Classics bring seasonal cheer

Oldham Music Centre’s Christmas Concert at the Queen Elizabeth Hall

7 More Image(s) In Gallery

Oldham’s Christmas in full swing

CHRISTMAS cheer filled the Queen Elizabeth Hall during Oldham Music Centre’s annual Christmas concert.

Choirs and musicians took to the stage to perform a selection of Christmas classics and seasonal songs.

More than 700 visitors, including the Mayoress of Oldham, Councillor Kay Knox, watched performances from the borough’s girls, boys and youth choirs.

The music centre’s new adult pop community choir, formed only four months ago, also took part in the event.

And music was provided by the centre’s youth brass band, youth wind band and youth orchestra.

Martin Evans, deputy director for music in Oldham, said: “It was a really successful night, one of the best shows we have ever performed.

“Everyone performed really well and we’ve had some very favourable comments.

“2010 is an exciting year for the music centre as we are keen to branch out, expand into the community and bring adults on board.

“In January, we will be launching a Bollywood choir to be based at the Indian Centre, and we hope to establish a gospel choir later in the year.

“We are also putting together an adult wind band. Anyone interested in the new ventures should call 0161-627 2332.”


Carols by candlelight

CAROL singers notched up an impressive £475 for charity when they gave voice to festive songs.

Organised by the women at Trinity Methodist Church, Royton, the candlelight carol service attracted a full house, and a collection was held in aid of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice, Royton.

One of the organisers, Marie Price, said the event supported a different charity each year, and the church women had chosen Dr Kershaw’s because it was a local charity struggling in the credit crunch.

At least 200 people attended in what has become one of the most popular events on the church calendar.


Pupils visit Santa’s grotto

SANTA’S helpers at the Home Delivery Network national centre in Shaw took time out from their busiest season to set up a grotto for local schoolchildren.

HDN invited youngsters from near-by Buckstones Primary School to visit Santa, whose grotto was specially created with materials and decorations donated by staff at the sorting centre in Linney Lane.

The children — aged four and five — also received presents from Santa, which had been donated by HDN’s customers and suppliers, including Shop Direct Group, Argos, The Book People, Direct Golf, Express Gifts, Eddie Stobart and many others.

Christmas is the busiest time of year for HDN, which last year delivered over 35 million parcels in the peak period.

Staff will get the chance to take their own children along on Wednesday when 120 children are expected to visit the grotto.


Over 55s go crackers for party fun

VILLAGES Housing Association, which manages the Fitton Hill estate, has brought a load of Christmas cheer to the over 55s with a festive party.

It was held at St Paul’s Conservative Club in Hollins Road and included a buffet lunch and entertainment.


Stars of traditional tale

BUDDING actors at Holy Rosary School, Fitton Hill, took to the stage to tell the traditional Christmas tale. Youngsters from the nursery and reception classes donned costumes and took to the stage to perform the “Nursery Rhyme Nativity”.



School panto is a hit

A CRACKING Christmas pantomime brought down the house at St Joseph’s School, Shaw.

Year 5 and Year 6 youngsters donned costumes and wigs to perform the classic tale of Robin Hood before proud parents.

Head teacher Andrew Dickinson wrote the show, and Sian Ollerhead took the lead role of Robin alongside her school pals.

Pupils from Years 1 to 4 also took to the stage as part of a Christmas production, while nursery and reception class children performed the nativity.

Steve Hill, deputy head teacher, said: “It has been absolutely fantastic. Sian did a brilliant job in the lead role and all the children performed superbly.”




Festive fun for pupils

IT’S been double the fun for pupils at Yew Tree Primary this Christmas. Nursery and reception class youngsters staged several performances of a traditional nativity play.

And Year 3 pupils at the Chadderton school entertained guests with their modern concert, “Hurry Santa”.

More than 700 people enjoyed watching the two productions.


CHRISTMAS is a time of celebration, happiness and joy, but for people who have lost loved ones it can intensify feelings of loss.

At Greenacres Congregational Church, everyone is welcome to attend the Quiet Hearts service on Tuesday, at 7.30pm.

The event is for anyone who has suffered a bereavement or other life changing event and offers time for reflection.

The service includes carols, readings and prayers and visitors can write the name of a loved one on a star for the Christmas tree to ensure that they are in the thoughts of the congregation over the festive period.


Bells ring out

BELLS rang out at Sacred Heart Church Hall in Uppermill during Saddleworth Carers’ Group Christmas party.

Members enjoyed a performance from the St Chad’s School hand bell group, which played a range of Christmas tunes, before tucking into a festive buffet.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Jim McArdle, Oldham Youth Mayor, Mohammed Adil, Saddleworth Parish Council chairman, Parish Councillor Alma McInnes, and her consort, Ian, all attended.

The group is run by members of Saddleworth Medical Practice Patient Participation Group and has more than 20 members who care for people with dementia. For more information call Kath Edwards on 01457-871598 or e-mail kathleen.e@btinternet.com