Saddleworth Independent

11/01/2026

A contemporary take on William Shakespeare’s famous tragedy ‘Hamlet’ comes to Delph thanks to National Theatre Live.

The film recording of the live National Theatre show will be on the big screen at the Millgate Arts Centre on Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24, starting at 7.30pm.

Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/contemporary-take-on-hamlet-comes-to-delph-screen/

10/01/2026

A coveted national accolade has been awarded to First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO) to celebrate how it makes its properties, communities and business even greener.

The annual independent SHIFT assessment has given the housing association gold status for 2025 – up from its silver award in 2024.

The accolade puts FCHO in the green top 15 per cent of social housing providers.

Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/coveted-gold-status-for-green-first-choice-homes-oldham/

09/01/2026

A local funeral director has been named Independent Funeral Service of the Year after being selected by the Prestige Awards.

Anthony Barton Independent Family Funeral Service, based in Mossley, has been formally approached by the awards organisation to confirm its winner status.

A LOCAL funeral director has been named Independent Funeral Service of the Year after being selected by the Prestige Awards.

09/01/2026

One of the best ways to really get to know Saddleworth is by seeking out the places that locals treasure — the cosy cafés and welcoming corners that reward you for slowing down and looking a little closer.

These hidden gems often serve the simplest things, done beautifully, and Veloce is a perfect example.

Already a much-loved stop for an exceptional flat white, Veloce offers more than just great coffee.

Don’t skim past the board by the counter - the Soup of the Day deserves your attention. Made fresh each morning, the flavour changes with the seasons, the weather, and sometimes even the mood of the kitchen. That element of surprise is part of its charm. You may not know what’s waiting, but you can be sure it’ll be comforting and full of flavour.

On colder days, recent bowls have included celeriac soup served with an olive croûte and blue cheese - rich, warming and just the thing for thawing cold fingers after a winter walk across the hills. Tomorrow’s option? That remains a mystery, and a very good reason to come back.

The café itself is delightfully picturesque, the kind of place you want to linger. A neat row of pastries sits temptingly on display, and regulars will tell you the almond pretzel filled with crème pâtissière is the one to watch for — sweet, golden, delicately flaky, and usually the first to vanish. If you spot one, don’t hesitate.

Whether you’re refuelling after a bracing Saddleworth stroll or simply in search of a cosy corner with excellent coffee and something warming to eat, Veloce proves that when simple things are done well, they’re hard to beat.

08/01/2026

An acting academy founded by Shameless and The Apprentice star Sarah Byrne is celebrating a decade of nurturing young performers from across Greater Manchester and beyond.

Sarah Byrne Acting Academy, which supports aspiring actors aged five to 25, has grown from a local initiative into a recognised pathway into film, television and further education.

Former students are now appearing on major TV productions and training at leading performing arts institutions.

Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/local-academy-marks-10-years-of-turning-local-talent-into-tv-stars/

08/01/2026

A simple idea sparked in a café has gone on to help an estimated 30,000 people across the UK feel less lonely in under a decade.

The Chatty Café Scheme was set up in 2017 by Uppermill-based social worker Alex Hoskyn.

It has since grown into the country’s leading non-profit social enterprise tackling loneliness, with around 750 venues now taking part nationwide - including around 50 in Greater Manchester.

Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/uppermill-mums-simple-cafe-idea-helps-30000-people-tackle-loneliness/

07/01/2026

Around 462 homes are affected by a suspected cable fault causing power outages
Engineers are working to restore supply remotely, though some may need on-site repairs.

07/01/2026

Former Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, has become the first Asian person to receive the borough’s highest civic honour.

The title of Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Oldham - awarded to just 28 people in Oldham’s history - recognises Dr Chauhan’s long-standing contribution to public life, healthcare and community leadership.

The official ceremony took place recently in the council chamber, attended by the current Mayor of Oldham Councillor Eddie Moores, Deputy Mayor Councillor Brian Hobin, Oldham Council Chief Executive Shelley Kipling, and Monitoring Officer Alex Bougatef.

Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/historic-honour-for-former-oldham-mayor/

07/01/2026

A Saddleworth Councillor has blasted the ‘mismanagement’ of the Oldham borough authority’s finances.

Particularly, the failure to collect more than £60 million of owed council tax over the last 14 years.

A SADDLEWORTH Councillor has blasted the ‘mismanagement’ of the Oldham borough authority’s finances.

07/01/2026

A wellbeing studio that has quietly become a cornerstone of its local community is celebrating a major milestone, as Nurture Yoga & Therapy Centre marks six years in business with a move to the heart of Uppermill.

The relocation signals a new chapter for Nurture, which has built a loyal following since opening with a simple aim: to provide a calm, welcoming space where people can prioritise their physical and emotional wellbeing.

Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/nurture-yoga-therapy-centre-marks-six-years-with-move-to-uppermill/

06/01/2026

A new group hopes to tackle a growing issue in Saddleworth – digital exclusion.

The world may be moving online and paperless, but not everyone is able to fully thrive in it.

Working a mobile phone or tablet or knowing how apps operate, especially managing banking through devices, is a bigger issue than many may think.

As the population gets older, more people do not, cannot or, in some cases, will not go digital.

Read more: https://saddind.co.uk/new-saddleworth-group-out-to-tackle-digital-exclusion/

06/01/2026

Concerns that objections to the planned closure of a Saddleworth level crossing as part of a multi-billion pound rail project are being ignored have been eased.

Put simply, so many people have lodged their feelings about Moorgate Halt, bosses are struggling to log them.

And they have made clear that any that were sent after the closing date will still be registered.

CONCERNS that objections to the planned closure of a Saddleworth level crossing as part of a multi-billion pound rail project are being ignored have been eased.