St George will fly high over Oldham

CELEBRATIONS to mark St George’s Day will be kick-started by Oldham Council at the civic centre tomorrow.

The Mayor of Oldham councillor Jim McArdle will be joined by Chief Supt Tim Forber, from Greater Manchester Police, as well as the three party political leaders — Councillors Howard Sykes, Jim McMahon and Jack Hulme.

Representatives of the scouts and guides will help hoist up the banner at 8am.

Councillor McArdle said: “St George’s Day is a hugely popular national occasion. I am certain that residents across the borough, young and old, are looking forward to joining in with their own special events on this day.”

The famous red cross will also be flown on flagpoles throughout the borough. A special community event has been funded by the Royton, Shaw and Crompton District Partnership on Saturday at Royton and Crompton School, Blackshaw Lane, from 1 to 5pm.

Attractions include an inflatable pirate ship, fairground stalls, sports activities, combat re-enactment, and much more.

All entertainment on the day is free.

For more information contact Jan Joshi on 0161-770 5504 or e-mail jan.joshi@oldham.gov.uk.




Male voice choir flies flag for St George



Get patriotic with the Saddleworth Male Voice choir at their annual St George’s Concert on Saturday.



The choir will sing pieces with a particular English connection. The finale gives the audience the opportunity to join in a flag-waving sing-along to “Land of Hope and Glory”, “There’ll Always be an England”, and “Jerusalem”.

Special guests are the Oldham Tinkers with their traditional Lancashire songs.

Tickets for the concert at 7.30pm in the Civic Hall, Uppermill, are available at £10 from Saddleworth Museum, Uppermill Post Office, Cliff Etherden on 01457 872464, or on-line at saddleworthmvc.co.uk

To join weekly rehearsals every Wednesday (7.30-9.30pm) at the Old School on the corner of Station Road and Lee Street in Uppermill, contact recruitment officer Mike Smith on 0161-431-9848.