Local News
Thieves steal from elderly
Three men have been charged after a television was stolen from sheltered accommodation. Craig Anthony Higham, 36, of no fixed abode, Roy Peter Carroll, 37, of Fern Close, Middleton and Christopher James Connell, 29, also of Fern Close, are charged with burglary. They are due before Rochdale Magistrates' Court on 30 July. Between 6.30pm on 2 June and 8am on 3 June, the television was stolen from the accommodation for elderly residents at Tonge Court, Oldham Road.
30.07.10
Police seize cannabis
Police have seized 71 cannabis plants in Middleton. Officers carried out a search warrant at a house on New Lane, shortly after 11.20am on Tuesday 27 July. One part of the house had 66 young plants and there were five large, more mature plants in another part. A 22-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis and was subsequently cautioned for the offence.
Police Constable Mike Stott, from the Middleton Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: "This is a great result for the local community as we have managed to take a significant amount of cannabis out of circulation. We will always act on information provided to us by the public, so if anyone knows about the production of cannabis in the area, then please get in touch. I would also urge people to continue to be vigilant and if they spot unusual activity at houses to call us. Tell-tale signs can often include lots of different people coming and going at unusual times and all of the windows in a property being covered day and night, as well as a pungent smell."
Anyone with information on the supply of drugs in the area should call police on 0161 872 5050 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
29.07.10
Bands on the Stand, 25th July
The summer programme of brass band concerts in the bandstand at Jubilee Park Middleton continued on Sunday 25th July with a charming performance from The Eagley Brass Band from Bolton. http://www.eagleyband.co.uk
In keeping with the previous brass bands, the audience was treated to musicianship of the highest quality. However, in addition to a number of timeless favourite melodies, there were a few selected arrangements by names known within "brass band circles". This variety made a most pleasant change from the norm and also enlightened the audience more about the brass band genre of music. There was music for the enjoyment of folks of all ages!
Folks passing through the park were having a knees up to "The Clog Dance" from the film "Brassed Off". The younger (and the slightly older) members of the audience were treated to "The Teddy Bears' Picnic" and "Somewhere Out There" from the Disney film "An American Tail". Popular favourites such as "Singing In The Rain", The Beatles tune "Ticket To Ride" , George Gershwin's " I Got Rhythm" and the Cole Porter classic "Anything Goes" gave a familiar theme to the event. The more ecletic brass band pieces, such as "Doyen" by Goff Richards and the hymn "In Perfect Peace" by Kenneth Downie were easy on the ear and provided a pleasantly diverse repertoire. The finale could be no other than the classic (fanfare please!) The Floral Dance, made famous by The Brighouse And Rastrick Brass Band. Folks in the audience enjoyed the music no end!
One of the band members commented on their enjoyment at playing in a bandstand. It was traditional Sunday entertainment at it's most enjoyable, as it has been throughout the whole Summer Brass Band programme. Even better, despite the overcast sky, the rain held off for the event!
One feature stood out for more than a country mile.... The audience was small in number! Come on folks! Keep the tradition going and come along to the next do on Sunday 1st August between 2pm and 4pm. This presentation will be part of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the birth of Mr Edgar Wood, talented architect extraordinaire. Make arrangements for an early Sunday dinner at home, so you can come down to the park afterwards for some fine musical entertainment from the bandstand. See you there!
(Also listed in Events)
May Middleton, 28.07.10
A night just for Phil
A charity night and get together is being held at the Apple and Pear, Alkrington, on Wednesday 4th August, for a much loved and respected Middleton "Music Man".
Phil Moore's interest in music began back in the sixties like many like-minded Middleton folk still in the circuit today. He was, and still is, known for his slick "Mod" dress style, often wearing bespoke tailored suits and pristinely polished shoes, and was even described as resembling a Mafia Godfather, which no doubt played a part in boosting his career somewhat.
Phil worked with several bands, one of which took him to Denmark for some time, working mainly on the management and promotion side of things before landing a job as PA to Muddy Waters. Work with other big names were to follow such as the Sex Pistols, Little Richard and Doctor Hook.
Eventually returning to his hometown, Phil played a big part in the successful run of "Bands in the Park" events in Jubilee Park, as well as the more recent "Dusting of the Plaque" now known as the "Peter Cowap Music Festival", both of which have promoted local talent and raised money for charity. This was as well as working as a Theatre Technician in the private hospital sector.
Phil recently became very ill and his friends are organising the Apple and Pear "do" where several bands will be performing. Funds raised from collections on the night will be going to the Christie's Hospital. The event starts from 7pm and organisers are hoping all of Phil's friends, past and present, can make it on the night to join in a celebration of his life and his contribution to music. It is very much hoped that Phil is well enough to attend the celebration himself.
Also listed in Events
27.07.10
Sunday 18th July celebrations
Sunday 18th July was a day to remember at two venues. The MIDDFEST was held at the Limefield Leisure Park on Manchester Old Road from noon onwards. There was much enjoyment to be had from the various attractions at the venue. Amongst the variety of refreshment stalls there was a stand selling Italian crepes and a beer tent, in addition to other folks selling traditional sweets, such as candy floss etc.
Lively entertainment was provided by a number of dance troupes, including The Peel Green Highlights and The Middleton Popstars. More dynamic acts featured a motorbike stunt team, falconry, a laser clay pigeon shooting and other features too numerous to mention. All in all, despite the weather being a little bit wet, the ground wasn't too much of a "mudfest". As per their usual tradition The Middleton Round Table and The Middleton Township really put on a fantastic event to rival anywhere in the UK. A mammoth vote of thanks to all the organisers and fundraisers for making the day possible. Roll on the next MIDDFEST!
Just a stone's throw away in the Jubilee Park bandstand was Tottington Public Band continuing the programme of "Bands On The Stand" Sunday recitals. Like the other bands before them, an attentive and appreciative audience was treated to timeless favourite tunes played to the highest standard of musicianship. Some of their repertoire included "You've Gotta Pick A Pocket or Two", "As Long As He Needs Me" from the musical "Oliver", "Singing In The Rain" and The March from "The Great Escape".
Again, all credit to the organisers and participants of The Bands On The Stand event for bringing back the good old traditional brass band in the park of a Sunday. To whom it may concern yet to enjoy the pleasures of a brass band playing in a park, you are welcome to come along and find out what you have been missing! See you on Sunday 25th July at the Jubilee Park bandstand between 2pm and 4pm! (Also listed in Events)
May Middleton, 21.07.10
Boy, 17, attacked in street
A 17-year-old boy is recovering in hospital following a street attack in which he was beaten and deliberately hit by a car. Shortly after 3.30am on Saturday 10 July, police were called to Long Street, following a report the teenager had been attacked.
Shaun Harris had been out with friends and became involved in a row with another group of men. He was then attacked and a red Toyota ran him over, before turning in the road and attempting to collide with him a second time. The car then drove off, leaving the victim seriously injured. He was taken to hospital, where he is still being treated for a broken leg and head injuries.
Detective Constable Chris Whalley, of Rochdale CID, said: "We're still trying to piece together exactly what happened to this young man before and during this nasty attack. What is clear is that he suffered injuries which are serious. That is why it is so important we speak to anyone who may have been around in the early hours of Saturday and seen any part of what took place. Your information could be key to our investigation, so I'd urge you to come forward with whatever you know. The people capable of carrying out such an attack must have no conscience and we are doing everything we can to find them and lock them up."
Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 8552 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
13.07.10
Bands on the Stand
FEATURING THE TALENTS OF THE BESSES BOYS BAND
The much loved programme of local brass bands performing timeless favourite tunes in Jubilee Park, continued with a charming repertoire from The Besses Boys Band. Back in 1943, the first band under this name was assembled. Over the years this ensemble has delighted audiences far and wide with top rate brass band melodies. http://www.bessesboysband.com/
On Sunday 11th July, a most appreciative audience was treated to memorable tunes such as "Amazing Grace", " Sweet Gingerbread Man", The Welsh Hymn "All Through The Night", "The Can Can" and "The Bugler's Holiday", amongst others. The weather was pleasantly cool, but fairly bright, despite a slightly overcast sky.
The new landlord of The Ring O' Bells Public House on nearby St Leonard's Square kindly supplied the band members with some refreshments gratis.
May Middleton, 12.07.10
Armed Robbery
Two armed robbers stole cash, drink and cigarettes during a raid in Middleton. Sometime between 4pm and 4.15pm on Tuesday 6 July, two masked robbers went into Hereford Convenience Store on Hereford Way.
The pair, who were armed with a hammer and a black handgun, threatened a staff member and demanded cash from the till. They put some cash, cigarettes and a bottle of alcohol into a black rucksack and ran out. It is thought they then got into a dark blue hatchback type car, possibly a Volkswagen Golf, which they had earlier parked on Oxford Drive and drove off onto Glenwood Drive and Boarshaw Lane.
The offenders are described as being white men, about 6ft tall and of medium build. They were wearing black hooded tops with the hoods up and scarves across their faces, black gloves and black tracksuit bottoms.
Detective Constable Amie Darnell of Rochdale CID, said: “These men have used weapons to threaten and put a shop assistant in fear of his life and put their freedom very much on the line for very little. I am keen to hear from anyone who saw the pair in and around the area at the time of the robbery or witnessed them fleeing in the car to call police.”
Anyone with information is asked to call Rochdale CID on 0161 856 4644, or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
08.07.10
Man jailed for child sex offences
A man has been jailed for child sex offences. Anthony Heapy, 48, of Middleton, was found guilty of two counts of rape, nine counts of sexual assault and one count historic indecent assault after a two week trial at Bolton Crown Court.
On Tuesday 29 June, he was sentenced to 14 years and six months imprisonment. The sentence relates to the sexual assault and rape of a girl over a long period of time as she grew up from the age of 10-16. At the age of 16, the girl told her school that she had been sexually abused and the police were contacted. The historic indecent assault charge relates to an incident involving a 12-year-old girl.
Detective constable Julianna Barker said: "Heapy has left his victims scarred for life by the abuse he subjected them to. Not content with having taken advantage of their trust in childhood, he has now forced them to re-live the abuse by refusing to admit to his crimes and putting them through this trial. I just hope today's result gives them some sense that justice has now been done."
29.06.10
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