[link removed]

 

[Friends Emma Jones, Sally Maher and Lynn Sinkinson smiling next to an image of Sally at last year's event cheering as she holds a small child]([link removed])

In loving memory of a dear friend – supporting families this winter
 
What began in a garden shed, set up by Sally Maher in memory of her best friend Emma Jones, has grown into something truly beautiful. 
 
Since 2022 Our Community Wardrobe Oldham, launched by Sally and her friend Janine Whillans, has helped more than 18,000 children stay warm by redistributing pre-loved clothing and essentials. Together with Oldham Family Hubs, this year’s Winter Wardrobe 2025 continues that legacy of kindness.
 
Families in need of support are warmly welcomed at Shaw Family Hub, High Street, at 10am – 12pm on Friday 10 October.
 
Come along, browse, and take home pre-loved winter coats, duvets, pyjamas and other cosy clothing – in a safe and friendly space.
 
Donations are gratefully accepted and you can get in touch by emailing [email protected] or call 07759 139 930.
 
Read the full story by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

[The Mayor of Oldham Cllr Eddie Moores in the new archives centre ]

Uncover your history – the new Oldham Archives is now open
 
The new Oldham Archives was officially declared open on Ascroft Street in Oldham town centre as part of last weekend's Nostalgic Oldham celebrations.
 
The Mayor of Oldham Cllr Eddie Moores and Cllr Peter Dean, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, joined the opening ceremony before visitors explored behind the scenes and discovered some of Oldham’s rich history.
 
The centre is home to historic maps, photographs, oral history recordings and a treasure trove of documents that tell Oldham’s story.
 
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 10am to 5pm and Saturday from 10am to 1pm.
 
So make sure to give it a visit next time you’re in Oldham town centre.

 

Manchester Camerata is coming to Oldham this weekend
 
The world-class orchestra is on the move, bringing its musicians into everyday spaces across all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester with free pop-up concerts to say loud and clear 'Here We Are!'
 
On Sunday (5 October) you​ can catch the Camerata for two free 45-minute shows at the Spindles Shopping Centre, bringing to life Jill Tomlinson’s much-loved family classic The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark at 1pm and 2.30pm.
 
Manchester Camerata are also celebrating the launch of its 10 new Dementia Music Cafés across Greater Manchester, supporting people living with dementia and their carers with the power of music, connection, and community.
 
The Oldham Music Café is at the Primrose Centre, Magnolia Gardens, OL8 1HX every Monday at 12.30–2pm and the Royton Music Cafe is held at Tandle View Court, OL25QT on Fridays at 1.30–3pm.
 
For more information, email [email protected] or phone 07770 263286.
 
Find out more by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

Celebrate Black History Month with powerful reads at Oldham Libraries
 
It's Black History Month, and Oldham Libraries are showcasing a wide range of inspiring books — from memoirs and essays to powerful stories that celebrate black voices and experiences.
 
So make sure you swing by your local library to explore the collection and discover something new. 

 

[Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, pictured with the 50 MEGA Hub Scholarship students.]

Oldham is leading the way
 
We’re proud to share that 50 Oldham students have become the very first in Greater Manchester to be awarded landmark MEGA Scholarships – opening doors to future careers in cyber and technology.
 
Students from across our borough – Oldham College, North Chadderton Sixth Form, Crompton House, Blue Coat, and Oldham Sixth Form College – are blazing a trail as part of this pioneering MEGA (Motivated, Educated, Generation with Ambition) Hubs programme, developed by professional technology training and skills provider IN4 Group and funded by Oldham Council.
 
A special celebration event, attended by Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, was hosted by sponsor First Choice Homes Oldham.
 
Through MEGA Scholarships, these talented young people will gain, a £1,000 bursary, mentoring and industry placements, hackathons, workplace visits and masterclasses, the option to study for a cyber security qualification that counts towards UCAS points, or earn industry-recognised Microsoft and AWS qualifications and connections with world-leading companies including KPMG UK, Northrop Grumman, CGI, BT, QinetiQ, Roke and Energus.
 
Huge congratulations to these 50 MEGA scholars.

 

[A man smiling and pointing as he stands behind an older man who is seated in a wheelchair]

Have your say in shaping adult social care
 
Oldham Council Adult Social Care is launching a Resident Co-Production Group, and you're invited to be part of it.
 
The first meeting is being held at 1-3pm on Wednesday 8 October at The Link Centre, 140 Union Street, OL1 1DZ.
 
Come along to share your lived experiences, talk about what’s working well and what could be improved, have your voice heard in shaping priorities and decisions, be part of an inclusive, welcoming space where all voices matter.
 
Everyone with an interest in Adult Social Care is welcome – whether you use services yourself or care for someone who does.
 
If you can’t attend in person, email [email protected] to arrange a video link.

 

[A young woman looking up at a climbing wall]([link removed])

Reaching new heights – Free climbing for young adults living beyond cancer
 
Are you looking for a fun, supportive way to stay active during or after cancer treatment?

Climbers Against Cancer are launching the Climbing Beyond Cancer programme, hosted with Maggies Oldham, right here in Oldham at Summit Up.
 
Eight fortnightly climbing sessions for teens and young adults aged 16–30 will be held on Wednesdays, 6.30–8.30pm, starting 12 November.
 
Speak to your Maggie’s care worker or email [email protected] with the subject line REF CAC Course.
 
For more information click [here.]([link removed])

 

[Two women running side by side wearing black outfits at last year's Halloween Half ]([link removed])

Oldham Active’s Halloween Half Marathon is nearly here
 
It's October — and it's that time of the year to push yourself to the limit with the Halloween Half Marathon.
 
The stunning 13.1 mile course on Sunday 26 October covers many miles of our stunning countryside and highlights some of the best scenery Oldham has to offer.
 
Starting off in Oldham town centre, runners will make the include up to Saddleworth and its surrounding villages before returning to the centre of Oldham.

 
Don’t miss out, sign up today by clicking[here.]([link removed])

 

[Spooky exhibition with a giant spider, pumpkin and skeleton at Tommyfield Market]

Halloween thrills are waiting for you at Tommyfield Market
 
As the leaves turn golden and the evenings draw in, let's step into spooky season together.
 
This month, Tommyfield Market is getting into the spirit with a spooktacular Halloween exhibition that’s not to be missed. it’s the perfect way to get in the mood for all things ghostly and ghoulish.
 
While you’re there, don’t forget to wander through the stalls and show your support for our brilliant local vendors. You never know what treats (or tricks!) you might find!

 

[Two young children playing with water and toys at Alexandra Family Hub]

Looking for a friendly space for your little ones to explore and play?
 
Join our free Stay and Play at Alexandra Family Hub on Wildmoor Avenue, perfect for children aged 0–5 years.
 
Sessions are held on Fridays at 1pm—2.30pm.
 
Call us on 0161 206 0408 to book your spot. We can’t wait to see you there!
 
For more information about Oldham Family Hubs click[here.]([link removed])

 

[A little girl concentrating as she gets creative ]

Creative fun for little ones – Free art workshop 
 
Parents and carers, why not enjoy a morning of creativity with your little ones?
 
As part of the Our Beautiful Oldham programme, you’re invited to a free, artist-led workshop for children aged 2–5 years. It’s the perfect chance to make lovely memories while spending quality time together.
 
📅 Monday 6 October
🕥 10.30 – 11.30am
📍 Alexandra Family Hub, OL4 5PU
 
Be sure to book your spot by calling 0161 206 0408.

 

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