Oldham Today Rewound

A special programme repeated on 31st March on Oldham Community Radio following the death of broadcaster and dj JAMES STANNAGE on 30.3.26.Here, long-time friend and colleage Ken sits down with the legendary 'shock jock' to learn more behind the late night man on Piccadilly Radio.Programme produced by Ian Wolstenholme

Ian Wolstenholme meets local shoppers, traders and those involved in the opening of THE MARKET - the new retail space in the town centre

Ian Wolstenholme chats with some guests at the Reception marking the opening of the town's new event space THE LOOM

A collection of conversations with fans and well-known names at the opening launch of the Oldham Rugby 150th Anniversary Exhibition in Gallery Oldham.A two month exhibition telling the story of 150 years of Oldham rugby league club opens at the town’s gallery on Saturday 10th January.It will chronicle the club’s history from the early days after it’s launch in 1876, first as a rugby union club, through the birth of rugby league as a new sport and then a century and a half of ups and downs on the pitch.The exhibition’s been organised by the Oldham Rugby League Heritage Trust which has built up one of the most comprehensive collections of historic memorabilia in the sport. On display will be medals, badges and programmes and international shirts and caps from some of the Roughyed’s greatest players.Club historian, Michael Turner, said; “The best of our incredible collection will be on show as the exhibition tells the story of the highs and lows over the past 150 years. There have been times when Oldham was among the best teams in the country, lifting Cups and winning Championships but there have also been very difficult times and this exhibition will chart it all.”It will run from Saturday 10th January until Saturday 7th March in Gallery 4. The venue is open from 10am till 5pm from Tuesday to Saturday.The exhibition will be just the first of a series of activities to commemorate the Oldham club’s 150th Anniversary with a celebration dinner and a series of past player reunions among the events already being planned.Music: "I'm a Roughyhead" by the Boundary Parkashttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6eP6jGzfagProducer: Ian Wolstenholme

For a second year, Oldham Community Radio was invited to meet Level 2 Media Studies students from Hopwood Hall College in Rochdale and to broadcast some of their short podcasts to a community radio audience.Producer: Ian Wolstenholme

Join us for a collection of festive favourites recorded by the Oldham Community Radio OB team live at Oldham Parish Church on 11th December 2025.Featuring: Dr Kershaw's Hospice Choir and Hope SngersCrompton House Woodwind EnsembleBrian Clarke Academy Choir and Poets....and many more!Link to the programmehttps://flipbooks.fleepit.com/f-109505-dr_kershaws_christmas_concert_2025_programme

On this episode, author and broadcaster MIKE GILL talks candidly with Ian Wolstenholme about the research needed towards prostate cancer and highlights awareness of the "Walk 60 Miles in November" campaign arranged by Prostate Cancer Research.For more information visit www.pcr.org.ukTo make a donation to the fundraising effort visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Ian1760646073873?redirect-from=D_KA14bV&brid=9JmdaQ3bYmKVGF8ZYvExSQ

Mike Gill and Ian Wolstenholme chat with local Nigerian queer poet JANOMA OMENA about her debut collection.

Once again, Oldham's talented musical family - Wayne, Melanie and Louise Marshall, return to Oldham Parish Church for a musical celebration in aid of Dr Kershaw's Hospice and in memory of Costella Marshall.The concert features contributions from the Hope Singers, Paul Firth, Michael Korshinevsky, Harry Priestley, Alicia Marsden, James Marshall, John Marshall.The programme was produced for Oldham Community Radio by Ian Wolstenholme

A special one-hour conversation between the Chair of Saddleworth Carer's Group, DR EAMONN O'DALY and KEN BENNETT which looks at dementia in its many guises.If you are a sufferer, or know of someone who is, this empathetic conversation may offer practical advice.For more information about the Saddleworth Carers Group, contact Dr E O'Daly on 01457 810614 or Mariliyn Davies on 07791 937920 or email [email protected]

Ken Bennett chats with Ed Worrall and Laura from the Saddleworth Ladies Morris Troupe about an exciting adventure which awaits them in Barcelona later this year....

FRANK ROTHWELL OBE sits down with Ian Wolstenholme at a recent business event at Billington's in Oldham to tell us about some of his exciting plans to put the town of Oldham squarely 'back on the map'(First broadcast on Oldham Community Radio 20.6.25)Producer: Ian Wolstenholme

Ian Wolstenholme talks with FIGEN MURRAY OBE, the mother of Martyn Hett who lost his life in the 2017 Manchester bombing terrorist attack on Manchester Arena.(the content was first included in a podcast aimed at the veterinary practice profession)

Ian Wolstenholme visits these luxury feline apartments on the occasion of their grand reopening in Lees and chats with manager BEV RIDINGS

Ian Wolstenholme chats with some of the guests at the 10th anniversary and grand reopening of the ASCROFT MEDICAL CENTRE in Oldham.

Join Oldham Community Radio in the Oldham Council chamber for coverage of the 2025 Mayor Making Ceremony for Cllr Eddie Moores as he takes over the role of Oldham's first citizen for the year 2025/26Outside broadcast recording first broadcast 28.5.25

Our Oldham Today morning programme was broadcast live from Hulme Grammar School on 24th April 2025 https://www.mixcloud.com/OldhamCommunityRadio/oldham-today-24-04-2025/and some of the 'extra' conversations are included here.Produced by Ian Wolstenholme

A fascinating conversation between Ken Bennett and deaf artist Di.(First broadcast on Oldham Today on 23.4.25)

Ian Wolstenholme and Mike Gill visit Hack Oldham and chat with actors and technicians in the process of making a new Horror thriller movie.Oldham meets Hollywood on Oldham Today!

A new local initiative whereby you can return any issued equipment such as walking sticks, frames, crutches, kitchen trolleys, bath lifts, shower seats, commodes, hospital beds, hoists, bed transfer aids and furniture raisers will be taking place between 31st March to 14th April 2025 across Oldham.ANN-MARIE MASON from the Community Equipment & Adaptations team at the Link Centre, Oldham, explains to Ian Wolstenholme about the amnesty and how you can help.There are local drop off points  for any walking aids at theThe Link Centre OL1 1DZ (Link Only Mon – Friday ) drop off at back Roscoe Street parking available tel 0161 770 1397Millbrook Independent Living & Mobility Keppel Building Failsworth Tel 0161 804 1830The Royal Oldham Hospital (main entrance)     Please place in blue cage provided at hospitalFor other items of equipment or if you are unable  to get to drop  off place  you can request free of charge collection by emailing [email protected]   or telephone Millbrook healthcare on  0161 344 0482

A special concert of brass band favourites performed by DOBCROSS SILVER BAND and recorded by Oldham Community Radio's OB Unit at Holy Trinity Church, Dobcross, Saddleworth on 29th March 2025.The guest soloist was MIKE CAVANAGH and the Dobcross Silver Band Musical Director JASON M SMITH.The programme was edited and produced by Ian Wolstenholme.

Join Ian Wolstenholme and Mike Gill who chat with health and wellbeing guru KARL DICKINSON who will be embarking on a personal challenge to complete the Yorkshire Three Peaks....completely barefoot! Karl will be raising money for Dr Kershaw's Hospice and we also catch up with JILL KIRKHAM from the hospice.

3 years after the Oldham 'tent' of Laurel and Hardy Appreciation Society opened its doors, Ian Wolstenholme returns to its new home at the Railway in Greenfield to catch up on things - hopefully it won't be "another fine mess he's gotten himself into"! First broadcast on Oldham Today 9.1.25

Ken Bennett chats with Susan Ashworth from Hog Manor at Delph about her hedgehog rescue. Would you know what to do if you find a hog? Contact Susan on 07921 529020

Ken Bennett marks the first anniversary of Saddleworth Ladies Morris Team with a look back at events in 2024 with EDDIE WORRALL First broadcast on Oldham Community Radio 99.7fm, DAB, online 6.1.25

A live concert recording from Uppermill Methodist Church in the heart of Saddleworth featuring the famous SADDLEWORTH SINGERS and their musical director JOSEPH SHAW, accompanied by BEN DRAPER at the piano. The Choir welcome special guests HULME GRAMMAR SCHOOL CHOIR and their conductor DUNCAN ROBERTSON. The concert was recorded by Oldham Community Radio's Outside Broadcast Unit and first broadcast on Christmas Day 2024

The annual DRKH Christmas Concert was recorded by Oldham Community Radio's Outside Broadcast Unit on 12th December 2024. Featuring the Hospice Choir, Hope Singers and special guests JOHN HENSHAW, students from CROMPTON HOUSE SCHOOL and THE BRIAN CLARKE ACADEMY. The Musical Director was PAUL FIRTH Edited and Produced by Ian Wolstenholme

A chance to meet Afruz Miah BEM and colleague Munoi Hussain as they approach the culmination of running 10K every day throughout 2024. Their story is absolutely fascinating.

A special edition of our 'Tommyfield Live - Chance to Meet' programme in which Ken Bennett visits Dr Zahid Chauhan in the Mayor's Parlour in Oldham Civic Centre in an exclusive conversation about his life and contribution as the Borough's First Citizen. The featured music is "Crown Imperial" by Oldham's own Sir William Walton. (First broadcast on Oldham Community Radio 30th November 2024) Produced by Ian Wolstenholme

Oldham has been at the forefront of an amazing number of "firsts". Perhaps the most notable being on July 25th 1978 when Louise Joy Brown was born at the (then) Oldham and District General Hospital, and the result of being the world's first "test tube baby". The story has been made into a new film called "Joy" launching in November 2024 on Netflix. Ken Bennett talks with two of the key members of the team behind this groundbreaking event - JOHN BATTYE and IAN SMETHURST - about what it was really like to be there when history was made in the town.

The GOLD award-winning entry in the 2024 Community Radio Awards features a five minute summary of the highs and lows of the (world-famous) Oldham Coliseum Theatre, following the funding cuts and resulting in the closure of the theatre. Fortunately, a dedicated group of supporters came to the rescue..... We hear from former Artistic Director Kenneth Alan Taylor, Julie Hesmondhalgh and others. Producer for Oldham Community Radio - Ian Wolstenholme

Ian Wolstenholme chats with Badar and Roxie from Visiting Angels about some special "angelic" events....

In September 2023, Oldham Council announced its partnership with developer MUSE to deliver an ambitious town centre regeneration scheme over the next 15 years+ Oldham Community Radio was at the 'unveiling' of the project and, as it progresses, we will add audio to this podcast to hopefully provide a soundscape of successes and challenges along the development timeline. 7.7.23 Ian Wolstenholme talks with Cllr Arrow Shah, leader Oldham Council, Harry Catherall, CEO Oldham and Phil Mayall MD of Muse 5.9.23 Ian Wolstenholme catches up with Emma Payne, Muse Project Manager about the public consultation phase and what's been learned so far.

Ian Wolstenholme visits the OL1 Business Networking Meeting at Billingtons, Oldham to meet some of the local business leaders. We chat with organiser Ian Taylor, Suzy and Ethan from Oldham College, Pastor Izekial from One Nation Church, Virbai Kara from Oldham Council about their hate awareness campaign, and find out about the latest news on Oldham's exciting town centre regeneration from Paul at Oldham Council and Mercedes from Muse.

Ian Wolstenholme visits the Dunwood Fest in Shaw and chats with some of the organisers and stallholders about what makes our local parks and green spaces so special in the community.

Ian Wolstenholme talks with Younus and Elena from NWAS about their special community event on MONDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2024 - 12.30-2.30PM at Werneth Suite, 79 Manchester Road, Oldham OL8 4LN Meet your local paramedics, call handlers and patient transport service care assistants Get insight into careers and volunteering and take part in first aid demos Lots of stands Refreshments For more information goto https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-general-meeting-and-ambulance-community-day-tickets-949846024027?utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl

Health expert CLAIRE JONES joins Ken Bennett in a series of short wellbeing advice programmes on Oldham Community Radio's Wednesday Oldham Today. For more information visit www.newtreelife.co.uk

Join Ian Wolstenholme from the street party on Fairbottom Street in Oldham town centre as it's revealed that Oldham Coliseum Theatre will re-open for panto in 2025! Ian chats with JULIE HESMONDHALGH, JEFF LONGMORE, KENNETH ALAN TAYLOR and others about this amazing achievement.

Mike Gill was out and about at Ultimate Products in Chadderton and their KOGS (Keeping Our Girls Safe) charitable initiative. We'll hear from Arooj Shah, Haley from KOGS and Beth from UP.

Ian Wolstenholme visited the annual Youth Mayor Making Ceremony in the Civic Centre Council Chamber. This year's Youth Mayor is Isaac Quinn. We have highlights from the event and chat with Sir Norman Stoller and Isaac himself and his aspirations for his Youth Mayoral year.

Ian Wolstenholme visits Hulme Grammar School where former Headmistress Miss Margaret Winfield was honoured with the opening of a brand new school library in her name. We caught up with the current Principal, "old girls" and of course the indomitable Miss Winfield herself!

Ken Bennett chats with Canon Sharon ahead of her final Whit Friday before leaving the Saddleworth Parish

Ian Wolstenholme visits Hack Oldham to meet RACHEL WATERS and her incredible music group. Rachel tells us how this community initiative is really breaking down barriers to performing music in public.... For more information visit https://www.hackoldham.co.uk/about-7

Ken Bennett chats with local pharmacist DR IAN STRACHAN who offers some timely healthcare advice, including information about the latest COVID-19 booster and the new Pharmacy First initiative.

Ian Wolstenholme chats with the people responsible for bringing the "pop-up" theatre to Oldham town centre for the coming months.....

Ian Wolstenholme chats with JULIE HESMONDHALGH, AROOJ SHAH and JIM McMAHON about the exciting news that Oldham Coliseum as a producing theatre on Fairbottom Street in Oldham is really just a sleeping beauty....

Ian Wolstenholme chats with SIMON TEIGNART Chairman of this local community group....

Ian Wolstenholme visits the Oldham Music Centre to eavesdrop on the weekly rehearsals of THE OLDHAM COMMUNITY CHOIR.... For more information, or if you would like to go along and maybe join the choir, contact us at Oldham Community Radio on 0161 682 0997 or email [email protected]

An absolutely heartbreaking story....