Jorel's going with Oldham

Hello everybody, my name is Jorel James Bond and I'm going to be working closely with Go! Oldham over the next few months. My aim is to generate content and blog for the website efficiently. I plan to do this by improving the outlook of the programme and to give life to the online platforms that are already available in Go! Oldham's name.

                  Me filming Oldham Athletic U-11 Football Training, November 2010.

Me and Digital Journalism

I'm a Mancunian lad who was born in 1990 and grew up with a keen interest for Manchester United, video games and East Asian culture. My nostalgic childhood has enabled me to enjoy the pleasures in life and I've attained more hobbies. Nowadays I love to attend the cinema on a weekly basis, play and watch football, play video games, write creatively, watch anime, get involved with recreational sports, walk and keep active, seeing friends and many more.

                         Absolute gaming nutcase when I was a whippersnapper

 I'm currently undergoing my final year as a Digital Journalist. I got where I am with English language/literature as my forte with a keen understanding for aspects of film. During my first two years on the course, I went out on various film shoots as my tutor encouraged me to get as much beneficial experience as possible. I picked up various skills during my journalistic adventures and have had some great memories with my journalistic friends.

I've co-operated with a range of clients, small businesses and organisations during the course. Before, during and after the process of each practical project, both parties found sucess and it's been an immense experience overall. From Manchester Business School to the Salvation Army, from Oldham Coliseum to Oldham Says, from Reason Digital to the Oldham Chronicle, and much more. Now I find myself working with Oldham once again, but in particular the youth sector, something fresh and awesome for me to form a project out of.

What can I do for Go! Oldham, why and how?

As a professional I see myself as a filmmaker, innovative leader and ideas presenter. With these three key skills that I have in particular along with my ability to write, I think I can give the website the appeal it deserves.

The plans that I have in mind are to attend some of these activities and engage with them. I'll be doing filming, photography, podcasts and writing reflectively afterwards, wherever I go. Some of you will be fortunate if you catch me around, as I'll be investigating the fun elements of the activity that you're currently getting involved with.

                A feature video I made about a primary school's film club, March 2010.

What Go! Oldham has to offer already is fantastic, I was perplexed but impressed by the endless list of different activities that the website advertises. It's really nice to see that the people working behind the programme want the best for young people in the community. I admire all the passion and effort put into Go! Oldham from the beginning up until now, where we will improve.

My own reasoning for wanting to pursue this project is not only because I have the ability and right frame of mind, but I also like the messages of the programme that are embedded within. I know parents who wonder if there's anything remotely interesting for their children to do, and young people alike who are unsure what's on offer locally. It's not just about not knowing what's to do, but trying to pick up a recreational hobby as well as juggling other commitments too.

                       Christmas Pantomime at the Coliseum, December 2009.

My sister is a great example, she thinks her social life is "boring" because "there's nothing to do". I'll strongly advise my sibling that she's wrong as Go! Oldham cascade a vast number of activities that happen within a feasible distance. Hopefully, I won't have to convince her anymore and she'll eventually pick up a new hobby that she can engage with and look forward to.

I aim to help adults and young people in the community with my input on the website, so you can understand how cool some of the events are! There are opportunities to make new friends and gain extra skills as you immerse yourself in activities. I too, forged a strong friendship through my favourite hobby, cinema-going, proof that it can work with others as well.

Future Prospects

With the power of social media at our disposal, we hope to see a change within the community. The transition will make such an impact on the site and of course, yourselves. With the traditional method of 'word of mouth', you can join the discussions and leave feedback on the blog and/or in other places such as our Facebook page, Twitter account and YouTube channel.

                                                       The force is strong with me.

With more online focus, the activity and traffic will gradually increase over time. Just tell us what you think about the programme and get talking to us; every comment is valid and worthwhile. Go! Oldham can only get better and services will improve when social engagement takes place, we thorougly encourage co-operation and feedback.

We're still in planning stages but top ideas have been brainstormed which will all come into perspective some time, watch this space and keep tabs on us. I hope that you enjoy the media that I'll be providing via the website and other platforms in the long run.

Follow me on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Fancy playing the ukulele?

Oldham Music Service presents its new Ukulele Band!  The ukulele is currently one of the most popular musical instruments in the UK and is both fun to play and relatively easy to learn. You can play a few tunes in a very short space of time after just a few lessons.

UKE TOO is a new community initiative currently looking for new members.  Eventually the group aims to reach a high enough standard to take part in regular public performances.

With the current folk revival, there are lots of today’s musicians are using the ukulele. Noah And The Whale, Paul McCartney and King Creosote are just a few artists who have used the ukulele in their music.

Fancy having a go at playing ukulele? Or having a crack at another wind instrument? Then John Whitmore at Oldham Music Service would love to hear from you. Contact John on john.whitmore@btinternet.com

Oldham Way Challenge

15 year old Callum from Royton was one of fifteen young people to take part in the Oldham Way Challenge this summer.  Here, Callum tells Go! Oldham all about the experience...

The Oldham Way is a 40 mile hike around Oldham that we completed over two days! My group from the Oldham Youth Council, were one of several groups from Sholver, Fittonhill, Limehurst and Hollinwood to set off together on the challenge.  We got to stay overnight at the great Castleshaw Centre and I can tell you after the first day of walking 20 miles, when I saw the centre, my face lit up as I knew I could finally rest.
 
In the evening, we had a lovely meal made by the lovely youth workers – it was so tasty I had seconds! After a rest with my fellow walkers and a few games of cards we went to bed for a well-earned sleep. In the morning we boarded the minibus for our second day of walking.  The day began with a difficult climb up the steps of Dunwood Park– my heart skipped a beat when I saw how many I had to climb but we all made the effort and we got to the top.  My experience was amazing and I really enjoyed everyone’s company. The hike was incredibly difficult but we all managed to do it. I really enjoyed completing the Oldham Way challenge – I would definitely do it again as it was great fun.  Plus, we were raising money for a good cause – the Mayors Appeal.

If you are interested in taking part in challenges like The Oldham Way, contact Jodie Barber, on jodie.barber@oldham.gov.uk.  For more outdoor activities on in Oldham, search ‘outdoor’ via the search facility on the site.  

Hop on board this Bank Holiday weekend

Explore Uppermill and Dove stone this Bank Holiday weekend and make the most of the Saddleworth Hopper Bus. There is loads going on around the area and a top day out for all ages is guaranteed.  Here is our top ten guide of fun stuff to do…

1. Get twice as much fun, without breaking the bank, by jumping on the Saddleworth Hopper bus to travel between Dove Stone and Uppermill. Tickets from just 15p!

2. Delve into your local heritage at Saddleworth Museum and Art Gallery, and get creative with the Boredom Busters craft sessions for 4 – 12 yr olds (Tuesdays during the school holidays, booking essential)

3. Feed the ducks and take a stroll along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal to the stepping stones at Uppermill and Brownhill Countryside Centre

4. Treat yourselves at the shops and visit Uppermill’s great selection of independent toy, clothing, craft and gift shops.

5. Make a splash at Saddleworth Pool and Leisure Centre with swim sessions for the family or just the kids (8 yrs +)

6. Get on your bike to explore the Delph Donkey and Pennine Bridleway two great flat, family friendly, off-road routes.

7. Avoid the parking hassles and catch the Saddleworth Hopper bus to Dove Stone, you can even ride for free if you arrive in Saddleworth by public transport!

8. Watch the Peregrine Falcons at Dove Stone with the RSPB Date with Nature team and go bug hunting in the boulders and pools along Chew Brook.

9. Relax with an ice-cream and enjoy the stunning views of the Pennine hills after a stroll around Dove Stone reservoir on the easy access path.

10. Get adventurous with Dove Stone Sailing Club’s windsurfing taster sessions (call Ron Hough 01457 834353 for details).

The Hopper bus service will be running this Saturday and Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday. It offers a stress free and affordable way for families to travel to Dove Stone reservoir and Uppermill. Fares cost just 30p for adults and 15p for children and there is a special new £1 family bus ticket (for 2 adults and up to 3 children) on offer. More information about the Saddleworth Hopper, including a downloadable timetable can be found on the Visit Oldham website www.visitoldham.com.

Kickz for free

Age 12-18? Love football? Then get involved with Oldham Athletic Community Trust’s Kickz Project, based in Coldhurst.  All sessions are FREE and present a chance to improve your footy skills and meet new friends.

Kickz is a brand new project supported by Crimestoppers’ Fearless scheme which uses the Fearless website to provide young people with information relating to crimes that affect them.  The site also contains advice about how to report crime anonymously. Take a look at the web-site at www.fearless.org.

Talking about the partnership with Crimestoppers, James Mwale, from Oldham Athletic Community Trust, said: “I’d like to say thank-you to Crimestoppers on behalf of Oldham Athletic Kickz for providing a new kit. I know these young people are excited to play in a brand new strip and are proud to display the Fearless message wherever they go.”

There are lots of Kickz sessions taking place in August, contact james.mwale@oldhamathleticct.org  for more details.