Our civic pride put on display

CIVIC pride will be celebrated when the eight crests of Oldham and its surrounding towns go on display.

Council leaders have decided to commission new artwork which will be seen by visitors using the Civic Centre’s Rochdale Road entrance, on their way to the civic silver display, Chadderton suite, council chamber or Mayor’s parlour.

The work, which has been commissioned in wood from artist Charles Oldham, will cost £17,000-£21,000.

It will include the coat of arms for the Oldham Borough, which was created in 1974 when Oldham and six neighbouring councils joined together to become one authority, including Chadderton, Shaw, Royton, Lees, Failsworth and Saddleworth.

The coat of arms was originally displayed in mosaic on the floor at the Rochdale Road civic entrance, but was covered over when it was refurbished and carpeted.

During discussions about the work, the joint leadership team suggested commissioning the crests of all Oldham’s towns for a new display.

Only Chadderton, Failsworth, Royton and Oldham had their own coats of arms: Crompton used the Lancashire coat of arms, Saddleworth used the white rose of Yorkshire and Lees didn’t have one.

Now Lees will be represented by a design based on the medallion which used to be worn by the deputy chairman of Lees.

Despite the artist’s name, Charles Oldham is based in Somerset and is a member of the Master Woodcarvers’ Association.

He creates and restores woodwork, working with the National Trust and conservation companies.

He has also worked on Windsor Castle and Hampton Court Palace.