Enjoy a frightfully safe night

SPELLBINDING . . . Ellie Buckley (4) and Leigha Buckley (9) dress as witches

POLICE are hoping to make it a happy Hallowe’en for all Shaw residents.

While some look forward to dressing up and having a party, others are fearful of who is knocking at their front door.

Officers from Royton and Shaw Neighbourhood Policing Team want to ensure everyone feels secure in their own home and will be visiting vulnerable and older residents to offer them advice on how to stay safe.

Residents are also invited to events at St Paul’s Church, Rochdale Road, tomorrow and Friday, between 10am and 4pm, to pick up home security tips.

Various agencies will also be on hand with information including representatives from First Choice Homes Oldham, Oldham Leisure Services, First Bus and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Residents can even get a free flu jab and advice about the TV digital switchover.

PC Adam Murphy said: “Unfortunately, Halloween and bonfire night can be a frightening time for some residents.

“We have organised this event to give our vulnerable and older residents as much help and advice as possible to make them feel safer in their homes during Halloween and throughout the winter months.”

Claire Johnson, commercial director for First in Manchester, said: “The bus is a popular and convenient way for elderly and vulnerable people to get about and we want them to feel as safe as possible while travelling with us.

“That’s why we’ve designed Safe Journey Cards, which we’ll be giving to the residents this week.

“The idea of the card is that the passenger can easily let the driver know if they need any help, such as giving them time to reach their seats before setting off.”


Ghost busting at hall

ghost hunters and paranormal detectives are dared to see what goes bump in the night at the very haunted Foxdenton Hall, Chadderton.

Paranormal event specialists North-West Spirit Seekers are calling all fans of the paranormal to spend the night in the eerie atmosphere of the Hall on November 6.

Tricia Danson, events manager, said: “We are looking forward to investigating the hall for the first time.

“It dates back to the early 1400s and was built for the Radcliffe Family.

“It is said that the hall is full of paranormal, activity with the Blue Room said to be the most active with strange smells and the sounds of children.”

The event includes a ghost walk, medium workshop, full use of paranormal equipment, vigils in the most active areas of the Hall and the chance to work with a medium throughout the night.

Call the ticket hotline on 0800 917 1067 or visit www.northwestspiritseekers.co.uk


Chilling tales at the library

BRAVE young scouts will embark on a spooky sleepover to highlight the benefits of libraries.

Girls and boys aged 10-14 will spend the night at Oldham Library on Saturday from 7.30pm.

They will enjoy a series of scary stories in the deserted library as part of a project to help children develop a love of libraries.

The night’s events will be based on Charlie Higson’s new book “The Enemy” which follows a group of children as they fight to survive in a world where all adults have fallen ill to a mystery virus.

The group will also take part in a zombie hunt by solving puzzles on computer screens. The youngsters will film and photograph their quest with the results edited overnight and shown over breakfast on Sunday.

Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “The sleepover is a great way for our library staff to engage with younger audiences.

“I’m sure the scouts will have a great time although I hope they don’t find too many monsters.”

For more details call Oldham Library on 0161 770 8000 or send an email to oldham.library@oldham.gov.uk  


Scary party time

THE Honeywell Centre at Hadfield Street, Hathershaw will be hosting a Hallowe’en party for children aged 10 and under on Saturday.

The event takes place between 6-8.30pm. and tickets are priced at £3 for children and £1.50 for adults.

The price includes food and there will be a special prize for the scariest costume!

It promises to be a fun-filled night with lots of spooky fun and a Hallowe’en disco.

For more information, telephone the Honeywell Centre on 0161-621 3900.


It’s witch craft

YOUNG ghouls, ghosts and witches took part in a fun-filled Hallowe’en craft session at Gallery Oldham. Children learned how to make pop-up witches and pumpkin bags ready to be filled with treats. And a face-painter was on hand to finish off their terrifyingly good costumes. The session was one of three half term children and family activities sessions held this week.