Over 4000 Youngsters from 20 schools across the town took part in heats of this year’s Spelling Bee to produce the 20 winners who appeared in the finals held at the Council Chamber, Oldham Civic Centre on 27th June.

Welcomed by the worshipful the Mayor of Oldham Cllr. Javid Iqbal, the Mayoress Tasleem Akhtar and the Youth Mayor Amber Powell the finalists were congratulated on their achievement in getting this far and then engaged in a hard fought sudden death contest to find the eventual winner.

This was was Umme-Kalsum Tanveer a Y5 pupil at Broadfield Primary School. Runner up was Tanzeela Mahmood a Y6 pupil from Alexandra Park School who will move to the Bluecoat School in September.
Pictured with the Winner’s Trophy Umme-Kalsum is flanked by the Mayor Cllr. Javid Iqbal, the Mayoress Tasleem Akhtar. and the Youth Mayor Amber Powell. Also pictured (L to R) are Rotarians Frank Bolger Immediate Past President, Mel Farrar (MC) and Jack Wild President Elect.

Sponsored by Madaleine Lindley Ltd and the Rotary Club of Oldham Metro the Oldham Spelling Bee is believed to be the first in this country. Pupils are given a list of words to learn – age appropriate and often linked to the National Curriculum and then asked to spell one set in a context which makes it understandable. Though still rare in the UK there is a national contest for pupils in the United States.

For further background contact the MC - Mel Farrar of Oldham Metro Rotary