Half term preview - Feel Good Feb
The Gallery remains a wonderful place to host activities such as arts, crafts, music, cinema and much more. Following the success of a similar event last year, this half term, the Arts Development Service in Oldham presents a whole weekend event packed full of creative sessions for everyone get involved in that offers a different experience from last year.
What’s occurring during the weekend of the 17-19 February is indeed ‘Well Good Arts Weekend’ where young people are invited to participate in a range of activities. Everything that’s on offer is designed to help maintain physical and mental wellbeing; fun times also. It already sounds convincing for you to get your hands stuck in but let me tell you that I was tempted to let my creativity flow in a previous session!
All I can say is that you can discover things about yourself or maybe find something new to be intrigued by. Attending the ‘Well Good Weekend’ is bound to entertain you, and it’s for all ages too. Light graffiti sounds pretty immense, so I think that’s the one to look out for along with the special drama performance.
Victoria Brown, organiser and helper of the weekend, had this to say:
“Arts and creative activity can help you to feel healthier and happier. The Well Good Arts Weekend is a great opportunity to try out new, exciting activities. We hope to inspire participants to take part in regular art sessions throughout the year. On the Saturday we also have an exciting interactive performance called The Sweet Smell of Success.”
Well Good Weekend Schedule
Friday 17 February
Dance Intensive, 10am–3pm: Discover contemporary dance
“In this all-day workshop for young people aged 12–18 years.
History Is Good For Your Health, 10–11.30am: Unearth Oldham’s
past and get advice on tracing your tree from family historians.”
Read Out Loud, 11am–12noon: Recite your own short stories and poetry.
For adults, book on 0161 770 8000.
Lunchtime Relaxation, 12noon–1pm: Learn how to reduce stress and improve mental concentration.
Chair Exercises, 1.30–2pm: Safe armchair exercises for over 50s.
Zumba Gold, 2–3pm: Over 50s Latin dance and fitness session.
Saturday 18 February
Musical Beginnings, 10–10.30am and 11–11.30am: Fun music and movement sessions for babies and toddlers (10–10.30am for 0–2 years and 11–11.30am for 2–4 years).
The Sweet Smell of Success, 10am–4pm: A new interactive high-tech science experience.
Light Graffiti, 11am–12.30pm: A fun and magical way to create your own unique piece of artwork.
Oldham Theatre Workshop, 12noon–1pm: Acting and drama for children 7+ and family members.
Drumming and Dancing, 1–3pm: Brazilian rhythms and moves for 7–18 years with Oldham Percussion Academy (drumming 1–2pm, dancing 2–3pm).
Recycled Art, 1–4pm: Hands-on creative craft session for ages 10+.
Sunday 19 February
Creative Family Fun, 11am–3pm: Craft activities, face painting and drawing for all the family.
Art Bikes and Camera Obscura, 11am–4pm: Bonkers bikes and a giant walk-in camera to help you see the world differently.
Contemporary Dance, 11am–12noon: An open session for adults, with influences from pilates and yoga.
Family Yoga, 12.30–1.30pm: Relaxed and fun fitness session, suitable for everyone aged 5+.
Creative Writing, 1.30–3pm: An open creative writing class for adults – part of Catalyst Arts Project.
Wellbeing Crafts, 3–4pm: Arts session for adults run by the Wellbeing Service.
Anyone can come along and take part in the event. Some activities are targeted at certain age groups. They’ve tried to provide a wide range of activities so there is something for everyone. The organisers recommend that you book activities in advance on 0161 770 3070.
Click here for more information.
The Gallery
Half term preview - Sun-Catchers
If young people are feeling artistic then they’re happily invited to attend sessions that consist of making sun catchers.
During three consecutive dates at three different locations, Join Countryside Rangers this half term making sun catchers from natural materials, card and ribbons. It’s a chance for children of primary school age to spend an afternoon with an adult creating an artistic mobile which will catch the winter sun's rays. It seems really interesting and it’s a chance for children to get their hands stuck into something that educated them artistically as well as giving them an insight to nature.
The event is recommended for 3-13 year olds and it costs £2.00 to get involved; times are TBC. Think about making a gift for a member of your family or a close friend!
15 February - Tandle Hill Country Park, Tandle Hill Road, Royton, OL2 5UX.
16 Februrary - Brownhill Countryside Centre, Wool Road, Dobcross, OL3 5PB.
17 February - John Howarth Visitor Centre, Daisy Nook Country Park, off Stannybrook Road, Failsworth, M35 9WJ.
Gillian Mankarious is happy to answer your questions regarding this artistic event.
Email: gillian.mankarious@oldham.gov.uk.
Contact No: 0161 770 4056
Click here for more information.
An example of a sun catcher being made.
Half term preview - Bike Ride
Don’t you just love a decent bike ride in a while? Well, if you miss it too despite the cold weather, then forget about it and get down to Alexandra Park for some peddling!
Activ8Oldham are known for their special outdoor activities and luckily for the people of Oldham, there’s going to be two days of bike-riding during the February half term. The organisation has been funded to make sure that people of Oldham get the best out of an active but fun lifestyle with brilliant organised bike and walking events. I think you should give them a go as you’ll be exploring some beautiful countryside during the journey.
That’s right, qualified cycling instructors will be guiding all attendees through Daisy Nook, Park Bridge, Strinesdale, Leesbrook and Alexandra Park. You’ll be riding through different areas on pathways and cycle trails; exciting stuff.
It gives me great pleasure to announce that there’s no charge to use the bikes and safety gear provided, you’re only recommended to bring a drink to quench your thirst. It’s also advised to wear warm clothing as it’s going to be cold (as I’ve mentioned!), avoid wearing your best clothing as there’s a possibility of rain or getting muddy as you cycle through the countryside. There are no stabilisers so you must know how to ride a bike properly, and any children that are under 16 who wish to turn up without parents need their consent via a letter.
Gaynor Keane is an Activ8Oldham Co-ordinator and she has a great feeling for the activity:
"The Activ8Oldham project really took off last year and had over 1000 people of all ages from across the borough of Oldham taking part in our rides. We've had some great feedback and positive outcomes from people who have kept active and can really feel the difference it's made to them and their families. Not only is Cycling a great way to get more active and learn new skills it’s also a fun way to meet new people and visit the beautiful parks and countryside settings that are right on our doorstep.”
For more information contact Gaynor Keane.
The sessions will commence on Monday 13 February 10:30 to 12:30 and Friday 17 February 13:30 to 15:30.
To book contact Oldham Community Health Services: 0161 621 7128
Email: gaynor.keane@nhs.net
Contact No: 07870857972
Ride into the countryside with the team
Half term preview - Olympics Camp
Get your game on at the Olympics Camp at Saddleworth school next week.
An invigorating event that’s bound to get young people fit and active is no other than the Olympics Holiday Camp. The experience will offer sessions such as racquet sports, fencing, football, athletics, rugby league and multi-skill sessions to improve core skills and abilities. There will be taster sessions in the various sports as well as competitions in many of the sports. I personally feel that sports organisers in Oldham offer the best sessions and facilities that they could possibly put on for people; it sounds amazing as it’s dedicated to the 2012 Olympics too!
The guys have lots of rewards in store for the best performances; they will be delivering a range of skill sessions during the activities with competitions in the afternoon with children and young people being placed in gold, silver and bronze positions winning medals throughout the week. It all kicks off will be from Monday 13 February to Friday the 18February at Saddleworth School.
James Wainwright, one of the event organisers, is feeling positive about the outcome:
“The activities will start to encourage children and young people to participate in Olympic sports with one eye on London Olympics in the coming months. I hope the young people start to catch the fever of the Olympics coming and can inspire the children and young people of Saddleworth, Lees and other nearby towns to take up playing sport locally.”
These fantastic sporting opportunities will run from 10:00-15:00 each day during half term.
Venue location: Saddleworth School - Sports hall, High St, Oldham, OL3 6BU.
For enquiries, get in touch with Nitin Solanki.
Email: nitin.solanki@oldham.gov.uk
Contact No: 0161 770 3683
Click here for more information.
Basketball is great at Saddleworth School.
Half term preview - The Small Cinema
Hello everyone! Each day this week we'll be telling you what the best activities are during the half term and to kick things off I re-introduce you all to the Small Cinema experience.
The independent film projectors in Oldham are run by Sophie Barrott, an art student who already works for the Odeon as well as having a massive interest in the world of cinema. They’ve already catered for everyone and all ages with an array of films at their two venues, The Gallery and Playhouse2. I’m happy to announce that The Small Cinema are showcasing some new films this year and you’ll have your chance to experience the values of cinema differently this half-term and beyond!
February half-term will be hosting ‘One Day’ and ‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’. In ‘Mr. Popper’s Penguins’ Jim Carey stars as a businessman whose life changes after he inherits six penguins. Clueless to the important things in life Mr Popper’s world is turned upside down with the arrival of his new flightless friends. As he transforms his apartment into a winter wonderland his professional life begins to slide… before discovering that there is more to life than making money. I’ve seen this film myself and it’s definitely one for the family to sit down together and watch, maybe this is something for you?
Sophie told me why the romantic drama of ‘One Day’, starring Jim Sturgess and Anne Hathaway, is so appealing for those who aren’t that interested in the genre as well as it serving as a post-Valentine’s Day hit:
“It’s one of those rare films these days that really got to me. It can be described as a story which is beautifully as it’s heart-wrenchingly sad. It’ll linger with you for days afterwards; it’s not something forgettable or easily ignored. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey as you see them both bring the book’s character’s Dexter and Emma to life. Become immediately entranced in their captivating relationship, and feel for them as two hopelessly blind characters in the classic ‘will they won’t they’ scenario.”
I think I’ll be heading along as per usual to The Small Cinema project as I recommend their awesome services. One Day starts at 7pm on the 16th, and Mr. Popper’s Penguins starts at 2pm on the following day. Tickets are £3.00 and you can buy them on the night or reserve in advance on 0161 770 4643 (Advance booking is recommended). Kids have the chance to get involved with free arts and craft activities run from 12noon–2pm before Mr. Popper’s Penguins and a free goodie bag comes with every ticket purchased!
Your seat awaits.
Click here for the official website containing more contact information and details regarding dates for other films.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
One Day