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We aim to bring you Littleborough local news from the Rochdale Observer, Rochdale Online and elsewhere. You can also check out old news in our News Archive.

If you've found an item of news that you'd like to share with the rest of Littleborough, please email us.

20 May 2013
HealthCycle 2013

Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre are running cycling training courses for individuals and groups in the Rochdale area starting in Spring 2013.
 
They have secured funding to enable them to make these courses as cheap as possible - and on some occasions the courses will be free of charge.
 
They would like to hear from groups who may be interested in the activities and they will tailor the courses exactly to their needs.
 
The venues and rides they use will also be tailored to meet the needs of the group and they will use a variety of locations in traffic free environments. All sessions will be run by trained and qualified instructors and all equipment will be provided.
 
On completing a beginners course there will be the option of progressing onto an intermediate group where the rides will be slightly more challenging and work on building up skills, confidence and fitness of participants.
 
If you are interested in arranging a course for your group or as an individual please contact Dave Hunt at Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre on 01706 370499 or david.hunt@link4life.org.
 


 
18 May 2013
New Site Supporter: Rebecca - Past Life Regression Practitioner and Reiki Master

We are pleased to announce a new site supporter.
 
Rebecca Gambles is a qualified Past Life Regression Practitioner and Reiki Master who offers private one-to-one sessions in a safe and relaxing environment.
 
Are you interested in finding out who or what you used to be in a past life?
 
Past life regression is a healing technique which allows you to access images or information from a past life through an altered state of conciousness. If you have an unexplained phobia, physical problem or difficult relationship which you cannot find a solution to, these problems could be directly related to a past life and upon uncovering the issues from these lifetimes, it allows for subsequent healing.
 
Are you are feeling ill, in pain, a bit low in energy or simply just need a way to recharge?
 
Reiki is a wonderful healing tool and leaves a feeling of deep relaxation. Reiki energy, often described as universal life energy, is accessed during a Reiki treatment and channelled into your body to enhance the body's natural healing abilities and to promote well being. It can be used to heal emotional or physical pain.
 
For more information on Rebecca's services, please call 07931 649876, email rebeccagambles@hotmail.com or visit her Facebook page.
Visit Rebecca on Facebook for further details.

 
16 May 2013
Smithy Bridge Charity Shop re-opens

The Bridge Charity Shop in Smithy Bridge has reopened in time for the arrival of spring. There are hundreds of bargains available on ‘preloved’ ladies, men’s and children’s clothes and footwear. The shop also offers a wide choice of household goods, books, CDs and DVDs.
 
The Bridge shop has proved a popular destination for people looking for a bargain, not only from Smithy Bridge and Littleborough, but also attracting visitors from Manchester and West Yorkshire, combining a visit to the shop with a trip to nearby Hollingworth Lake.
 
The shop is run by Smithy Bridge Methodist Church. Now with a more compact layout, the shop is still offering a wide choice of good quality second hand goods. Because we have a little less space available we are no longer selling large furniture items.
 
Shop Manager Glen Moorfoot said, “We are really pleased to have the shop open again, and to be welcoming back our customers. We’ve made some improvements to the building and we’ve got more planned.”
 
The shop is open Monday to Friday, 10.30am – 4pm, and 11am – 3pm on Saturdays. On Smithy Bridge Road, the shop is just 200 yards from Smithy Bridge Railway station.


 
15 May 2013
Police seize £30,000 of cannabis from Littleborough drugs farm

Police officers were called to a possible attempted burglary on Spencer Street, Littleborough last night.
 
Neighbours report seeing four men in masks with batons trying to break down the door of the house at around 11pm while the resident was out.
 
On attending the address, the men had fled the scene but police discoverd 50 cannabis plants being grown in the basement.
 
The resident returned home and then fled from police prompting officers to scramble the helicopter to search the area.
 
A male has since been arrested for cultivation of cannabis and is now is custody.
 
This morning police returned to the property and removed £30,000 worth of cannabis and lighting equipment.

Many thanks to Sam Pilling for the photos.

 
15 May 2013
Make sense of your money with a free course

Do you need help making sense of your money? A free three-session course to help you get a grip on your finances gets underway tonight at Greenhill Methodist Church.
 
CAP Money Coach Ken Peden said, “The CAP Money Course is a simple and inspiring system to make sure you’re in charge of your cash, rather than your cash controlling you It offers easy to follow advice and actions, and course is aimed at anyone, whatever their circumstances.”
 
“Everyone is welcome. Hundreds of people have found it helpful already, and we are looking forward to welcoming more.”
 
The course at Greenhill Methodist on Clough Road, Littleborough starts tonight at 7.30pm. The course is produced by award winning charity Christians Against Poverty, who have helped thousands of people to escape problems of poverty and debt.
 
To join the course, just come along, or book a place online at http://www.capuk.org


 
14 May 2013
World Cuisine Nights at The Moorcock

The Moorcock Inn on Blackstone Edge is starting a new series of monthly 'World Cuisine Nights' from the end of this month.
 
Each month, you will be able to saviour a selection of food from around the world.  You will be served a Chef's selection of starter, main course and dessert dishes from the country along with a bottle of wine per couple.
 
These special nights cost just £25 per head.
 
    • Italian Night - 31st May
    • Mexican Night - 28th June
    • Caribbean Night - 26th July
    • Australian Night - 30th August
    • Thai Night - 27th September
    • Texan Night - 25th October
    • Creole Night - 29th November
 
To book a table, call 01706 378156 or email moorcock@btinternet.com


 
11 May 2013
Are Littleborough's Toddler Groups Top Of The Tots?

Littleborough toddler groups are being asked to show they are ‘Top of the Tots’ by entering the UK’s biggest parenting awards.
 
The prestigious competition, run by Britain’s largest parenting site Netmums.com, will see three local groups scoop gongs before going through to the regional heats of the national awards.
 
The top three national winners will then be crowned the UK’s best toddler groups, taking home a bumper £250 cash prize each.
 
The competition is open to all not-for-profit toddler groups including those held in local libraries, church halls and children’s centres and other venues. The awards have been launched to recognise the hard work of parents and volunteers who give up their time to run the get-togethers, which are a vital part of our local community.
 
Voting began on April 22 and over 1.2 million mums, dads and childcarers are eligible to cast their vote, making it the nation’s top prize for toddler groups.
 
Netmums.com local editor Karen Dutton is now urging Littleborough toddler groups to enter and ensure our area is recognised nationally.
 
Karen, a mum of 2 boys, said: Our toddler groups are a lifeline for mums with many parents meeting new friends who then stay friends for life.
 
“These awards are a chance for the volunteers and people running the groups to be recognised for all their hard work and to show off all Rochdale & Bury has to offer for young families.”
 
Rochdale & Bury winning groups will be honoured on the site that has over a million users every week. They will receive a special certificate to display in their group before being put forward for the national award.
 
Nominations are open until 7th June on Netmums.com with the local winners listed shortly afterwards. To enter all parents have to do is find the listing for their favourite group, press the ‘like’ icon on the site or add a review about the group.
 
Netmums founder Siobhan Freegard said: “From every home-baked caked to crayon drawing, toddler groups are a vital part of parenthood. Not only do they provide a place for parents to forge friendships, they help children learn how to play and grow together.
 
‘We know Rochdale & Bury has some of the best toddler groups around so we want to celebrate all they do for the local area. Nominating is child’s play – just go to Netmums.com and look for Toddler Groups Awards.”
 
There are 7 different toddler groups in Littleborough currently listed on the Netmums website at the moment - as well as lots in surrounding areas. These include Baby Play & Learn, Outdoor Fun and Play & Learn all organised by Littleborough Children's centre, as well as Play & Learn  at Moorhouse Children's centre and Birch View Play & Learn at Birch View Tenants & Residents Base.  If you know of more, why not tell Netmums about them?
 
For more information, please contact Karen Dutton on karend@netmums.com
See a list of local Toddler Groups

 
08 May 2013
Moorland blaze engulfs Summit in smoke.

Summit was engulfed in smoke last night after a massive moorland fire spread across the border into West Yorkshire.
 
Eight fire crews from West Yorkshire plus five fire crews from Greater Manchester battled the blaze well into the night.  They were joined by a helicopter which helped to douse the blaze.
 
The A58 was closed from Baitings Dam due to the fire and smoke.
 
Crews are using water to defend and protect neighbouring property, and to tackle the pockets of fire which cover around five hectares of land close to Todmorden.
 
Last night, Station Manager Pete Buckley said: "We are protecting a small number of remote cottages and farm buildings from the wildfires.
 
"Firefighters have withdrawn from the hillside for safety reasons in the darkness and have redeployed to protect these isolated local buildings with strategically positioned fire engines.
 
"Monitoring any fire spread through the night they will use a protective spray of water around the buildings to defend the properties and will continue to fight the fires on the hillside safely within daylight hours."


 
07 May 2013
Steering Group for a Neighbourhood Forum For Littleborough

Do you want to know more about the Steering Group for a Neighbourhood Forum for Littleborough?
 
After a public consultation, the people of Littleborough have agreed the boundary and to press ahead with the formation of a Neighbourhood Forum for Littleborough.
 
A meeting has been arranged with the Planning Officers from RMBC to come to Littleborough and explain what a Neighbourhood Forum is all about. They will answer any questions you may have.
The meeting will be at 7.30 pm on Thursday, 9th May at the Conservative Club, Peel Street (the bar will be open).
 
If you are interested in the future of Littleborough and want to see local people having more influence over future policies and directions come along and have your say.
 
If you would like to be more involved in the future development of your town you can become a member of the Neighbourhood Forum; find out more by attending the next committee meeting.
 
The Civic Trust  meet every second Tuesday of the month at the Coach House from 7.30 pm.  Everyone is welcome.
 
Telephone Contacts:
Chairman: Daniel Taylor 379358 & Secretary: Iain Spencer Gerrard 377829


 
04 May 2013
Stretch your legs for Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK are organising a five or nine mile sponsored walk in along the Rochdale Canal, starting at Hollingworth Lake on Sunday 9 June to raise much needed funds for the charity.
 
The challenge is part of the Walk for Diabetes series of sponsored events around the country, which aims to encourage people to be more physically active and to live a healthier lifestyle. The Rochdale Canal Walk for Diabetes launches the start of Diabetes Week, 9-15 June 2013.
 
Walking is an excellent way to keep fit and combined with a healthy balanced diet it can reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes. Over 7 million people are at risk of developing the condition in the UK. Money raised from the walks will help them to continue their vital work in reducing the rising tide of Type 2 diabetes, fund life changing research into the condition, and help everyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes manage their condition effectively.
 
This year they are working in partnership with Truvia calorie free sweetener to organise the sponsored walks and all fundraisers who sign up will receive a free goodie bag.  
 
If you can’t make the Walk for Diabetes along the Rochdale Canal, then you can always organise your own. It doesn’t have to be big, or open to the public. You can organise a walk in your school or social club; perhaps with colleagues at lunchtime; or simply just walk to work for a week. However you would like to get involved, they can help you.
 
For more information on signing up for the Walk for Diabetes in the North West visit: http://www.diabetes.org.uk/walk-for-diabetes or if you are interested in organising your own walk then please contact their fundraising team at northwest.fundraising@diabetes.org.uk