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 Lily (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2012) Patriotic costumes and decorations will need to be dusted off ready for a day of celebration to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on Sunday, June 3rd 2012.
The Diggle Community Association have, in collaboration with Kiln Green Church, Diggle Band Club, Diggle Band and Diggle Primary School, organised a fun packed event to mark this special occasion.
The event will start at 1.30pm, at the Hanging Gate car park, with a procession through the village led by Diggle B Band and the Rev. Duncan Rhodes. Residents, youth organisations and children from Diggle Primary School will accompany the band on its march to Diggle Band Club where there will be a fancy dress competition. Children and adults will be competing for prizes, creating costumes themed around kings and queens in red , white and blue. The Rev Duncan Rhodes said, “Prizes will be given for the best looking costumes, family, pram, dog and any other category that we can think of.”
At Diggle Band Club visitors will be treated to live performances by Diggle’s Brass Bands, The 99s, Kieran McMahon and Bright Sparks and the grounds of the Band Club will be awash with a variety of fun packed stalls, a bar, a bouncy castle and a barbecue. All money raised on the day will be split between the groups involved in the event.
Stuart Coleman, DCA chairman said, “There is a lot going on over this weekend with the Band Contest and we thought it would be a great way to round things off. We are also very pleased that we can get together to celebrate this special day and that we are able to raise some money for the fantastic groups we have in Diggle.”
The procession will leave the Hanging Gate car park, at 1.30pm and follow a route along Huddersfield Road.
Contact details: For more information contact Stuart Coleman at dcachairman@googlemail.com, Diggle Band Club on 01457872856 or Duncan Rhodes on 01457872399.
 CCTV image of U-Kash suspect Police have issued an image of a man wanted for scamming U-Kash vouchers out of two Oldham businesses.
On both occasions the offender asked the cashier for U-Kash voucher totalling £250. While the cashier carried out the request, the offender entered the voucher code into his mobile phone. He then offered his credit card to pay for the voucher, but it was rejected. He then left the voucher at the store but used the voucher code to withdraw cash elsewhere.
The offender struck first at the Premier Express store Lees at around 6.15pm on Monday 14 May 2012. He carried out the same scam on the Co-Op store on High Street, Uppermill at about 6.40pm that same day. Officers have now issued a CCTV image of the man.
PC John Hilldrup, based at Oldham, said: “This man has twice conned vouchers out of unsuspecting cashiers and went on to use the voucher code to withdraw cash. I want people to take a good look at the image we have released today and call us if you know this man or recognise him. Also, I would warn other cashiers and shop workers in the Oldham area to be on the look out for him and get in touch if he comes into your store and asks for U-Kash vouchers. I would advise shop staff to not hand over the vouchers until the payment has been cleared.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Pc Hilldrup on 0161 856 9014 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 Mnozilbrass Diggle Band is proud to present for the 4th time the world famous Mnozil Brass from Vienna at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Friday 22nd June 2012, 7.45 pm.
Mnozil Brass, a Brass Ensemble with a difference, has taken brass entertainment to a level previously unheard of. A Mnozil Brass concert is almost impossible to describe in words. This isn’t like your usual brass band concert with a March, Overture and Solo; this is more like a complete show that you could see in London’s West End.
Not a word is spoken from the moment the group appears on stage to the moment the group plays their last item, yet people can be seen laughing and clapping throughout the evening appreciating the unbelievable talent on the stage. They use no conductor/stands/ music or chairs. Each member plays at least one instrument and they sing with excellent intonation. If you want to know what to expect, expect the unexpected. Guaranteed is an evening of superlative entertainment blended with great humour. Once you have seen them live, you will never forget them.
Tickets are available from the Box Office: 0161 770 4083 or online on www.queenelizabethhall.com
To find out more visit www.mnozilbrass.at
 Podscroll MODERN technology is opening up the delights of the South Pennines to a new generation as walkers and families explore the uplands using podscrolls, audio guides and GPS.
The secrets of the prehistoric carved rocks scattered across Ilkley Moor are investigated in the latest podscroll to be launched by rural regeneration company, Pennine Prospects, as part of the Watershed Landscape project.
Using twenty-first century technology, the Ilkley Moor Podscroll, links walkers with their prehistoric ancestors, who through evolving farming methods changed the South Pennines landscape forever; from densely wooded hills and valleys to the open moorland seen today. Available for free download onto colour iPods, media players and smart-phones, the podscroll uses over 60 images to guide walkers on a route just short of three miles across Ilkley Moor to iconic carved rocks, some of which are thought to be 4,000 years old.
“We have several new resources that people can use to explore the upland landscape in the South Pennines,” explained Anna Carter, Watershed Landscape interpretation officer.
“The podscrolls allow anyone with a smart phone to download guides that act as a visual aid alongside a traditional map. They offer an interesting way to interpret the landscape, bringing it to life for a new audience.”
The limestone hushings on the moors above Burnley, are explored in the Sheddon Clough podscroll, developed by Audio Trails which also highlights the wildlife, bio-diversity and industrial heritage of the area in a short guided walk starting from Maiden’s Cross car park off the Long Causeway. The close relationship between the wilds of the uplands and the lives of those living in the valleys is still relevant today as Hurstwood and Cant Clough Reservoirs, seen along the route, provide Burnley with 21 million litres of clean drinking water every day.
Carved out of the landscape by hundreds of navvies using only picks and shovels the creation of the many reservoirs above Rochdale and Oldham are a testament to the ingenuity and drive of the industrial age. To help explore the landscape and unusual architecture of these reservoirs, Pennine Prospects and Rochdale Countryside team have developed a Reservoir Spotter’s Guide podscroll.
The Piethorne Reservoir Audio Trail is another type of walking guide available for free download onto MP3 players and mobile phones. This resource has been brought together by the Watershed Landscape project team with the help of experts from United Utilities and the Rochdale Countryside team. The audio trail helps walkers explore the heritage, wildlife and biodiversity of the uplands above Newhey in Rochdale.
All the podscrolls and the audio trail are available to download free from the website, which also features easy to follow instructions. Funding is being made available through the Watershed Landscape project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, and the South Pennines LEADER programme, (the Rural Development Programme for England), which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union, and managed by Pennine Prospects.
And for those wishing to take part in a modern treasure hunt geocaching is also available in the South Pennines. By using the global positioning system, GPS, through a specialised unit or mobile phone, walkers can use longitude and latitude coordinates to hunt for geocaches, carefully hidden containers that hold a logbook and small trinkets and trade items, some of which have been created by the Watershed Landscape artists and writers in residence. Three Watershed Landscape caches can be found in the landscape above the reservoirs of Widdop and Gorple.
“Geocaching is very popular here and all over the world. It’s a great way for people to explore the uplands in a family friendly way,” explained Anna.
For details on all the ways in which to explore the Watershed Landscape and for many other resources for families and schools, from videos to activity packs, visit the project’s website at www.watershedlandscape.co.uk and for regular updates follow the project team on Twitter @tweetingtwite
Everyone venturing onto the uplands is reminded to dress appropriately, in waterproofs and walking boots, and to be prepared for the weather to change quickly and without warning.
 Garth Harkness I am delighted to be elected to represent Saddleworth North on Oldham Council and wish to thank all those who voted in the recent elections. I aim to fight to get a fair deal for our area and, to ensure decisions about Saddleworth are made in Saddleworth. I hope to work closely with all parts of the community, to listen to people’s concerns and do all in my power to get things changed for the better. I am already addressing a number of issues brought to me by residents and I am looking forward to doing much more in the coming years.
If you have any problems or issues then please contact me and I will try to help.
Contact details for garth Harkness:
Tel: 01457 875 267 Email: garth.harkness@gmail.com Website: http://garthharkness.mycouncillor.org.uk/
 Diggle Band The programme for the Diggle Band Contest is now available from Diggle Post Office and Diggle Band Club at the remarkably low price of only £2! The programme has lots of interesting articles about Brass Bands, Whit Friday and interesting folk and stories from Diggle.
As always the Band Contest Committee are very grateful to all those who contributed to the programme be it articles or adverts as the sale of the programme goes a long way towards the costs of running the band Contest which this year will be in excess of £3000.
Brian Cliffe, spokesperson for Diggle Band Club Committee said, “Preparations are going extremely well and this year should be a great contest. With the event growing in popularity we do need a large number of volunteers to help on the day. We are looking for people who are prepared to help with a number of tasks, such as greeting the bands, helping with manoeuvring the coaches, marshalling the bands for the march, selling programmes and helping to keep the site litter free.”
If anyone could spare an hour (or more!) on the evening of 1st June, could they please contact Brian Cliffe on 01457 873901 or via email at: brian@cliffes.myzen.co.uk
MAY 2012 update
| CRIME |
JAN |
FEB |
March |
April |
|
|
| BURGLARY
(Of homes) |
6 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
|
|
| BURGLARY OTHER
(Shed, Garage, Business) |
2 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
|
|
| THEFT FROM A VEHICLE |
1 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
|
|
| THEFT OF A MOTOR VEHICLE |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
|
|
| CRIMINAL DAMAGE |
4 |
1 |
6 |
3 |
|
|
| ROBBERY |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
|
Three house burglaries
Ammons Way, Delph – front door was kicked in and two offenders made of in a green Nissan Micra.
Hudderfield Road, Denshaw – mole grips were used to snap the lock on a front door .
Ainley Wood, Delph – entry was gained through a rear door.
Four other burglaries
Wharf Mill , Diggle – offenders attempted to gain entry through a concertina garage door.
Denshaw – a padlock was broken from a roller shutter door on a farm and a mechanical saw was stolen
Bailey Mill, Delph – a quantity of stone was stolen and two males were arrested.
Boat Lane, Diggle – a quad bike was stolen from a stable.
Vehicle crime
Huddersfield Rd, Scouthead – a window was smashed but nothing was stolen.
Huddersfield Road, Scouthead – theft of a motor vehicle.
Three incidences of criminal damage
Oldham Road, Denshaw – vehicle damaged.
Holcombe Close, Springhead – downstairs window damaged.
Hillside Avenue, Diggle – domestic incident.
Anti-social behaviour
Diggle still continues to be a hotspot for ASB and there have been problems on Denshaw Road and Church Street in Delph.
Other news
There has been an increase in damage to and thefts from vehicles in the Springhead, Lees and Grotton. GMP are advising people not to leave any valuables on display and ensure that vehicles are locked.
If you want to know more about policing in Oldham, the following link will take you to the youtube website where you can listen to a message from Chief Superintendent Tim Forber, Divisional Commander, Oldham Division, Greater Manchester Police.
http://tinyurl.com/cjevcug
To contact GMP follow this link Saddleworthandlees.npt@gmp.police.uk or give Greater Manchester Police a call on 0161 856 4525
 Sedum (Photo: Stuart Coleman©2012) Saddleworth Gardening Club have published their summer programme. Over the summer months, between June and October, the club are planning to visit to some of the finest gardens in Britain and they are inviting Saddleworth’s gardeners to join them.
Saturday 2nd June, Harewood House, Leeds: 100 acres set in the magnificent landscape created by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Gardens include a lakeside garden, a walled garden and even a bird garden. Cafe and picnic areas.
Costs: Coach £13 Entry £9
Pick up points: 9.15 Three Crowns, 9.17 Doctor Lane, 9.20 Delph Station, 9.25 (Woolpack), 9.30 Hanging Gate, 9.40 Museum,U’Mill ,9.45 Farrers, 9.50 Lydgate, 9.55 Grotton
Contact: Mrs Mary Emery 0161 682 1825 between Sat 19 June – Fri 25 June
Sunday 1st July, Carperby Open Village Gardens, Yorks: Over 20 village gardens to enjoy of varying size and interest. Plants for sale at various gardens and refreshments served throughout the day at the village hall. Disabled facilities.
Costs: Coach £15 Total entry £3.50
Pick up points: 9.15 Grotton, 9.20 Lydgate, 9.25 Farrars, 9.30 Museum, U’Mill, 9.40 Hanging Gate, 9.45 (Woolpack), 9.50 Delph Station, 9.53 Doctor Lane, 9.55 Three Crowns
Contact: Mrs Ella Hardacre 01457 878664 between 16 June – 22 July
Saturday 4th August, Yewtree House Gardens, Cheshire: This cottage style garden is home to the national collection of Heleniums and Centaurea as well as many unusual, hard to find and heritage varieties of hardy perennials. As facilities are minimal at the garden, we will be calling at Bridgemere Garden World for lunch before travelling to the garden.
Costs: Coach £13 Entry £2.50
Pick up points: 9.15 Three Crowns, 9.17 Doctor Lane, 9.20 Delph Station, 9.25 (Woolpack), 9.30 Hanging Gate, 9.40 Museum,U’Mill ,9.45 Farrers, 9.50 Lydgate, 9.55 Grotton
Contact: Mrs Kath Lomas 01457 878245 between Sat 21 July – Fri 27 July
Sunday 2nd September, Dingle Gardens, Whelshpool: Set in the heart of rural Wales, this 4 acre garden is mostly the work of Barbara Joseph and has been featured on television and in magazines. There is no cafe but free tea and coffee is available and the garden is free to RHS members. We shall however be calling at Derwen Garden Centre which is close by, for lunch before visiting the garden.
Costs: Coach £15 Entry £3.50
Pick up points: 9.15 Grotton, 9.20 Lydgate, 9.25 Farrars, 9.30 Museum, U’Mill, 9.40 Hanging Gate, 9.45 (Woolpack), 9.50 Delph Station, 9.53 Doctor Lane, 9.55 Three Crowns
Contact: Mrs Marilyn McNeill 01457 829654 between Sat 18 August – Fri 24 August
Check details when booking as dates, venues and times may be subject to change.
The saddleworth Players present Tom Jones “A ribald and rowdy romp. Directed by Roger Holland, the play runs from May 19th – 26th at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph.
“The play by Joan Macalpine, faithful to the ’18 books’ Fielding wrote on ‘Tom Jones – the History of a Foundling’, is a ribald and rowdy romp through the mansions and taverns of Georgian England.
Poor Tom, he just can’t seem to stay away from romantic involvements! Henry Fielding’s classic novel “Tom Jones, the History of a Foundling” is as hilarious today as it was when it was written in the 18th century! It is the story of a baby (Tom) who was abandoned at birth in the bed of Squire Allworthy. The Squire takes the child and rears him as his own, yet there is no secret that he is a foundling. He’s given the surname of Jones because the household believes that his mother is Jenny Jones, maid to Squire Allworthy’s sister.
Tom Jones isn’t a bad guy, but boys just want to have fun! Nearly two and a half centuries after its publication, the adventures of the rambunctious and randy Tom Jones still makes for great reading. I’m not in the habit of using words like bawdy or rollicking, but if you look them up in the dictionary, you should see a picture of this book.
It says a great deal for “Tom Jones” that after more than 250 years, it’s still as fresh and alive as it was when Henry Fielding wrote it. Squire Allworthy, out of pity for the foundling, raises him as his own son. Tom grows up, perhaps the most randy, rollicking, and riotous young man in literature! The ladies can’t seem to keep their hands off him! He is perpetually in some kind of trouble; but his heart is in the right place even if he thinks with the wrong head most of the time. He’s kind, decent, affectionate and generous to a fault. He’s also in love …
Henry Fielding’s fallen hero bed-hops his way out of a good home and almost into a hangman’s noose, via a series of misadventures and misunderstandings. For perhaps the first time in English literature, a prose account of bawdy escapades made its way on to the literary scene. The book is full of melodramatic hilarity and Dickensian coincidences, but by the end, “all’s well that ends well!”
Our 2012 Tom Jones promises to be just as memorable as the 1971 production (see over) – don’t miss it!
For further details and booking information click here.
 Oldham Council in partnership with BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) are running six introductory dry stone wall training sessions and the chance to take a national Dry Stone walling exam.The training will give you the traditional skills needed to conserve a key part of the landscape and provide an opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification. Courses are taking place on:
19 – 20 May 201
26 – 27 May 2012
21 – 22 July 2012
28 – 29 July 2012.
There are 10 places on each weekend course and the cost is £20 per weekend course (£10 students/unemployed) non-refundable deposit. Taking place in the farmland to the north of Dowry Reservoir, Denshaw. A minibus pick-up to the walling site is available on request.
For more information on this or the advanced course, send your name and contact details to env.brownhill@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 4056 or visit www.oldham.gov.uk/dry_stone_walling for more information.
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