Here at Chadderton & Failsworth we have abandoned any traditional activities involving any mingling whatsoever. So sadly our Santa is taking a break this year. But we do have some existing Community Support Activities that have an on - going element.

For example we and the Rotary Club of Oldham with the help of a District matching grant have just provided Young Carers with a program of activities right through half - term. These were all professionally managed by Positive Steps to comply with numbers and distancing rules. Apart from providing some well - earned respite for these children whose circumstances have made them older and wiser than their years, they have some change left over with which to brighten up Christmas.

The pictures show some of the hundred or so kids who enjoyed the activities in the week.

We also regularly used to work at this time of year with the Church of Latter Day Saints in Ashton to distribute Christmas toys to women with babies and children in local refuge centres. The pandemic has also put a stop to this. But we have taken all people - contact out of the equation and put cash in its place! With donations to both the Oldham Refuge and Kids Out totalling £500 a bit of festive cheer will still be had.

At the other end of the Community age scale we are now sole sponsors of Oldham Community Radio 99.7 FM on Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons when "Radio Active" exercise sessions for senior citizens (us!) will be held well into the New Year. “Alexa! Tune into Oldham Community Radio”