Advertisement
Web shows Oldham in a positive light
Reporter: Marina Berry
Date online: 19 February 2010
A SHOWCASE website highlighting all that is good about the borough has gone live.
The Oldham Council website (www.visitoldham.com) explores opportunities in everything from art and culture to history and nature, and offers an accommodation search for tourists.
The website sells Oldham as culturally diverse, rich in industrial heritage and vibrant, and offers ideas for people looking for opportunity, leisure or relaxation.
Shopping at Tommyfield Market, sailing on Dovestone Reservoir and walking along the Rochdale Canal are just some of the suggestions, as well as a pointer to the local food and drink on offer from the borough’s many cafes, restaurants and pubs.
Among the gems highlighted are the award-winning Gallery Oldham, which takes visitors on a journey of history and heritage with its collection of artwork and objects.
Saddleworth Museum is also featured, with its fascinating insight into the lives of its people, from the people who scraped a living weaving cloth to the soldiers who shivered at Castleshaw Roman Fort.
And the Oldham Coliseum Theatre, which has played host to some of the biggest names in showbiz, is promoted as combining old-world charm with a lively programme of entertainment and a warm welcome.
Many more options are covered, including the Peak District National Park, an exploration of the picturesque villages, reservoirs, woods, moors and meadows around Saddleworth.
And the borough’s four countryside centres use the website to tell of a wide range of courses for adventure, leisure and learning for all ages.
Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “This portal provides us with a fantastic opportunity to promote all parts of the borough as a destination far and wide.
“But it is also a great way for residents to find out more and explore what attractions and events are here, right on their very own doorstep.
“The borough has something for everyone and I hope many people will be logging on to see what we have to offer.”
Oldham Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes added: “Oldham is a thriving and bustling borough and boasts some of the best facilities for miles around in terms of shopping, sports, entertainment and leisure.
“The good thing about visitoldham.com is that it promotes a wide range of activities for people of all budgets and tastes, and with money being a bit tight at the moment you do not have to spend a lot to enjoy them.”
Comments
I hope they remembered to put Primark on, being as its apparantly what draws people to Oldham.
Oldham is a thriving and bustling borough and boasts some of the best facilities for miles around in terms of shopping, sports, entertainment and leisure.
Sorry Mr Syskes but i cant agree with that. Shopping - Oldham town centre is mess full of take aways - small shops and deserted units in the s and a market on its way out. Entertainment i know we have some excellent countryside and Dovestones on our doorstep but what about younger people kids for instance wheres the cinema bowling alley etc
'..a thriving and bustling borough boasting some of the best facilities for miles around for shopping, sports, entertainment and leisure.' Is he completely barmy? Is he hearing those little voices that whisper to him, when he's safely back in his little room with the rubber wallpaper? Shopping on Tommyfield???? Buy a parking spot! Walk along the canal??? Venice of the north! Best for shopping, sports, entertainment and leisure? You have got to be taking the ****!
There are more positives to the borough tham most people realise and more than some want to realise. Coliseum, Alexndra Park, Gallery Oldham, Dovestones, The Canals all yes. But don't over egg the pudding. Tommyfield no. Market Hall possibly. A concentration of low price clothing retail (Primark, H&M, TJ Highes, TK Maxx, Market Hall) Emphasise what people can believe to be good not what stretches the credibilty.
The website is well constructed, what a pity there are no images of the 'bustling' shopping scene. It sells the town quite well, but I think many would be disappointed upon arrival.
A step in the right direction, marketing wise. The Oldham logo, on the other hand, is a complete joke as it looks like a target...very poor.
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO THE OWL THAT WAS ALWAYS PART OF OLDHAM? I MISS HIM BRING BACK THE OWL :)
Wonder where Sykes shops? Not on Tommyfield market! Bustling town? What planet are these people on ?
Regarding the comment about the missing owl.Someone on the council will have decreed that it's offensive!!!
Oldham Council leader Councillor Howard Sykes added: “Oldham is a thriving and bustling borough and boasts some of the best facilities for miles around in terms of shopping, sports, entertainment and leisure"
If thats the case Mt Sykes, please point me in the direction of the Cinema, Bowling Alley, fully occupied Shopping Centre, thriving Market, fully maintained Town Hall... when you say best facilities, perhaps you are refrering to the number of fast food take aways......
An to see the Borough as it really is - Watch Cops with cameras.
I agree with Linda. Bring Back The Oldham Owl!!
The Owl has never gone away. There are still three owls on the shield with a large one sits as a crest on top of the helm in the Borough's full heraldic panoply. You can see it on the front of the Civic Centre tower over the main entrance.
Note. The Owl was not part of the former seven squares OMBC logo (1974-2008) and is not part of the current "polo mint" logo.
Have Your Say
"residents to find out more and explore what attractions and events are here, right on their very own doorstep"
The attractions that I see on my doorstep are far different than the SHOWCASE Website
Also I thought Primark was Oldham's best attraction?
By Mrs C @ 19/02/2010 13:02:02