Cathedral concert for blind is Streets ahead

STAR readers... Sue Nicholls and William Roche , from “Coronation Street”

OLDHAM’S Blue Coat School is getting set to stage a spectacular charity Christmas carol concert.

Musicians from the school will perform at Henshaw’s Society for the Blind People’s annual Carols by Candlelight service at Manchester Cathedral next Tuesday.

The school and the charity have a connection which started in the 1700s when hat-maker Thomas Henshaw set up a business in what’s now known as Henshaw Street.

In 1807 he made a will leaving £20,000 to establish a school — now known as Blue Coat School — for young blind boys on Egerton Street.

Henshaw’s Society for Blind People still provides services for many Oldham residents and recently went back to its roots for a series of drop-in events in the town centre.

Now in its eleventh year, the magical Christmas event, which will raise vital funds for local services, also welcomes “Coronation Street” stars Sue Nicholls and William Roache, to entertain the audience with Christmas readings.

Henshaws chief executive Nick Marr said: “We look forward to a night of real festive fun. The concert is a really special way to raise much needed funds for Henshaw’s vital services for blind and visually-impaired people in our local area. We hope to fill the cathedral and make it a real night to remember.”

For tickets (£10/£5 concessions) contact Rowena Finn on 0161-786 3660 or e-mail rowena.finn@henshaws.org.uk