Neighbours unite for street parties

NEIGHBOURS from across Oldham will be united in a series of rousing street parties on Sunday.

The parties form part the Eden project’s Big Lunch Initiative, which aims to bring neighbours together and build a sense of community.

And Oldhamers are raring to play their part, with parties planned at locations across the borough, giving people the chance to grab some grub, enjoy fun activities and get to know their neighbours.

The moves follow a report commissioned by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation last year of 3,500 people across the country.

The study found that their biggest single concern, across the social spectrum, was that communities were weak and people increasingly isolated from their neighbours.

Now Oldham is keen to do redress the balance with events planned across the borough.

At Sholver Youth Centre, members are having a barbecue and all local people are invited to come along between 1pm and 4pm.

The centre has also arranged a range of other activities such as face painting and arts and crafts.

Oldhamers are also being encouraged to attend Alexandra Park from 11am where the Race for Life is also taking place.

Residents can browse a range of information stands.

Councillor Rod Blyth, cabinet member for people and communities said: “This is an excellent initiative to help people help themselves and have the opportunity to meet their neighbours.”

Other events include a beach party at St Herbert’s Social Club in Wellington Street, Chadderton, between 11am and 4pm.

Firwood Park Estate, Chadderton is hosting 11 Big Lunches including one in Cherrywood, which won £500 in a competition on Key 103. A DJ from the radio station will be there from 3pm to 5pm and there will be food and activities laid on for all ages.

In Waterloo Street, Glodwick, officers from Oldham East Neighbourhood Policing Team and the Tactical Aid Unit, along with representatives from the Fire Service will be joining the party.

Ruth Williamson, community development worker at St Mark’s Church, Glodwick, said: “This is a great opportunity to bring the community together.

“There will be lots of activities to get involved in, including face painting, Henna painting, football and gardening demonstrations — so something for everyone.”

A party is also being held at Chadderton Congregational Church with a range of free activities. The fun runs from 11am to 2pm and includes a bouncy castle, garden games, short mat bowls and music.




Val rises to challenge



by Marina Berry

Val Shaw faced a tough challenge when she was given just two weeks to organise a massive street party.



But she drafted in neighbours, friends and family, who all threw themselves behind the idea to make it a day to remember.

Val had originally decided to host a small lunchtime party in Brooklands Avenue, Chadderton, but her local PCSO got wind of her plans and asked her if she would turn it into a street party.

“I asked around my neighbours and they all thought it was a good idea, and it has snowballed,” she said.

“What started as a little thing has turned into a big thing.

“One of my neighbours is having chemotherapy after surgery for breast cancer, so I thought it would be a good idea if we raised money for Link4Pink as well.”

Val’s family and friends, including neighbours Jean Berry and Colin Hunt have helped with the organisation, and 175 invitations have been sent out.

Val (57), who has three children and six grandchildren, will make a huge potato pie dinner, and the party will take over the street, with a jewellery and bag stall, and staff from Limited Edition hair and beauty salon offering pink hair extensions and nails to raise money for Link4Pink, which supports Oldham’s Victoria Breast Care Unit.

There will be a toy stall, a cake stall, a raffle and entertainment given free by singers The Duffy Twins and the duet Twisted Wheel.

Val’s brother-in-law, Norman Shaw, will run a karaoke, and there will be a “Chadderton’s Got Talent” show, complete with judges.

Organisers have still to inflate 600 pink balloons, everyone has been asked to dress in pink, and Val is on the lookout for some pink bunting and an awning to provide shelter in case of rain.

Anyone who can help can contact her on 0161-284 2214.