Oldham gets in the Christmas spirit!
Date published: 15 December 2009
CHRISTMAS came early in Alexandra Park as more than 100 people wore Santa outfits to run or walk 5k to raise funds for Dr Kershaw’s Hospice in Royton
Walkies time!
CHRISTMAS has come early for abandoned pooches at the Rhodes Bank RSPCA centre.
Mayor of Oldham councillor Jim McArdle opened a new £20,000 exercise paddock at the centre which can cater for up to 48 dogs.
The work has taken around two weeks to complete and the launch coincided with a Christmas fair which raised £600 for the charity.
Branch manager Mandy Tierney said: “We couldn’t use the old exercise area because it was all grass. If a dog had any infection it would stay in the grass.
“It has all been dug out and concreted. There are three exercise areas so the dogs can go out and play, which is excellent and something we have wanted for a few years.
“It will make a huge difference for them. We will be able to socialise them more and we will be able to keep them a lot fitter.”
Carollers in fine voice
SINGERS in Saddleworth were in fine voice during a festive carol service round the Christmas tree.
Members of the Churches Together in Saddleworth took part in the service in Uppermill.
Delph Band provided the music while carollers sang festive favourites such as “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “O Come All Ye Faithful”. After the service, church members warmed up with a cup of coffee at Uppermill Methodist Church.
Members of Delph Band led the singers in festive carols.
WITH 10 days left until Christmas, Oldhamers are truly getting into the festive spirit.
Town centre streets were packed with shoppers getting their gifts for family and friends.
And youngsters were kept entertained by Rumple the Clown and Town Crier Barry McQueen.
Oldham has enjoyed its biggest ever Christmas countdown this year with the Reindeer Parade, lights switch-on and Santa’s Festive Village.
Animals get a Christmas blessing
ALL creatures great and small joined their owners for the annual Horseman’s Christmas Carol Service at Friezland Arena, Greenfield.
From ponies to pooches, a whole host of animals dressed in festive finery took part in the service.
There were traditional carols and the Rev Kenneth Tibbo read gospel readings and blessed all the animals.
After the service, mulled wine and mince pies were served while horses were given carrots to eat and commemorative rosettes to wear.
