‘Mystery repairman’ passes on his skills

HANDYMAN Stephen Rimmer . . . running two workshops

THE mystery handyman who carried out a series of guerilla repairs to benches and fences across the borough is set to pass on his skills to a group of Oldham young people.

Ex-serviceman Stephen Rimmer would sneak out in the middle of the night to secretly renovate and install amenities around the borough.

He repaired 18 fences and benches, adding a splatter of colour to them while baffling local residents.

Now, he will leading two Reclaim, Repair, Recycle workshops, organised by the Moston Brook Environmental Events Team (MBEET), at Moston Brook next Tuesday.

The workshops, held at noon to 2pm and 2pm to 4pm, will give young people the chance to reclaim, repair and recycle materials and find new uses for old objects.

Activities include building benches that will then be installed around the Wrigley Head area of Moston Brook, and creating observation posts.

Giant outdoor games, environmental activities and refreshments will also be available.

Mr Rimmer (37), from Chadderton, said: “Moston Brook has always been a special place to me.

“It’s a magical place that’s full of all sorts of wonders, and is right on our doorstep.

“It’s great to be part of a project that encourages people on to the brook and to work together to play a huge part in the regeneration of the area.”

Workshop places are limited so anyone aged 16 to 25 who wants to take part should ring Sophie Heywood or Rebekah Beresford on 0161-624 1444 or 07850-310778, or. email sophie.heywood@groundwork.org.uk