InspiredLiving
Summer 2015
THE MAGAZINE FOR OLDHAM PFI RESIDENTS
WIN ! £40 w high orth of s vou treet che rs
YOUR COMMUNITY IN GREAT HANDS SUMMER FUN ON A BUDGET
OLDHAM IN BLOOM
A round up of summer events
Meet our green-fingered residents
How to get in touch with us... CALL Great Places or Wates, dial 0300 123 2003 A full range of services are available between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, with an extra out-of-hours repairs service provided by Wates, which can be contacted on the same number.
PRESS 1 – for Wates Living Space who can help you with repairs, refurbishment and new-build enquiries
PRESS 2 – for Great Places Housing Group who can help you with housing management and information on sales units
EMAIL: the Great Places team at oldhampfi@greatplaces.org.uk and Wates at infooldhampfi@wates.co.uk
IN PERSON: you can also drop in to see us at the Great Places office – 119 Union Street,
Oldham, OL1 1TE. The office is staffed and is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. You can also drop in and say hello at the Crossley Centre, 323 Denton Lane, Chadderton, OL9 9GA, 0161 652 1419 and The Primrose Bank Centre, Magnolia Gardens, Primrose Bank, 0161 624 7202.
The team are available to visit you in your home. Please don’t hesitate to ask for an appointment when it’s convenient for you.
We’re online!
Visit www.greatplaces.org.uk and
search for Oldham PFI Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OldhamPFI www.facebook.com/CrossleyCent re www.facebook.com/PrimroseCen tre Follow us on Twitter @CrossleyCentre @Primrose_C entre
Write to Inspired Living at: Communications Great Places Housing Group Southern Gate 729 Princess Road Manchester M20 2LT
Email:
communications@greatplaces.org.uk
Access for all
If you’re visually impaired let us know if you need a magnifying sheet. An audio version of Inspired Living is also available. If you need this magazine in a different language, please also let us know.
Editor: Kirsty Hogarth (kirsty.hogarth@greatplaces.org.uk) Designer: Simon Crossley (simon.crossley@greatplaces.org.uk)
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Welcome to Welcome to the summer issue of Inspired Living. This edition comes at a time when we are within touching distance of having all highways and open spaces completed – the finishing touches in making our neighbourhoods great places to live. Since the spring edition we have seen significant progress, particularly with highways completions, and I’d like to thank everyone for being so patient during the works as we appreciate that they can be very disrupting. This edition has a focus on saying a big ‘Thank You’ to residents (pages 14–15).
InspiredLiving! I’m very pleased to say that our new grounds maintenance contractor, Greenfingers, have started on site, and early feedback has been very positive.
are looking forward to helping and assisting people with their garden maintenance – some excellent examples of beautiful greenery can be found on pages 12–13.
Greenfingers has an Oldhambased workforce and has already recruited from the area with the help of the Get Oldham Working team at Oldham Council – further demonstrating that the project is not just about bricks and mortar – but about creating opportunities for local people. More information about their role can be found on page 11.
We’ve also got an article on your repairs team and the work they carry out on a daily basis – this can be found on page 10.
The people at Greenfingers are passionate about what they do and
Have a wonderful summer!
Ryan Smith Oldham PFI manager
WHAT’S INSIDE? Features 6–7 Summer fun on a budget: The best cheap and cheerful things to do around Oldham this summer 8 What’s on: What’s going on at your community centres 9 Get fit around Oldham: Local sports and activities
pages
Neighbourhood news
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pages
19 Opening doors to a better future: We meet Great Places’ new apprentice Abigail Andrews
Meet your maintenance team
10-11
Oldham in bloom
12-13
Celebrating communities pages
18 Keep it cool this summer: Advice on keeping safe this summer
pages
16–17 The changing face of Oldham: Transformation of the borough
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Neighbourhood NEWS FUNDING SUCCESS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY CENTRES! The Crossley and Primrose Bank Residents’ Groups have been successful in obtaining funding through Rapid Respect Our Community Awards (ROCA). Crossley Residents’ Group has been awarded £300 for an intergenerational tea dance – designed for both old and young people to share their skills through dance, arts and crafts. The Primrose Bank Residents’ Group has been awarded £500 towards outdoor play equipment for pre-school children. The group plans to hold regular ‘coffee & kids’ sessions.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Coppice Sporting Alliance, in partnership with Great Places, is calling for volunteers to assist with fundraising activities such as organising raffles and quiz nights. No prior experience is needed. The alliance has been set up by residents of Coppice and Werneth to provide more sports and recreation activities to local residents, which are accessible to both men and women of all ages, are fun, and at low or no cost. Interested? Please contact Naseem Ahmad on 07815 311 125 or email naseem.ahmad@greatplaces.org.uk.
EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH ARTS Oldham-based National Portfolio Arts Organisation, Peshkar, invites young people to create their own films and gain nationally recognised qualifications. The sessions are really fun and give you the chance to express yourself and make new friends! When: Every Monday, 6–8pm (except bank holidays and during school holidays) Where: Primrose Bank Community Centre Who: Ages 10–18 years – both males and females For further information contact Steph Brocken on steph@peshkar.co.uk.
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A TASTE OF THE WORLD
COME JOIN THE FUN
Inspired Living is inviting residents to share their favourite homemade sweet and savoury recipes inspired by flavours from both here in England and across the globe.
Whether it’s a quick and simple family favourite or a new twist on a classic dish – whatever gets your taste buds going – we want to hear about it. Send your recipe, along with your name, phone number and a short note about why you love it to oldhampfi@greatplaces.org.uk. Or by postal mail to FREEPOST, RLSC-HLLJ-EZRZ, Inspired Living, Great Places Housing Group, Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester, M20 2LT. A selection of the recipes will be featured in a future issue of Inspired Living and the star recipe will win a £10 shopping voucher. The competition is open to Great Places residents only.
Time Out offers kids a range of activities from cooking and board games to arts and crafts and drama for just 50p a session. When: Tuesdays and Fridays, 4:30pm– 6:30pm (plus ad-hoc day trips and events throughout the year) Where: The Crossley Community Centre Who: Ages 5–13 years For further information contact: Niela Kouser on 07898 112 692 or email niela.kouser@gmail.com.
MYSTERY SHOPPERS WANTED! Help improve your neighbourhood and join the Great Places mystery shopping team.
WHAT IS MYSTERY SHOPPING?
Mystery shopping provides residents with the opportunity to pose as a customer and review the service that they receive from Great Places, Wates and our partners who deliver services to your neighbourhood. For example, the way that we allocate houses, how the grass is cut in your neighbourhood and the level of customer service you receive from Great Places and Wates staff. The mystery shoppers then score their experience of the service delivered using a checklist. The information collected via mystery shopping is reported to the residents’ panel meeting every three months.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A MYSTERY SHOPPER? Becoming a mystery shopper gives you the opportunity to be actively involved with shaping services and driving improvements in your neighbourhood.
It helps ensure that Great Places and Wates continue to deliver services to the high standard that we all expect.
INTERESTED?
If you are interested in being a mystery shopper or would like further information please contact Jan Wade on 07736 693 120 or email jan.wade@greatplaces.org.uk.
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SUMMER FUN ON A BUDGET
Our run down of the best cheap and cheerful things to do around Oldham this summer for both kids and adults alike.
SUPER SATURDAYS CREATIVE FAMILY FUN Craft activities, painting, drawing and creative fun for children aged 4–10 years. When: First Saturday of the month – 12–4pm Where: Gallery Oldham Further info: 0161 770 465/ www.galleryoldham.org.uk
FILM@FITTON Children aged 8–13 that live or attend school in Fitton Hill, Medlock Vale or Hathershaw are invited to join the monthly film club at Fitton Hill library. Snack on popcorn while you watch one of the latest films. Pop in the library to see what’s showing next.
ABILITY ZONE AT MAHDLO These youth sessions are specially adapted for young people with additional needs. Activities include boxing, trampolining, karaoke, arts and crafts, cooking, gaming and much more. It’s only 50p a session if you choose to become a member or £1 for non-members. When: Wednesdays 6:30pm–10pm (ages 14–25), Thursdays 6:30pm–9pm (ages 8–13), and Sundays 1:30–4:30pm (all ages) Where: Mahdlo Youth Zone, Egerton Street, Oldham, OL1 3SE Further info: 0161 624 0111/mahdloyz.org
When: Last Thursday of the month – 5–7pm Where: Fitton Hill Library Further info: 0161 770 8000/ fittonhill.library@oldham.gov.uk
HOLLINWOOD MARKET A traditional market in the heart of Hollinwood offering a wide range of food including fresh fruit and veg, cakes, pies, chocolate, and bread. The market also has a wonderful range of hand-made crafts, paintings, plants, soaps, jewellery and knitted goods. When: Last Sunday of every month – 1am–3pm Where: Oasis Academy Oldham, Hollins Road, Oldham OL8 4JZ Further info: www.hollinwoodhub.co.uk/market
KNIT & NATTER Calling all experienced and new knitters! Learn new stitches, swap patterns and enjoy a coffee in an informal setting. Start knitting those winter warmers ready for when the cooler weather sets in. All are welcome.
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When: Every Tuesday – 1–3pm Where: Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre Further info: 0161 770 8000 / oldham.library@oldham.gov.uk
SADDLEWORTH GROUP OF ARTISTS INTERNATIONAL ART WEEK International Art Week (otherwise known as Journee de Peinture) will be held in Saddleworth this year. Up to 30 accomplished international artists will be arriving from America, Germany, France and Switzerland to paint alongside local artists here in Saddleworth and surrounding areas and you’re invited to come and watch the magic happen. When: 20–27 June Where: Saddleworth (various locations)
DUCK RACE & FUN DAY – DR KERSHAW’S FUNDRAISER Thousands of rubber ducks will be released into the River Irk at Chadderton Hall Park. Prizes to be won. Plus, there will be live music and carnival stalls. Entrance is free – although there is a charge to take part in any of the optional carnival activities. When: 22 August – 12–3pm Where: Chadderton Hall Park Further info: 0161 624 9984/ info@drkershawshospice.org.uk
Further info: 01457 875 718/www.visitoldham.com
SADDLEWORTH HANDMADE FESTIVAL A chance to see and buy the wonderful handmade creations of local traders. Some stalls offer interactive elements and a chance to have a go at getting creative yourself. When: 20–21 June – 11–4pm Where: Uppermill Civic Hall Further info: 01457 765 632/ www.creativenetwork-saddleworth.co.uk
SADDLEWORTH COUNTRY SHOW Falcons, a petting zoo, dog training, classic cars, dry stone walling, kick boxing, and much more! All profits go to charity. When: Sunday 28 June Where: Well-i-Hole Farm Further info: £5 for adults – under 16s go free when accompanied by an adult
DIGGLE BLUES FESTIVAL A live blues musical tour of Diggle. All gigs will be held indoors so it promises a great time come rain or shine! This event is free, although donations are welcomed by the event organiser. When: 18–21 June Where: Diggle, Oldham (various venues) Further info: www.digglebluesfestival.co.uk
Most events listed do not require prior booking but we always recommend getting in touch with the relevant organiser in advance to make sure that there hasn’t been any changes to the event details.
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MROS RI
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YOURENTRE COMMUNITY CENTRES WHAT’S ON P
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C MONDAY Cooking Club 5:30pm–7:30pm Free
FRIDAY Pop-up Café 12pm–2pm
WEDNESDAY Zumba Gold 4:30pm–5:30pm £3
Time Out (5–13 years) 4:30pm–6:30pm 50p
Zumba Fitness 6:45pm–7:45pm £3
SATURDAY Table Tennis and Chess (5–15 year olds) 6pm–8pm Free
THURSDAY Computer Class (all levels) 10am–12pm Free
TUESDAY Be Fit Class 7pm–8pm £4
Work & Skills Club (help with CVs/job applications) 10am–12pm Free
Time Out (5–13 years) 4:30pm–6:30pm 50p
Chair-based Exercise 1pm–2pm £2
MROS RI
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P
SSLE RO
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SUMMER SPECIALS
ENTRE
MONDAY Y Art award with Peshkar (Free activities for young people) 6pm–8pm
ENTRE
C
Housing drop-in 2pm–5pm Free TUESDAY KOGS (Keeping Our Girls Safe) Coffee Morning – 10am–11:30am Free Oldham West Football Fitness (14+ years) – 7pm–8pm Free
SUNDAY Table Tennis and Chess (5–15 year olds) 6pm–8pm Free
AT PRIMROSE COMMUNITY CENTRE
THURSDAY Computer Wokshop (All levles) 1pm–3pm SATURDAY Zumba (ladies only) 10am–10:45am £3 SUNDAY Maths & English Tuition (4–16 year olds) 11am–1pm Free Maths Tuition (8–16 years olds) 2pm–3pm Free
Litter pick, crafts and games Wednesday 22 July, 2pm–4pm Arts, crafts and games With Oldham Play Action Group (OPAG) Thursday 23 July, 2pm–4pm Coffee morning Wednesday 29 July, 10am–12pm Arts, crafts and games with OPAG Thursday 30 July, 2pm–4pm Litter pick, crafts and games Wednesday 5 August, 2pm–4pm Arts, crafts and games With OPAG Thursday 6 August, 2pm–4pm Play Street with OPAG Monday 10 August, 2pm–4pm Coffee morning Wednesday 12 August, 10am–12pm
New activities are being added to both the community centre schedules on an on-going basis – pop into your local centre to find out what’s new or email crossleycentre@gmail.com or primrosecentre@gmail.com.
GET FIT AROUND
OLDHAM
In addition to all the activities we’ve got going on at the local community centres, there’s plenty of free and low cost sports initiatives taking place in Oldham each week to keep you and your loved ones active.
KICKZ PROJECT Free five-a-side football sessions for girls and boys (11–16 years) Honeywell Centre, Hadfield Crescent, Oldham Saturdays, 7–9pm Contact: Naseem Ahmad, 07815 311 125 or email naseem.ahmad@greatplaces.org.uk
MAHDLO GYM Fully equipped gym with friendly instructors on-hand. Classes available for ages 8–25 throughout the week – including sessions for those with additional needs. Mahdlo Youth Zone, Egerton Street, Oldham, OL1 3SE 50p a class with a £5 annual membership Contact: Mahdlo on 0161 624 0111
COPPICE RANGER FOOTBALL ACADEMY Free football training for boys aged 8–18 years Tudor Street Kick Pitch, Coppice, Oldham Sundays, 11am–12:20pm (8–12 years) and 12.30pm– 1:45pm (13–18years) Contact: Moshub Yousaf on 0797 596 2182
KICK BOXING Kick boxing classes for boys and girls aged 13–20 years Mondays, 7–8pm Mahdlo Youth Zone, Egerton Street, Oldham, OL1 3SE 50p a class with a £5 annual membership Contact: Mahdlo Gym on 0161 624 0111
OLDHAM RUGBY UNION Free community touch rugby for men and women 16+years Byrth Road, Oldham, Lancashire OL8 2TJ Thursdays, 7–8pm Contact: Steve Tyrrell on 07984 454 458.
CHADDERTON FC JUNIORS – PLAY MY WAY Disability multi-sports session – fun games for boys and girls aged 5–11 years The Radclyffe Sport Centre, Hunt Lane, Chadderton, Oldham OL9 0LS Wednesdays, 4:30pm–6pm £1 per session Contact: Peter Hamilton on peter@hamiltonpeter. wanadoo.co.uk or call 07932 485 175
SKULL CRUSHERS A new pay-as-you-train gym near Primrose Bank – open to anyone aged 16+. Plus ladies only classes. Rhodes Bank, Oldham £3 a class/gym session Contact: Ifty on 07787 153 050
OLDHAM WEST FOOTBALL ACADEMY Free football training for boys aged 5–16 years Tudor Street Kick Pitch, Coppice, Oldham Saturdays, 10:45am–12:15pm Contact: Ansar on 07885 587 930
EXERCISE 5–18 year olds should aim for 60 minutes of physical activity every day
Has been proven to lift mood and help promote good sleeping patterns
Can reduce your risk of major illnesses, such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer by up to 50%
Helps focus the brain and improve concentration
Able adults should aim for at least 2.5 hours of physical activity a week
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YOUR COMMUNITY IN GREAT HANDS Great Places, Wates and Greenfigers work in partnership to create not just great homes but great communities in Oldham. From maintaining communal areas and highways to repairing a fault in your home – they’re here to help your community shine.
MEET YOUR REPAIRS TEAM – WATES REPAIRS ISSUES THAT WATES CAN HELP WITH: Electrical
Intercoms
Joinery
Plumbing
Locks
Leaks
HOW TO REPORT A REPAIRS PROBLEM Call 0300 123 2003, and press option 1 for Wates. This is a 24 hour low cost number.
DEFECTS INSPECTIONS EXPLAINED As part of the final stage of a redevelopment an ‘end of defects’ inspection must be carried out. This is to ensure that all the work that has been undertaken has been completed to a lasting standard. The inspection normally takes place between one–two years following completion of the redevelopment and will take no longer than 20 minutes to complete. End of defects inspections have now commenced throughout the Oldham PFI scheme. The refurbished dwellings are being inspected first and the new build properties will then follow later in the year. All residents will receive a letter 28 days in advance of their end of defects inspection, and a second letter will follow seven days before the date of inspection in order to give you plenty of notice to arrange access or to re-arrange the appointment, if necessary. It is important that you keep your appointment to allow any defects to be inspected and subsequently rectified.
TIPS FOR RESOLVING A REPAIRS PROBLEM
Or email infooldham@wates.co.uk The office opening hours are 9am–5pm Monday to Friday. However, the 0300 number operates 24 hours a day 365 days a year with calls outside the normal office hours/ being answered by our partner First Response.
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TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME AND FOLLOW THE GUIDANCE IN THE TENANCY
REPORT PROBLEMS PROMPTLY. LEAVING PROBLEMS CAN CAUSE THE ISSUE TO ESCALATE
IF YOU ARE REPORTING A PROBLEM PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CALL THE SPECIFIED REPAIRS NUMBER
MEET YOUR GROUNDS
MAINTENANCE TEAM
GREENFINGERS
GROUNDS MAINTENANCE ISSUES THAT GREENFINGERS CAN HELP WITH:
BED WORK
GRASS CUTTING STANDARDS
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Carry on removing moss and weeds from paths and drives and keep an eye out for pests around the garden. Although, try to keep the use of chemical controls to a minimum – they may kill off pests, but they also kill off the beneficial insects such as ladybirds and hoverfly larvae.
•
Now the soil is warming up and things are starting to grow, add general purpose fertiliser before covering with mulch.
•
Water is a precious commodity – collect rainwater and recycle it in your garden.
•
Continue with the spring-cleaning. Hoe your borders to get rid of weeds before they take hold.
HEDGE CUTTING
HOW TO REPORT A GROUNDS MAINTENANCE ISSUE Please telephone your neighbourhood coordinator on 0300 123 2003.
TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR GARDEN LUSH THIS SUMMER
Cover stars!
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDHAM Thanks to continued expansion in the Oldham area, Greenfingers is delighted to announce the opening of a new depot in Hollinwood, which will give employment to 25 local people. Amongst our new recruits we will be taking on 10 young people to go through our very successful apprenticeship scheme.
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OLDHAM IN BLOOM Summer has arrived and so have the lush green gardens. Inspired Living visited some of Great Places’ green-fingered residents to find out what inspired them to get growing.
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Kryshia Winkler, of Burley Crescent, said: “I can’t take all the credit for my garden – it was mainly the work of my partner, Mark, who used to be a landscape gardener. He made the tubs himself from recycled old footstools. I’ve noticed that it has a positive knock-on effect when there are nice gardens in the neighbourhood – others get inspired to keep their gardens looking good.”
Michael Brennan, of Thornby Avenue, said: “I got my green fingers from my dad. I find it really satisfying to see the fruits of our work after a few hours in the garden. Plus, I think it inspires others to maintain their green spaces.”
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Gardening can be very therapeutic, hugely rewarding and if you fancy having a go at growing your own veg, fruit or herbs, it can save you money too.
Hijaab Naqvi, of Cashmere Walk, said: “I really enjoy gardening – it’s pleasing to have beautiful surroundings. My two-year-old daughter, Mariam, loves being in the garden.”
Faiza Khadim, of Thornby Avenue, said: “My husband and I re-landscaped the front garden last weekend – we did it all in one day – it took us 12 hours. I’m really pleased with the result and we’re going to start on the back garden soon to create more space for the children to play.”
Maintaining your garden is an important part of your tenancy agreement and we will continue to carry out monthly inspections to ensure that we are creating great communities.
Aklakur Rahman, of Cashmere Walk, said: “My son’s getting into gardening now – helping out with a bit of weeding. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained. We’re going to start growing our own tomatoes so more of this lovely weather would be good!”
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CELEBRATING CONNECTED COMMUNITIES Great Places would like to say a massive thank you to all our residents who are working together to continue to create great communities.
Big thanks to Peggy Cooke for her on-going help with litter picking in the Crossley area. Peggy said: “I’m known in the neighbourhood for my litter picking – some kids were tearing and throwing paper the other day and as soon as they saw me they stopped – I didn’t even need to say anything! I help out with a lot of the community clean-up days but I don’t need an occasion to get out with my litter picker – I do it all time!”
On behalf of her neighbours, we’d like to thank Joanne Cumberbirch of Crossley, for her help with getting her neighbour’s utility services up and running after one neighbour’s boiler broke and another neighbour’s electric went. Joanne said: “I love living here – the community is really coming on.”
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Peggy Cooke cleaning up fields with Great Places staff
Every community needs a Mark Hearne. After helping his neighbours with fixing kitchen doors, toilet roll holders, cars, and numerous bikes, he’s become well known for lending a helping hand in the Crossley neighbourhood. Mark, who lives with his partner and five children, is very humble about the favours he’s paid to his neighbours.
“I just do it – I don’t really think twice – if I can see someone struggling with something that I can do then I’m happy to help. I particularly love messing with cars and my youngest daughter, Ebony, is also car mad!” “I don’t expect anything back but I have had plenty of pizzas and curries as a thank you.”
Our thanks also go to: • The Primrose Bank and Crossley Community Centre volunteers, aged between 21–83 years, who have helped ensure that the centres have been a great success since they first opened. • All the residents who were patient whilst we dealt with the ASB matter at Stockfield Mount. Through Oldham County Court, Great Places was successful in repossessing the property and re-letting it to a new responsible member of the local community. • The residents of Primrose Bank for their patience with the road works. We are nearly there with the work! • The residents of Primrose Bank and Keswick Avenue for their hard work in maintaining their gardens. The Great Places team recently carried out its monthly inspections and were very impressed with the standard of the gardens. • The residents who have continued to help Great Places and Oldham Council with the management of rubbish and recycling collection in their areas. A reminder that your wheelie bins must not be put out before 7am on their collection day and must be returned to your property no later than 8pm. text These are just some examples of great community spirit in Oldham. If you have a positive story to share please let your neighbourhood community officer know or email oldhampfi@greatplaces.org.uk.
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THE CHANGING FACE OF OLDHAM Our borough is undergoing a massive transformation
Independent Quarter – Supporting independent businesses with a fund for building refurbishment and relocation, help to buy premises and business support.
Hotel Future – Plans for a luxury 120-bedroom training academy hotel in Oldham town centre, creating the next generation of hospitality professionals.
Royton Leisure Centre – Will include a 25m swimming pool, fitness gym and exercise studios. Due to open winter 2015.
Royton Regeneration – Lidl is poised to open a new 25,000 sq ft food store.
Prince's Gate at Oldham Mumps – A stunning new retail/residential development with M&S food and clothing store. Opening 2017.
The Old Town Hall – Set to open as a multi-screen ODEON cinema with resturants.
Oldham Coliseum and Heritage Centre – A new theatre and heritage centre due for completion end 2017.
Parliament Square – Oldham town centre’s first new high-quality public space in decades will compliment the Old Town Hall development.
St Augustine's – Up to 80 sustainable residential properties that will help make Oldham a better place to live.
Crossley Estate – New community centre opened and first batch of 87 homes completed.
Foxdenton – Oldham Council is working with Foxdenton LLP to bring forward the development of 121 acres of land allocated as a new business and residential area. The development will include a 20-acre community park and up to 500 quality homes.
Shaw and Crompton Park and Ride – A new 48-space car park next to the Metrolink stop is on the way.
Shaw and Crompton
Royton
Chadderton
Oldham
Launched the priority route scheme – Offering a 24 hour repair promise on seven of the borough's key gateways and main roads.
Housing – More than 170 flats in Stockfield Mount and Lansdowne Court, Chadderton have been modernised.
Partington Street – Planning permission given for 51 high quality houses, including a large number of detatched family homes.
The Lyceum and the old library and art gallery – The two historic buildings are now bathed in light every night showcasing their heritage.
George Street Chapel – Beautifully restored Grade II* listed chapel now open as a quality conference and business function space.
Oldham Athletic – The council has backed the building of the new 2,500 seat North Stand. Among the facilities it will boast are a conferencing suite and new supporters' bar.
Failsworth and Hollinwood
Limehurst Village – Cabinet has approved 134 new houses – high quality homes for sale and private rent.
Lancaster Club, Failsworth – Plans are advancing to create a distinctive and sustainable neighbourhood that combines the best of town and country living.
Special School – £6.25m Hollinwood Academy to open on former Kaskenmoor site in September. State-of-the-art facility for 140 pupils with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
Case study: Oldham town centre
Prince’s Gate a t Oldham Mumps
£21.7m
214,000 v isitors every year
Boost to Oldham's economy every year
Churchill Playing Fields – The largest playing fields in Saddleworth and Lees area have been upgraded thanks to funding from the council, the Football Foundation, the Rugby Football League and the local community. Shaw – A £100,000 fund is being spent supporting independent traders.
Saddleworth School – New 1,500 place secondary school. Site to be confirmed.
Saddleworth and Lees £100,000 fund pledged to support independent traders.
150,000 sq ft retail space 800 quality new homes 700 parking spaces Marks & Spencer f ood and clothing store
Old Town Hall
£5.5m
Boost to Oldham's economy every year
• • • •
Seven screen ODEON cinema 800 seat family cinema Six restaurants A new public square
Hotel Future
£4.7m
Oldham Leisure Centre – A state-ofthe-art £15m flagship leisure facility due to open in winter 2015.
120 room
Boost to Oldham's economy every year
Grasscroft Heights - Eight individually designed high specification homes on a gated development off Oldham Road.
New primary school – A £7.5m 630-place primary school is planned for the former Grange site. Set to open in September 2016.
• • • •
Saddleworth and Lees
• • • • • •
Health club Spa Bar Restaurants Conference facilities Revitalised Queen Elizabeth Hall
Independent Quarter
£1m
Support for local business
• 12 new businesses opened in 2014 • Over 50 grant applications received
Coliseum Theatre and Heritage Centre
£5.1m
St Mary's Way – 93 family homes built to the highest levels of sustainability. New First Choice Homes Oldham – New headquarters officially opened on Union Street in January 2015.
356,800 v isitors every year
Boost to Oldham's economy every year
• • • • • • •
Two theatres 650 seats Heritage Centre Gallery Archives Public research room Bars
What will that mean?
Metrolink – Opened January 2014. The town centre line has four new stops and has made Oldham more accessible than ever.
Primrose Bank – 116 high quality new homes built plus a new community centre.
• • • •
£208m investment Six major projects £37m boost to Oldham’s economy every year 2,017 jobs created
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KEEP IT COOL THIS SUMMER Top tips on keeping you and your family safe Never smoke in bed!
If you’re feeling drowsy, are drinking alcohol or are taking prescription drugs, take extra care when smoking. It’s really easy to fall asleep and not notice that a cigarette is still burning. Don’t light up if you need to lie down and never smoke in bed.
Fit a smoke alarm
A smoke alarm could save the lives of you and your family in a fire. All properties have been fitted with a smoke alarm. If you suspect that they may not be working correctly please contact Wates on 0300 123 2003. (Always test your smoke alarm regularly and replace a flat battery straight away).
BOOK YOUR HOME FIRE
SAFETY ASSESSMENT
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service has teamed up with Great Places and several other housing associations, which have properties in Oldham, to help improve fire safety in local homes. As part of the partnership, Great Places staff will be provided with life-saving first aid training and residents can book in for a free home safety assessment in order to make sure that your home is properly equipped and fire safe. To arrange a free fire safety visit, contact your local neighbourhood manager, call 0300 123 2003, or email oldhampfi@greatplaces.org.uk.
Chip pan fire safety
Around 16,000 domestic fires every year are started by chip pan fires. Use a deep-fat-fryer instead or better still, use oven chips. If you have a chip pan fire never put water on it, don’t tackle the fire yourself. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Get out, stay out and call 999.
Safe summer BBQs
Ensure your barbecue is positioned on a flat surface and well away from a shed or trees, never leave the barbecue unattended and make sure the tap is turned off before changing the cylinder. It’s also a good idea to keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
Don’t leave cooking unattended
More than half of accidental fires in the home are started in the kitchen. It is easy to be distracted while cooking and leave things unattended. Avoid cooking if you’re tired, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that can make you drowsy.
GET CREATIVE AND HELP SAVE LIVES! We’re calling for all budding artists to design their own fire safety poster to be featured in Great Places’ receptions across the north west and Yorkshire. Two designs will be selected. The winners will receive an iPod Shuffle. Use the fire safety information included on this page to help you design your poster.
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Designs can be done by hand or using a computer. Both adults and children are invited to partake but to enter you must be a Great Places resident. Deadline for entries: 5pm, Monday 3 August 2015. Any entries received after this date will not be considered.
Send your entries to FREEPOST, RLSC-HLLJ-EZRZ, Inspired Living, Great Places Housing Group, Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester M20 2LT. Or send us a picture of your poster via the Great Places Facebook page: ‘Great Places Housing Group’.
OPENING DOORS TO A BETTER FUTURE
In its strive to create not just great homes but great communities, Great Places is committed to providing employment and volunteering opportunities for local residents. Inspired Living met with Abigail Andrews, the latest apprentice to join the Oldham PFI team, in partnership with Get Oldham Working. Abigail Andrews, 20, from Shaw, Oldham
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I did art at college and really enjoyed it but I realised that there was no clear career path. After working in retail for a couple of years, I developed good customer service skills and wanted to put these strengths to use in the housing industry to help communities grow. I read about the Great Places apprenticeship opportunity online. I believe they received around 45 applications for the role and so I was over-the-moon to find out that I had been selected for the position. As part of the 12-month apprenticeship programme I will be assisting with collecting rent, allocating homes, managing customer contact as well as completing a Chartered Institute of Housing qualification. It would be good to bring my art skills to use during the apprenticeship programme and perhaps lead some art and craft classes for kids at the Crossley and Primrose Community Centres.
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Competition time £30 in vouchers to be won!
Complete the word search and spot the difference, cut them out and post them to us, along with your full name and address, to be entered into a prize draw to to win a £10 shopping voucher. Three winners will be selected.
Send your entries by post to:
Deadline closes 21 August 2015.
Remember you don’t need a stamp!
FREEPOST, RLSC-HLLJ-EZRZ, Inspired Living, Great Places Housing Group, Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester M20 2LT.
Wordsearch Words to find are: BUSH
LEAVES
SPADE
FLOWER
PLANT
TREE
GARDEN
RAKE
TROWEL
GRASS
SOIL
WATER
CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST ISSUE’S WINNERS: Wordsearch - Zeenat Shahid, Oldham, N. Esser, Chadderton, Keith Dennis, Chadderton Spot the difference - Rita Davies, Chadderton, Rupna Begum, Chadderton, Sahla, Oldham
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE 1
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There are five difference – can you find them? Circle any differences you find on picture number 2.