Times are looking up

Local Studies Archive service staff, Pride in Oldham nominees. Local studies officer Roger Ivens seated centre, with left to right, Susan Smith, Jenny Clark, Jo Robson, Christine Drummond, Kath Baker, Mary Pendlebury.

DEDICATED staff at the Local Studies and Archives Centre help Oldhamers in their quest to trace their roots, examine past events and discover more about the history of the borough.

Team members are always on hand to answer queries and update archives, history and heritage from the various districts.

And it’s this commitment and dedication to celebrating the borough’s past which has earned the team a Pride in Oldham Award nomination.

The centre is currently gearing up for two events to mark the 175th anniversary of the opening of Blue Coat School.

Extensive archives of the school, including admission registers, log books, plans, old blues association records and photographs are held at the centre.

Every Wednesday, staff hold a free help desk for anyone wanting to trace their ancestry.

There are also regular open days where newcomers can see exactly what’s on offer.

Local studies officer Roger Ivens said: “The team is really pleased with the nomination.

“I think it illustrates that the public appreciate what we do. It shows that they like to come here and use the facilities in a great atmosphere.”

Satisfied customer Gordon Thompson, a regular visitor to the Union Street centre, said: “The service you get is excellent and the staff go out of their way to help.”