[link removed]

 

Remembering Sir Brian Clarke: A brilliant artist and proud son of Oldham
 
Oldham Council is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Brian Clarke, the world-renowned stained glass artist and one of Oldham’s most celebrated sons.
 
Brian’s beautiful work graces buildings around the world, and the Spindles Shopping Centre is home to three of his vast stained glass roof lights, among the largest in Europe.
 
Sir Brian also gave back to his hometown by designing a series of stunning stained glass windows for the Brian Clarke Church of England Academy, the Oldham secondary school that proudly bears his name.
 
Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: "Without question, Sir Brian Clarke was one of Oldham’s most remarkable and inspirational figures.
 
"His art lit up the world, and yet he remained grounded in the town where his journey began. His work will stand as a lasting legacy of beauty, imagination and pride in place.
 
“He will be deeply missed by all who were touched by his genius and our heartfelt condolences go out to Sir Brian’s family, friends, and all who admired and were inspired by his extraordinary life and work.”

 

Meet Oldham’s New Youth Mayor
 
Oldham Council is delighted to announce that Penelope Spencer-Simpson has been appointed as Youth Mayor for 2025–2026.
 
Penelope, from Chadderton, is a former student of North Chadderton School and she's now studying history at King’s College. London.
 
She joined Oldham Youth Council in 2022, starting out as Vice Chair, and has played an active part in several important initiatives including helping to tackle Youth anti-social behaviour as a member of the Independent Advisory Group for Greater Manchester Police.
 
Penelope said: “It is a privilege for me to become Oldham’s Youth Mayor, and represent the young people of Oldham." 
 
The role of the Youth Mayor is to represent the young people of Oldham in a formal and civic role and they are an ambassador for the town.
 
The Youth Mayor shadows the Mayor on civic engagements and is a key member of the Youth Council.

 

[Cllr Shaid Mushtaq with pupils at St George's]

Young scientists shine at St George’s

Pupils at East Crompton St George’s CE Primary welcomed a special guest —Cllr Shaid Mushtaq, Oldham’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People— during the Great Horizons celebration of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education in Oldham.
 
From sun safety to animal habitats and even the human digestive system, each class proudly shared their science learning.
 

Cllr Mushtaq said: "It was a real pleasure to visit St George’s and see the incredible science work being done by pupils. Their confidence, creativity, and understanding were truly impressive."
 
And Sarah Collier, Year 6 Teacher and Key Stage 2 Lead for Maths, PSHE and Computing, said: "The children were so enthusiastic and confident when sharing their knowledge. We definitely have some future scientists at St George’s!" 

 

[Cllr Mohon Ali at the transition event]

Giving Oldham’s littlest learners the best start to school life
 
Professionals from schools, nurseries, and early years settings across Oldham came together for the fourth annual Early Years Transition Hub, led by the Oldham Early Years team.
 
The event helps give children the best possible start to school by encouraging stronger links and sharing key information between settings.
 
“It’s great to speak to multiple schools in one place,” said one nursery.
 
And a school representative praised: "It’s such a busy time of year, so being able to focus solely on transition is invaluable. We’ve also made new contacts with services we rarely get the chance to speak to."
 

Cllr Mohon Ali, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "By working together across education and services, we’re giving every child in Oldham the best possible start to their school journey."

 

Have you booked your kids HAF activities for the holidays?
 
Our HAF (Holiday Activities and Food) programme is designed for families who receive benefits-related free school meals, giving children the chance to stay active, try something new, and enjoy a free healthy meal while having fun.
 
Spaces fill up fast, so make sure that you book your child’s place today.
 
Visit www.oldham.gov.uk/HAF

 

The Great Gift Card Giveaway is now live
 
This is your chance to shop local and win an awesome Oldham Gift Card.
 
Running until Saturday 19 July, businesses in the Oldham Gift Card scheme will give customers a small card with a QR code. Scan it to play an online game and see if you’ve won an Oldham Gift Card. You can only enter once per day.
 
If you would like to buy a gift card, click[here.]([link removed])

 

Oldham Pride Returns – Saturday 26 July
 
Get ready for a fantastic day of colour, celebration and community spirit as Oldham Pride comes to Parliament Square.
 
Join us for live entertainment, joyful festivities, and a show of support for our LGBTQ+ community from 12—5.30pm on Saturday 26 July.
 
It's free entry and there's no need to book. Just turn up and enjoy the day!

 

Free business workshops – learn, connect and grow

Thinking of starting a business or looking to boost your existing one? There's a range of free expert-led events at Oldham Library just for you.
 
🚀 Business Basics
📅 Tuesday 15 July | 🕙 10am–1pm 
Just starting out? Get the tools and confidence you need to succeed.
Book by clicking [here.]([link removed])
 
🧠 Lean Start-Up
📅 Thursday 17 July | 🕙 10am–1pm
Learn how to launch your business with less risk and more insight.
Book by clicking [here.]([link removed])
 
🤝 Know Your Customer, Get Competitive
📅 Thursday 24 July | 🕙 10am–1pm 
Use research and insights to take your start-up to the next level.
Book by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

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