for parents of teens aged 10–16
 
Raising teens can be challenging, and it's okay to ask for a bit of support.
 
If you’re a parent or carer of a child aged 10 to 16, why not come along to our free Positive Parenting Teen Triple P Discussion Group?
 
This relaxed, two-hour workshop offers practical tips for managing everyday parenting issues and building a stronger connection with your teen.
 
The next session will be held on Thursday 5 June at 5–7pm at Positive Steps, Union Street.
 
To book your place, simply email [email protected]

 

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