500 events to keep youngsters amused

THERE’S no chance of youngsters getting bored this half term with more than 500 events on offer to keep them busy.

From trampolining to diving and drama to dancing, there’s something for everyone when the holidays start tomorrow.

The Fast Forward events have been organised by the Oldham Partnership following the success of a similar programme last summer which saw crime plunge by 27 per cent.

The full schedule of events are available online at www.gooldham.gov.uk which is updated daily to keep youngsters informed.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services, said: “Just a quick look at the ‘Go! Oldham’ website shows the breadth and depth of everything that is on offer for the February half-term.

“The site is absolutely packed with fun activities and events, and parents can also use it to help them find local activities or ideas for something different to try.

“There are some very creative ideas on there about how to fill youngsters’ time — and many will be on your doorstep.

“You can search for activities in sports, arts, music, literature, outdoors and many others, so there really is no excuse to be kicking your heels at home during the holidays.”

Fast Forward is part of the new Go Oldham annual campaign which will see local youth provision extended throughout the year.

Gallery Oldham, Groundwork, Oldham Coliseum Theatre, Oldham Athletic, Oldham Community Leisure, Oldham Countryside Service, Oldham Libraries, Oldham Youth Service and Saddleworth Art Gallery are just a few of the organisations providing activities.


Something for everyone

LIMESIDE youngsters have a whole host of holiday activities ahead.

Contour Homes is working with Limeside Primary School to ensure that children living on the Avenues & Hollins estate in Oldham will have a healthy and active half term.

Shanine Meadowcroft, from Contour Homes, said: “All the activities are free of charge and should help prevent the words ‘I am bored’ which every parent dreads during school holidays.”

Parents for Play are running drop-in play sessions for children at the Avenues and Hollins community hall in First Avenue every day next week between 1pm-3pm.

Children aged three to eight can enjoy educational play activities while parents and carers get together for a chat.

Young people who are keen to develop their IT skills can attend IT sessions in the community hall on Wednesday 1pm to 3pm.

The activities continue after half term when football coaching sessions return to the area by popular demand.

Starting on February 23 between 4pm-5pm, football coaching sessions will be available for children in and around the Avenues and Hollins area.

Anyone interested in training for a Level One football coaching badge can also receive training.

Parents for Play is also running monthly drop-in play sessions at the community hall for children with additional needs on the last Saturday of every month 1pm-3pm.

Shanine said: “If you have any ideas of your own for other activities for all ages, we’d love to hear them.”