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[Cllr Arooj Shah with sub-postmaster Arif Matadar ]

Post Office returns to the Spindles in a boost for the town centre

Council Leader Cllr Arooj Shah has welcomed the return of this vital service to the heart of Oldham town centre.
 
The new pop-up branch at Unit 10, Spindles Town Square (formerly Clintons), is now open to the public just 50 metres from its previous location in WH Smith.
 
Open Monday to Friday, 9am–5.30pm, it offers essential services like sending letters and parcels, paying bills, cash deposits and withdrawals and stamps.
 
The site will soon be fully fitted out to become a permanent branch with extended hours and a general convenience store.
 
Cllr Shah said: “I’m absolutely delighted to see the Post Office return to Spindles. Having this vital service in the heart of our town centre supports accessibility, local businesses, and our wider vision for a thriving Oldham.”
 
Even better – by late summer, the branch will also be open weekends with a full range of Post Office services including passport, driving licences, vehicle tax, SIA and DBS applications, benefit payments, Western Union money transfers and currency exchange - and it will even have a convenience store.
 
The branch, run by sub-postmaster Arif Matadar and manager Moshin Matadar, will be open from 7.30am-5.30pm Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sunday.
 
Arif, who runs seven Post Office branches across Greater Manchester, said: "People have been coming in saying they are really pleased to have the Post Office back in the Spindles. For many people the Post Office is a lifeline.

"People are already coming in having a chat with us, and they are relieved to know that we are here permanently."

 

[Cllr Arooj Shah with Suzannah Reeves, Principal at Oldham Sixth Form College]([link removed])

Oldham Council Leader talks politics with Sixth Form students
 
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, visited Oldham Sixth Form College to meet students and staff, and see first-hand some of the impressive work taking place across the college.
 
Cllr Shah was given a tour of the college’s creative spaces, where Art, Photography, Fashion and Design students had their final pieces on display for assessment.
 
She then sat down with a group of Year 12 and Year 13 students to hear about their ambitions and future plans, and to share her own journey into politics.
 
Cllr Shah also spoke to a Year 12 Politics class, answering questions about life in local government and the role of a council leader.
 
Read the full story on our website[here.]([link removed])

 

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Oldham Time Trek is now live and it’s perfect for a family day out
 
The brand new Oldham Time Trek trail launched last weekend, and it’s a fantastic way to get out and explore the town centre with the kids!
 
This free, interactive trail takes you to 12 historic locations across the town centre, each brought to life with fun stories and animated AR characters you can interact with using your phones QR code feature. 
 
If you live locally, why not make a day of it with the family? Start from any location, go at your own pace, and enjoy a bit of Oldham’s heritage along the way.
 
Plus, if you collect all stops, you can collect a sweet treat from Waterstones Oldham (while stocks last!). 
 
Just visit [www.oldham.gov.uk/timetrek]([link removed]) to get started and see the stops. 

 

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Your weekend guide to Oldham Live 2025 
 
Oldham Live 2025 is continuing to turn up the volume this weekend with an incredible mix of talent across the town centre. 
 
From classic rock and tribute bands to open mic nights and standout solo performers, there’s something for every music lover.
 
The Egyptian Room 
Saturday 21 June – Rusty Apper, classic rock – 8 to 10pm
 
Bees Knees 
•    Saturday 21 June – SpiRock, a legendary guitarist – 7pm
•    Sunday 22 June – Johnny Harper, guitarist and singer – 6pm
 
Whittles 
•    Friday 20 June – Toto UK, Toto tribute – 9pm
•    Sunday 22 June – Band of Gypsies, classic rock – 5pm
 
Fox and Pine 
•    Sunday 22 June – Open Mic Night, 7 to 10pm
 
Bank Top Tavern 

- Friday 20 June – Manchester Underground Metal presents, Crescent Halo, Pew Pew Laser Force, Another Thursday – 9pm. For more info click [here.]([link removed] )
- Saturday 21 June – Strangeways (Classic Punk) - 9.30pm
Then get ready for a night to remember at Billingtons on Friday 27 June as Chris Helme, frontman of John Squires Post-Stone Roses band The Seahorses, performs a special acoustic performance. The Britpop legend will be playing a mix of Seahorses hits and his own solo work.
 
Check out the full line up for June [here.]([link removed] )

 

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Who’s ready for Festival Oldham? It's back and it's bigger and bolder
 
Get ready for a sensational summer celebration as Festival Oldham returns to the town centre with a jam-packed day of music, street theatre, dance, and dazzling outdoor arts from 10am on Saturday 5 July from 10am in Oldham town centre.
 
This year’s theme, Global Threads, promises a vibrant cultural experience inspired by traditions, rhythms, and creativity from around the world. 
 
Expect an explosion of colour, movement and sound as over 60 performances and activities take place across Oldham throughout the day, and it’s all completely free.
 
New for this year, we’re joining forces with Oldham Music Service to bring you their popular Summer Music Festival as part of the day. 
 
With more than 30 music groups performing across iconic venues like the Old Town Hall main stage, Oldham Parish Church, and Billingtons, music fans can enjoy everything from classical ensembles and brass bands to rock, pop, choirs, and show tunes. 
 
Find out more [here.]([link removed][%7B%22mechanism%22%3A%22attachment%22%2C%22surface%22%3A%22newsfeed%22%7D]%2C%22ref_notif_type%22%3Anull%7D )

 

[Latics owner Frank Rothwell with podcast presenter Robin Marshall]([link removed])

New episode of The Oldham Cast is out now – and you do not want to miss it!
 
We sat down with Frank Rothwell, the owner of Oldham Athletic, who shared some incredible stories with us.
 
Frank was recently awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List – and after hearing his journey, it’s easy to see why.
 
From building his business, to buying Oldham Athletic, to rowing across the Atlantic Ocean, Frank’s story is full of passion, adventure and proper Oldham spirit.
 
📺 Watch the full episode now by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

[(left) Prof Brian Cox and Latics owner Frank Rothwell]

Professor Brian Cox Celebrates Latics’ promotion ahead of Oldham visit
 
Excitement is building as Professor Brian Cox prepares for a special return to Oldham following Latics’ thrilling 3-2 win over Southend at Wembley, securing their return to the English Football League.
 
A proud lifelong fan, Professor Cox praised the team’s determination and said the dramatic victory reminded him of the club’s glory days.“It felt just like old times,” he said. “Latics always left it to the last minute!”
 
The physicist returns to his hometown next month for the Great Horizons science events, aiming to inspire future scientists.
 
Read the full story by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

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A statement from Oldham Council Leader Arooj Shah
 
Cllr Shah welcomes the decision to launch a full statutory inquiry following the findings of Baroness Louise Casey’s national audit into child sexual exploitation.
 
"We have not shied away from the issue of CSE in Oldham; we are and will continue to confront the issue without prejudice," she said.
 
Read her full statement [here.]([link removed])

 

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Share your thoughts on your local polling station
 
Oldham Council Elections team wants your feedback, and it will only take a few minutes to have your voice heard.
 
You can fill in the survey online at[bigoldhamconvo.oldham.gov.uk/polling-district-review]([link removed]), call 0161 770 4718 or email [email protected].
 
And thank you for taking part.

 

Over £2m boost for SEND school places in Oldham
 
We’re pleased to share that £2,084,700 has been allocated to create 55 new school places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in mainstream schools across Oldham.
 
This vital investment will support:
📍 Woodlands Primary (Moorside)
📍 North Chadderton Secondary
📍 Werneth Primary
 
The funding will mean:
✅ More local school places
✅ Specialist support in inclusive environments
✅ Better outcomes for children and families
 
Every child deserves the best possible start in life, and this investment brings us one step closer to making that a reality for all.

 

[Kym Holmes, Parent Voice Coordinator from Positive Steps]([link removed])

Join the new Parent Voice Forum to connect, share and be heard
 
Parents and carers – you’re invited to the brand new Parent Voice Forum, a welcoming space to share, connect and get support.
 
Meet Kym Holmes, Parent Voice Coordinator from Positive Steps, who’ll be on hand with friendly advice and to help link you with local services and support.
 
It’s also a great chance to meet other parents, share experiences, and be part of a supportive community – just drop in!
 
🗓️ Tuesday 25 June
🕝 2.30 – 4.30pm
📍 Spring Meadows Family Hub, Leamington Street, OL4 2RN
 
Explore more resources anytime on the Parent Voice Padlet – your online hub for family-friendly activities, support and info, updated every Friday.

Visit the Parent Voice Padlet by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

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