[link removed]

 

[The Mayor of Oldham with the Covid-19 memorial boulder]([link removed])

Covid Memorial Garden officially opened at Alexandra Park 
 
The Mayor of Oldham was honoured to officially open a special area of reflection for people to remember those who lost their lives to Covid.
 
Oldham marked the Covid-19 Day of Reflection  - a national day to pay tribute to those who have lost their lives since the pandemic began and to honour the tireless work of health and social care staff, frontline workers and researchers, and the acts of kindness and sacrifices by volunteers -  with a poignant memorial garden in the stunning Alexandra Park. The opening also marked five years since the pandemic began.
 
A memorial boulder and bench now take pride of place in the park for visitors to visit and reflect.
 
Read the full story [here.]([link removed])

 

[link removed]

First 'Walk N Talk' event for dads held in Alexandra Park
 
The first 'Walk N Talk' event for dads and their children was held in our stunning Alexandra Park on Tuesday
 
The walk is hosted by Dad Matters, a project supporting dads on their parenting journeys, with Pennine Care NHS Talking Therapies Oldham.

Eddie White, coordinator for Dad Matters Oldham, was joined on the walk by Derek McDonald, community worker for Spark Oldham which develops programmes to support people at all stages of their life.
 
Eddie said: “It’s a good way of getting dads to come to us as it’s more relaxed. It could make a big difference if they come along and meet another dad in the same boat.” 
 
And Derek said: “This is walk is good for health and wellbeing while signposting dads to the information and services they need.”
 
The next 'Walk N Talk', for dads and their babies from conception to two years old, will be at 10-11.30am on Tuesday 3 June, meeting outside the café at Alexandra Park.
 
And at 10-11.30am on Tuesday 15 April there is a sensory play session at Oldham Library.
 
To book for these events visit [dadmatters.org.uk/events]([link removed])

 

[link removed]

Communities come together at the European Islamic Centre’s community Iftar
 
The European Islamic Centre (EIC) brought together people from different backgrounds, faiths and communities to share a meal and embrace the spirit of Ramadan.
 
Among those attending a special community Iftar were the Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Zahid Chauhan, and Leader of Oldham Council, Cllr Arooj Shah, who joined guests in breaking their fast, talking about the importance of building stronger communities and reflecting on the true meaning of Ramadan.
 
Ramadan is more than just fasting; it is a time for reflection, gratitude and helping others. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, not only as an act of faith but to understand the struggles of those who go hungry every day. It is also a time for community and supporting those in need, making community Iftar gatherings like this so important.
 
Oldham Council Leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, said: “Community Iftars are important because they bring people together. Ramadan is about unity, reflection and supporting one another. Sharing a meal with people from different backgrounds helps to build friendships, foster a better understanding and most importantly, build a stronger community."
 
Read the full story by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

[link removed]

Oldham Library highly commended at the British Book Awards 
 
We’re incredibly proud to share that Oldham Library has been named one of the top three highly commended libraries at the British Book Awards in the Library of the Year category.
 
This recognition celebrates the hard work, dedication, and passion of our library team in making Oldham Library a welcoming, engaging, and inspiring place for everyone. 
 
Whether it’s through community events, reading programmes, digital access, or support services, we are committed to providing a space where people of all ages can learn, connect, and grow.
 
To be recognised on a national level is a huge achievement, and we’d like to thank everyone who visits and supports Oldham Library—this is for you! 
 
Read more by clicking [here.]([link removed])

 

[link removed].

Spoil your mum with a Gift Card this Mother's Day
 
Ready to support local AND spoil mum this Mother's Day? 
 
Why not purchase the Oldham Gift Card, it's the ultimate 'shop-local' Gift Card. 
 
You can order straight to mum with a gift message from you.
 
Find out more at [townandcitygiftcards.com.]([link removed].)

 

[link removed]

Find out about before and after school clubs near you
 
Wraparound childcare is before and after school childcare, such as breakfast clubs and after school clubs, for primary school aged children.
 
Children can play and make friends in a safe, relaxing environment, providing peace of mind for working families. 
 
Would you like to know more about how to access wraparound childcare for your child and the provision near you? Visit [www.oldham.gov.uk/wraparound]([link removed])

 

Have Your Say: Help Shape Travel in Oldham and Royton  
Thank you to everyone who joined our consultation drop-ins in Oldham town centre and Royton over the past few weeks. There’s still time to have your say as both surveys close Monday 31 March.
 
We want your thoughts on making buses quicker, safer and more reliable, while improving walking, cycling and wheeling routes.
 
Share your views online:

•    For the Oldham survey [click here.]([link removed])

•    For the Royton survey [click here.]([link removed])
 

 

Tom Crowther KC to chair local Oldham child sexual exploitation inquiry
 
One of the most respected figures in the field of effectively tackling child sexual exploitation (CSE) has agreed to chair an independent local inquiry in Oldham.
 
Tom Crowther KC, who was chair of the widely-praised independent inquiry into CSE in Telford, will now bring his expertise to Oldham after being appointed to head up the borough’s inquiry.  
 
Tom said: “I’m very pleased to have been asked to chair an independent inquiry into CSE for Oldham Council.  
 
“I know from my work in Telford that an inquiry of his sort can bring the answers the community deserves about what has gone wrong in the past and can ensure best practice is in place for the future.  
 
An Oldham Council spokesperson added: “Tom is hugely respected by survivors given the excellent work he did in Telford and his appointment reflects the views of the survivors. We believe this is an important step in securing justice for our survivors and Oldham residents more generally."
 
Read the full story on our website [here.]([link removed])

 

No longer want to receive these emails? [Unsubscribe]([link removed]).