Charity digs in for another 30 years

Celebrating Groundwork’s 30th anniversary, with its Shaw Road headquarters in the background, are (from the left) Youth Mayor Emma O’Donnell, Mayoress Kathleen Hudson, Cliff Ellison, a former executive director, executive director Vicki Devonport, volunteer James Lyon, the Mayor, Councillor John Hudson, chairman Richard Tang and Mary Blanksby, Fulwood Rangers committee member

ENVIRONMENT charity Groundwork has celebrated three decades of spadework with a special event looking forward to the next 30 years.

The Mayor, Councillor John Hudson, visited its headquarters to help to mark the charity’s anniversary.

Representatives from organisations including AKSA Homes, First Choice Homes Oldham, Oldham Council and The Regenda Group attended the day to find out how they could work with Groundwork on future projects.

People who have benefited from Groundwork’s support spoke of their experiences - following which the Mayor and Mayoress cut the birthday cake.

Based at the former Higginshaw School in Shaw Road, Groundwork has played a major role in environmental issues across the borough over the past 30 years.

Vicki Devonport, Groundwork’s executive director, said: “Much of our past success has been built on strong partnerships - and it is this that we want to have continue long into the future.”