Here comes the Summer University!

£20,000 grant will help ensure project’s success

OLDHAM’S groundbreaking Summer University 2009 has been awarded £20,000 to help run a series of exciting activities for young people.

The cash for the event, organised by New Deal for Communities, comes from the Government Office North-West and an additional £5,000 has been received from the Respect Our Communities fund.

The Summer University, which will take place at a number of venues in Hathershaw and Fitton Hill and the wider Medlock Vale ward, is the first to take place outside London.

It runs as a pilot scheme between July 27 and August 29.

The Respect our Communities fund donation was given thanks to the hard work and determination of local residents who are fundraising to make the event a success.

This money will go towards the arts and crafts sessions.

The Summer University will give young people aged eight to 19 years the chance to try something new for free.

Some of the events on offer will include a wide range of sports including martial arts, rugby, and cricket, also a Ready Steady Cook style competition.

Others include photography or learning important life skills such as first aid or driving theory.

Some of the other Summer University’s highlights include snowboarding at Ski Rossendale, camping, a big pre-launch party on June 12 and a big celebration event to mark the end of the ambitious project.

Anne Fleming, capacity building co-ordinator and organiser of the Summer University said: “It is a fantastic opportunity for our young people to try something new and exciting.

“The fundraising success we’ve had so far has been brilliant and we hope this will be the first of many more Summer Universities in Oldham.”