History groups form a band of brothers

A NEW organisation has been set up to promote the borough’s history and heritage.

Local history and civic societies have created the 7 Townships Heritage Forum.

The group includes the local history societies of Chadderton, Failsworth, Lees, Royton and Saddleworth. They are joined by the Oldham Research Group, Oldham Area Civic Society, Saddleworth Civic Trust, and the Oldham branch of the Manchester and Lancashire Family History Society.

Several of the organisations have already worked together when they helped Councillor Mike Buckley, the council’s heritage champion, compile detailed reports on the council-owned buildings in their respective areas.

The partnership will help member societies drawing up their yearly programmes of activities by exchanging information and advice. It will make them more aware of what is taking place in other areas, avoid duplication and contribute to joint events.

The forum will also share experiences and expertise, such as Royton’s professional excavations of the Royton Hall ruins or Chadderton’s website which has been included in the British Library archives as an example of good practice.

The name has been chosen to represent the borough’s seven historic townships: Chadderton, Crompton (Shaw), Failsworth, Lees, Oldham, Royton and Saddleworth.

A logo has yet to be adopted, but it will emphasise the individuality and also the unity of the the seven areas.

John Beever, of Oldham Research Group, has been chosen as forum co-ordinator, with Christine Dennis, from Chadderton Historical Society, as his deputy.

Councillor Buckley welcomed the new group and said: “The fact that we have got so many historical societies is very encouraging. They are beginning to not only study the history of the area but look around them and say ‘we have got this interesting building, we have got this thing from the past, we do not want to lose them’.

For details of the forum’s next meeting on May 11, contact John on 0161-628 0451 or Christine on 0161-284 2275.