Charismatic group keeps getting better

celebration: (back, from the left) Mary Howard, Marianne Downes, Liz Needle, Johnny ‘M’, Ken Laming. Front: author Jan Needle, Rose Johnstone and Frances Judge

A GROUP uniting Sholver and Moorside residents got the creative juices flowing as it celebrated it’s first anniversary.

Charisma (Campaign for Heritage and Recreation in Sholver and Moorside Area) used funding from Voluntary Action Oldham to organise drama and creative-writing classes.

It held an event at Sholver Youth and Community Centre to celebrate the success, which also marked a year since the organisation was formed.

The group was formed to organise events in the two communities and to help protect, conserve and enhance the use of Sholver Green.

Membership is open to all residents and it has already held numerous family fun days, concerts and competitions.

The latest sessions involved 10 children taking part in drama classes and nine adults doing creative writing under the tuition of Uppermill author Jan Needle.

One singer has now written songs that he would not have done before and another participant is on the 12th chapter of writing a book under Jan’s watchful eye.

Vice-chairman Sonya Costello said: “We’re really pleased. It’s been a great success and we will try and seek further funding.

“We’re now looking to get even more people involved.”

The group meets regularly at the Northgate Pub on Sholver Green and more details are available on their website charismainoldham.com