Patriots praised for reclaiming St George

RAISING the flag. The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor David Jones and Jean Jones, at the Civic Centre ceremony

RED and white was the order of the day as patriotic Oldhamers celebrated St George’s Day.

The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor David Jones, raised the St George’s Flag in an 11am service at the Civic Centre on Saturday.

He was accompanied by standard bearers from regimental associations and said: “I think it is very important any nation recognises its national day. I remember when the vast majority of people did not know when St George’s Day was.

“Over the past 10 years or so people have become more aware of St George’s Day and the need to mark it.

“I think that came about for the wrong reason and it was a shame that St George’s Day and the flag were association with extremism.

“It is now refreshing English people are recognising, like any other nation, that celebrating their national day is normal and nothing to do with politics and extremism. It is about being proud of who you are and where you live.”

Celebrations took part across the borough in glorious sunshine, including a fun day at Waterhead Park funded by East Oldham District Partnership and East Oldham’s Connecting Communities.

Most of the attractions there were free and included birds of prey, an inflatable assault course, a climbing wall, a cafe with singing waiters, face and henna painting, smoothies and St George’s Day crafts.

Visitors included Paula and John Morris from Springhead with their children Liam (11) and Natalie (16).

Paula said: “There is plenty to do and the weather helps as well — it’s wonderful and it a nice place to have it.”

Groups from across East Oldham took part and Councillor Kay Knox said: “This is about nice weather, having a good time and always something for the children to do.

“It is about people coming together with messages: promoting healthy eating, what’s going on in your area, keeping fit.”


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