IF you want to make sure you shine at the Tameside Christmas Lantern Parade on Saturday, November 18, there is no better way to do it than by attending a lantern-making workshop.

This weekend RE: LOAD will bring a celebration of Ashton's creative community brought to life through poetry, street art, dance and film.

Plans to reinvigorate Ashton's Market Square have been given the green light this week by the Local Planning Authority.

Stalybridge on parade at hugely successful arts festival

SUNSHINE and huge crowds gave a wonderfully warm welcome to Farrah the fox and friends as they paraded through Stalybridge as part of the vibrant Weave arts festival last weekend.

A family of refugees who fled the Ukraine war over a year ago have shared their heartwarming story of adapting to life in a new community. Iryna, 36, her mother, sister and best friend arrived in Tameside 17 months ago and are preparing to celebrate their second Ukrainian Independence Day living with their sponsors in Hyde.

Iryna's story shows the profound impact of this support. Despite the cultural and language challenges, Iryna's family, including her mother Tatiana, 66, sister, Svitlana, 45, and best friend Alisa, 37, have been pillars of strength for each other while they adapted to live in a new country.

The family's favourite places in Tameside include Hyde Park and the garden of their sponsors, Serena and Lee, have become symbols of solace and belonging. Alisa, in particular, is keen to visit the local artisan markets as the family adapts and embraces their new culture.

The family remains steadfast in their pride for Ukraine and its soldiers, as the sudden eruption of conflict transformed ordinary citizens into defenders of the nation. Iryna's family and friend holds immense pride for their president's tireless commitment to Ukraine's victory.  Iryna said: "We are very grateful to all friends of Ukraine for their help and support; without the help of friends and strangers, sometimes it is simply impossible for anyone to survive."

For Ukrainian Independence Day, Iryna will join compatriots at the Ashton Ukrainian Centre to celebrate and pay tribute to fallen defenders and mark the country's effort in the war. This event acts as a small yet significant bridge between their homeland and their new Tameside home.

Serena and husband Lee, who opened their home in Hyde to Iryna's family and friend, found their spontaneous decision to help has evolved into a 17-month journey from strangers to close friends.

Serena reflects on their experience saying: "We were horrified by the war and felt we had the ability to help. Our ladies are most definitely going to celebrate Independence Day, with other Ukrainians at Ashton Ukrainian Centre. We feel it's their celebration."

Tameside has rallied behind Ukrainian refugees, with 44 sponsors currently offering accommodation for 54 people. A further 43 Ukrainians under the scheme have successfully transitioned to secure housing within the borough, with the help of Tameside Council's Homes for Ukraine Scheme, sponsors and retired estate agent, Stephen Gooderson. 

The Homes for Ukraine Scheme provides support which encompasses services such as guidance applying for benefits, employment advice, language lessons, registering for healthcare, educational placements, and more.

Cllr Ged Cooney, Tameside Council Executive Leader, said: "Tameside prides itself on being a welcoming and compassionate community. The outpouring of support for Ukrainian refugees is a testament to our shared values of unity and empathy. The story of Iryna and her family showcases the impact that collective effort can have in transforming lives and fostering a sense of belonging."

Iryna adds: "Adapting to life in a new country hasn't been without its challenges, but the kindness of locals and the sense of community have made all the difference. We are truly grateful for the support we've received."

VISITORS to Stalybridge Street Fest were treated to a sneak preview of the spectacular delights in store for the town's Weave arts festival next month.

Starting this September, the first Friday of the month will bring a new early evening pop-up arts and food event to Ashton town centre.

Sewendipity Stalybridge are holding a a yarn shop day sale on saturday 22nd July,

Consultation opens this week for everyone to have their say on the draft vision and masterplan proposals being put forward to reinvigorate Hyde town centre. 

Sala Futsal Club u16s Boys and u16s Girls have been crowned FA Pokemon Youth Futsal Cup Regional Champions and are through to National Finals.

Sala Futsal Club Girls u12s have been crowned FA Pokemon Youth Futsal Cup Regional Champions.

Despite a spirited performance Curzon Ashton went down 3 -1 to National League North leaders AFC Fyldes at Mill Farm

Droylsden FC are looking to make a comeback, having not kicked a ball since March 2020, after the financioal strain of Covid pandemic caused them to resign from the Northern Premier League.

Founded in 1892 with 130 years of football history, the club is plotting a return to the competition. Dave Pace, the clubs owner has met supporters to plan a possible future comeback for the club, with function room bookings providing a boost for the club's finances. In a statement issued today (January 16), a spokesperson for Droylsden FC said: "In response to a plea from concerned fans, Droylsden FC owner Dave Pace yesterday met with supporters to discuss the future of the club.

At a packed meeting he explained how the pandemic had financially devastaed the club. Recently private functions at the clubs social club have picked up enabling hope of the football returning. 

A further meeting will take place at 2.30pm on Sunday, January 29, to see how the club can return and carry on its history. 

Fans will be asked if they can offer practical support with any skills they have to resurrect the club, the first step will be to renew the Butcher Arms ground safety certificate. We wish the Blood's a speedy return!

Hyde United put six past Ashton United at the Hurst Cross Stadium.

The Hero Half Marathon race, part of the Tour of Tameside takes place on 17 June 2023 

WHEN Nathan Webb runs out at Ovenden Park next month to face home club Halifax Magpies he'll be following in the international footsteps of men like England grand-slam skipper Eric Evans.

The Tameside Cricket Development Group aims to develop cricket throughout Tameside at all levels with the help of senior representatives of all of Tameside’s cricket clubs

Over 1300 turned out at Bower Fold to see Stalybridge Celtic and Hyde United in a lively Tameside Derby. Hyde started the game the better side, applying the pressure to make for an exciting first half. There were 4 consecutive corners, which Celtics defence dealt with well. Despite missing a huge part of their team, their key players either having covid or injuries. 

May marks the "Forget Me not Appeal" to help those affected by dementia organised by the Alzheimer's Society in asking everyone across Oldham to join together in

support of the Forget Me Not Appeal in order to raise awareness and money for everyone living with dementia.

A local business owner and football coach has donated gifts to cared-for children in Tameside through an appeal he organised with his football club, based at Tameside Stadium in Ashton.

Clayton Palmer, of Elite Soccer Skills Programme, organised donations from families of children he coaches, along with a GoFundMe to raise money to purchase additional gifts.

Clayton had the idea to start a collection when speaking to one of the parents of the children he coaches, Lauren Fox, who works for Tameside Council Fostering Service. Together with the Fostering Service, ESSP arranged to donate a large number of children's gifts which are now being distributed to local cared-for children in time for Christmas Day.

Speaking on behalf of ESSP, Clayton said: "When we started the collection we didn't realise how big it would get, we're really happy to have helped local cared-for children and I hope they enjoy their presents."

Councillor Bill Fairfoull, Deputy Executive Leader with responsibility for Children and Families, said: "I think it's fantastic that Clayton and ESSP have donated such a generous collection of gifts to our cared-for children, I'm sure there will be lots of smiles on Christmas morning and it's brilliant that there is something for all our children and young people, from little ones to teenagers.

"Thank you to Clayton and all families and individuals from ESSP who donated, you have really made a difference to local children and families this Christmas."

If you would like to know more about fostering a local child or young person, please get in touch today by calling 0161 324 2342 or complete the online form at tameside.gov.uk/fostering.

TAMESIDE Music Service (TMS) has been selected to be part of an innovative programme of inclusive music work with vulnerable young people.

TAMESIDE couple Serena and Lee Davison have shared the story of their journey in becoming hosts for fleeing refugees from the Ukraine as part of the national Homes for Ukraine scheme.

To combat digital exclusion 120 laptops have been donated by tech giant Huawei to support residents in Greater Manchester, including Tameside.

A Tameside charity, which cares for patients with life limiting illnesses, is to receive a donation of ten brand new hospital beds.

SCHOOLS, businesses and community groups in Tameside and Glossop are being invited to take part in this year's NHS Big Tea on 5 July to say thank you to NHS staff.

Local charity, Action Together is taking part in #MonthofCommunity in June to celebrate and thank everyone who has volunteered to strengthen Oldham, Rochdale, and Tameside throughout the pandemic.

BUSINESSES are uniting in Tameside on their journey to achieving net zero to protect the planet.

It’s difficult to imagine, but not everyone gets as excited about insurance as we do. It’s understandable - with some cover being compulsory and some very highly advised, it can sometimes feel like a grudge purchase.

Since opening the doors 4 months ago, we have received a warm welcome and we are delighted to have met some of the local residents.

IF you're looking for a job, a change of scene, or just some advice – look no further than the Tameside Autumn Jobs Fair. You'll find a wide range of local employers offering work in many sectors.

A Tameside Council Adult Social Work Apprentice has been shortlisted for a prestigious award in recognition of their extraordinary practice.  

Tameside residents on the hunt for a new job or in need of recruitment support or advice can drop in to the Spring Jobs Fair, which takes place on Thursday 27 April 2022 at Dukinfield Town Hall.

PEOPLE looking for a meaningful career where they can make a difference to people's lives every day are encouraged to visit an upcoming Adult Services recruitment event.

THE fantastic Tameside in Work support service which helps local residents in Tameside progress to better employment with support and training has been granted further funding to enable the team to continue supporting local residents.

Luke Shore, a young Autistic man from Tameside has a lot to be proud of and is successfully achieving some key milestones and confidence on his route to pursuing a career in the IT industry with the support of Tameside Council's Routes to Work Team.

DIGITAL technology has been utilised to enable decisions on planning applications in Tameside can continue as normal.

Offers for Home Movers This Spring as Pearson Expand their Ashton Team

House prices in Greater Manchester are up to nine times higher than the average salary according to Official data released by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

One in ten private landlords has no formal tenancy agreement in place with their tenants, new research shows.

Landlords, estate agents and solicitors were in a last-minute rush to complete property deals ahead of a stamp duty rise that takes effect to today.