Charlie carves his place in history

OLDHAM by name: Charlie Oldham with the crest, which is now up in the Civic Centre

A SOMERSET sculptor has revisited his Northern roots to create an ornate carving for Oldham Council.

Charlie Oldham - born in Rochdale - was commissioned to make a wood carving which now takes pride of place in the Civic Centre.

The centrepiece is a 6ft diameter Oldham coat of arms, created in 1974 when Oldham joined Chadderton, Shaw, Royton, Lees, Failsworth and Saddleworth to become one authority.

Charlie was invited to become a member of the prestigious Society of Heraldic Artists as a result of the commission.

He said: “It seems fitting that I was chosen to make this piece, given my name — and it was nice to do something for a place I knew well growing up.

“I was very pleased with the finished result and I am delighted to now be a member of the Society of Heraldic Artists.”