Author Archives: JimfromOldham

Today marks the rollout of free breakfast clubs in a number of our local primary schools – Whitegate End, Richmond Academy, Westwood Academy and Northmoor Academy. It was wonderful to see how the school have organised the breakfast rounds with pupils taking responsibility for topping up cereals and fruit juice. It was great too toContinue reading “Free Breakfast Clubs Launch”

The bank holiday weekend took me to Halifax to see an exhibition of two of Oldhams most talented artists who are leading the “Northern Art” scene. Peter Stanaway and Kevin Haynes are exhibiting until the 25th May at the Arts Charity at Dean Clough Mills. I first came across Peter’s work during my time onContinue reading “The bank holiday weekend took me to Halifax”

My thoughts and condolences are with the Catholic community in Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton, and with the 1.4 billion Catholics across the world who today mourn the loss of a remarkable spiritual leader. As Holy Week drew to a close, it meant a great deal to see Pope Francis gather the strength to greetContinue reading “On the passing of Pope Francis”

For many, Easter is a cornerstone of faith—a time to remember the story of hope, renewal, and sacrifice at the heart of Christianity. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of moments, there’s always the promise of new beginnings. But whether or not you celebrate Easter in a religious sense, this season offers aContinue reading “Wishing everyone a happy Easter Sunday”

Great to be at Boundary Park yesterday to see Latics in action against Hartlepool … and to secure a win! Thank you to the Rothwell family, Directors and club for having us. It’s the first time being back since the launch of SportsTown project, a £70 million masterplan in a Community Regeneration Partnership to putContinue reading “Latics in action at Boundary Park”

The Prime Minister’s affirmation last week that the Government intends to adopt the campaign to lower the voting age to 16, stating it would ‘definitely happen’, is very encouraging. In November 2017, in co-operation with Oldham Youth Council, I introduced the Representation of the People (Young People’s Enfranchisement and Education) Private Member’s Bill, aiming toContinue reading “Prime Minister Commits to Oldham Born ‘Votes at 16’”

Certainty for our town centre retailers Putting the online and the on-street on a level playing field Redressing the imbalance between the out-of-town and the in-town 1 million properties protected from any inflationary increases next year Driving footfall, to breathe new life into communities Our Business Rates reforms have now become law, with the passageContinue reading “Delivering for high street businesses with a permanent 40% rate relief”