Cox praises magnificent Mahdlo

Photo: Chronicle Online

APPLIANCE of science . . . Professor Cox sees the Primary Engineering Programme in action scheme. From left, Elizabeth Schofield (St Thomas’s Leesfield School), Alex Shaw (Unity Partnership), Eddy Moores (Alston Transport) and Paula Glynn (Leesfield St. Thomas’s).

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MAHDLO members had been told to expect a VIP guest during an activity day at the Egerton-Street youth zone - but were overwhelmed when TV physicist Brian Cox dropped by for the evening.

Professor Cox and Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell were given an exclusive tour of Mahdlo before a question and answer session with an audience including founder patrons and volunteers plus students from Hulme Grammar and North Chadderton Schools.

The tour, conducted by Mahdlo members Lewis Saunders (16) and Mckenzie Firth (11) with Lucy Kershaw (Mahdlo youth work manager), took in the sports hall, media room, gym, dance studio and boxing ring.

Professor Cox, who lives in Saddleworth and lectures at the University of Manchester, said: “When I was 16 and growing up in Chadderton, we used to come into Oldham town centre and sit in McDonald’s, because that was all there was to do.

“If I had a facility like this back then, I would been here all the time, in the gym, playing football, boxing. I don’t think I would have ever left! It really is something to be proud of.”

His thoughts were echoed by Professor Rothwell who added: “This really is an impressive facility and I am really proud of the link between the University of Manchester and Mahdlo.”

The young people invited to meet the VIP guests were thrilled to meet and listen to the professors - none more so than tour guides Lewis and Mckenzie, who, as chairs of the Mahdlo voice groups, ensure members have a regular say in what happens at the youth zone.

Oldham College student Lewis said: “I was nervous about giving the tour and meeting Professor Cox, but it is fantastic to have the opportunity to tell people about Mahdlo and what we do here.”