The proofs of the 2011 Dobcross Calendar have been received and reviewed. It looks great, so now we will not have to wait for long before the calendar is on sale. The price will be the same as last year: £6 each or two for £10.

Twelve stunning Dobcross photographs were selected for the 2011 Dobcross Calendar at yesterday's village fete. From almost 400 photographs submitted, 36 were put on public display at the fete and visitors were asked to vote for their favourites. Tim Newbold and the other volunteers had great fun running the special calendar preview stall and there was a real buzz as villagers' votes were cast. It was interesting to see how people's opinions differed, but the general feeling was that it was difficult to choose between the pictures - such was the high standard.

However, after a busy afternoon's activity, after1,860 votes were cast, the selection was made. Congratulations go to all of the finalists and especially well done to the photographers whose work was chosen on the day: Jim Grady, Robin Whalley, Richard Wallis, Helen Taylor, Sue Bluer, Tim Newbold, Laurie Wilson, Steve Harper, Kathryn Rudd, John Brierley and Simon Wray.

Thank you to everyone who took part either as photogrpaher or judge. The £50 cash prize draw was won by Alison Brophy and there was even a little money left over which will go towards producing the calendar itself. Work will commence to prepare the calendar for printing and they will go on sale sometime next month. As always, proceeds from the sales of the calendars will go to fund Dobcross village community projects. Any indivuduals or groups with an idea of how to spend this money is invited to contact the Dobcross Village Community. This can be done through the Dobcross Diary or by contacting any of the DVC members (details in the Dobcross Diary).

To avoid disappointment, you can contact the Dobcross Diary editor to reserve your copies of the 2011 Dobcross Calendar. No obligation, pay on approval. Michael dobcrossdiary@dobx.net

BRASS on the GRASS will be at 1pm instead of 2pm due to the World Cup.

Sunday 27th June, 2010, CHurch Fields

Could it be that the youngest AND the oldest reader of the Dobcross Diary live on Platt Lane?

Many happy returns of the day to Victor Smith, pictured today on his birthday reading the Dobcross Diary.

Victor was born on the 1-6-16. 1st June 1916. He's 94 today and has walked on Whit Friday in Dobcross from being a toddler. He only gave up very recently. Victor could well be the oldest reader of the Dobcross Diary?

Here is five month old Joseph. Anne and Simon Hunter's son and Steve and Penny Sankey of Platt Lane's first grandchild. The youngest reader?

Congratulations to all the bands and well done everyone who took part.

For more results, go to  http://www.whitfriday.brassbands.saddleworth.org/Winners_2010.html

The Saddleworth photobook, produced by a group of amatuer local photographers has gone on sale today. The book features some stunning photographs of Dobcross and Saddleworth and costs just £6. Available from Dobcross Post Office, The Swan, Dobcross and other local shops, it hopes to raise money for the Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and The Saddleworth Museum.

The editor of the Dobcross Diary is proud to have some of his photographs featured.

If anyone finds it difficult to get to any of the shops to buy a copy, the editor will deliver to you, free of charge around Saddleworth. If anyone reading this from further afield would like a copy (copies) sent to them by post, just contact the editor to arrange postage which will be charged at actual. (Contact: Michael on 01457 829783 or by email at dobcrossdiary@dobx.net)

The deadline for submitting photographs for the 2011 calendar is 30th June 2010.

 Shortlisted photographs will be showcased at the Dobcross Village Fete on Saturday 10th July 2010 (Dobcross School). Everyone is invited to have fun voting for their favourites and by doing so will be entered into an exciting prize draw. The most popular photographs will be published in the 2011 Calendar.

Good Luck!

Alan Roughley (Lib Dems) has been re-elected to Oldham Council. (1879 votes). Ken Hulme (Independent) came second with 1628 votes

It has been reported that Phil Woolas has won the election for the Oldham East and Saddleworth seat by 103 votes.

A lovely, friendly black and white cat has been found in the Wall Hill Road area of Dobcross. Please contact Yvonne Carey on 01457 873588.

The Dobcross Diary would like to thank all the villagers and the Whit Friday United Effort volunteers in particular for making this event happen every year. If you would like to lend a hand, they will be delighted to hear from you.

The day will begin as usual between 09.30 and 10.30 when Dobcross Silver Band & Dobcross Youth Band march from the Band Club into The Square as hundreds gather for the main service. Brass bands and joyful singing in a perfect (traffic free!) setting. Wonderful.

The day’s events include a Children’s Lunch, Fun Family Sports Activities and, of course, the world famous BAND CONTEST on Church Fields in the late afternoon and evening. For full details and times, please refer to the excellent DOBCROSS WHIT FRIDAY PROGRAMME (on sale now from all good outlets - just £2). It is packed with interesting articles & pictures, as well as containing all the information you need for Whit Friday. Proceeds from sales of the programmes will help fund next year’s event, so be sure to buy a copy or two as souvenirs.

Attached to the back of this month’s Dobx Diary (and on the WHAT'S ON section of this website) is important information prepared by the Whit Friday United Effort Committee. Please read it & tear it off to keep, as it details information & advice about traffic & parking etc.

When a group of amateur Saddleworth photographers began sharing their pictures on the internet site Flickr.com, little did they know that this would lead to a book of their work being published. The book is called ‘Simply Saddleworth’ & will be available very soon.

Steve Haddican, who took the February picture in the 2010 Dobcross Calendar, had the idea for the book and said, ‘I saw the potential to produce a picture book on Saddleworth with all the proceeds going to a local charity.’

‘As well as providing a showcase for amateur local photographers, it is a great opportunity to show visitors what a great area we have on our doorstep & to highlight the fantastic entertainment that can be had with the numerous events that Saddleworth hosts (many of them for free).’

‘We also enjoyed making new friends, swapping tips and techniques & it’s certainly fuelled our passion for taking photos.’

Saddleworth Photobook COMING SOON! Follow the Saddleworth Photobook at Flickr.com and Facebook. Updates will appear here as soon as they become available.

Our thoughts and the good wishes of the village go to Sukhi and his family following the armed raid on the Post Office this Tuesday. Thankfully nobody was injured during the incident in which 4 men threatened the Post Master with a gun. It has been reported that the cowardly thugs got away with some cash despite Sukhi's brave stance.

Let's hope it is not long before these low-life criminals are apprehended and brought to justice.

It was great to see the shop open as usual on Wednesday and Sukhi can be assured of the village's continued support.

Tuesday 30th March 2010:

A blast from the past today as an ex-GM Buses bus returned to Dobcross. 5120 (SND 120X) is an MCW Metrobus, built in 1982 and restored to late 1980's livery by owner Mark Amis, a native of Lees but now living in Bristol. Mark brought his bus up for the Spring Transport Festival last weekend, and before taking it back down to the West Country spent today recreating scenes from the past in various old haunts the bus would have operated in. 5120 would have been seen regularly in Saddleworth during the years it operated from GM Buses Tameside depot.

 Despite GM Buses having passed to First and Stagecoach more than ten years ago, people were still putting their hand out to try and stop Mark's bus, and drivers and other staff from Stagecoach were pleased to see an old friend return ... in fact, one inspector in Piccadilly suggested Mark might like to do a turn in service with it!

Jon Brierley

After months of speculation, the future of an iconic Dobcross landmark has been decided. The much-loved red telephone box in The Square is to be replaced by a blue police box. Once a familiar sight in Britain, the blue police boxes are being rolled out in mainly rural villages like Dobcross as part of the government’s Local Policing Pledge initiative.

 The state-of-the-art box will benefit from free Wi-Fi access to allow police officers to submit surveillance observation reports directly to Central HQ (Uppermill). The box will also house a speed camera, CCTV with the latest face recognition technology & a decibelometer in case anyone talks too loudly on the bench. There will also be a kettle so Bobbies can enjoy their refreshment breaks. It has been suggested that, in the spirit of ‘community involvement’, residents can post small cakes and biscuits through a specially designed serving hatch if they spot an officer ‘in residence’.

 Extra space will be gained when the tunnel network under The Square is opened up, giving police officers direct access to the labyrinth below, thereby making the facilities truly TARDIS-like. However, there is no truth in the rumours that the underground chambers will be used as temporary holding bays for hoodies, rogues & scoundrels. Interfering human rights lawyers fear that some offenders might find it too upsetting to be imprisoned in a cold, damp, rat-infested, subterranean windowless cell.

Anticipating a vocal backlash from irate villagers, a spokesman for the officials declared, “Everyone has a mobile phone these days, so you don’t need the phone box. We understand you don’t like change, so the really drastic proposals have been shelved because it is an election year. And anyway you will still have a traditional British box. Blue isn’t so different from red. We do however accept that the boost to the local economy from increased visitor numbers (primarily coach loads of Doctor Who fans) won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. We suggest cask ale in The Swan instead. We know what’s best for you.”

A special opening ceremony will be performed by John Barrowman singing popular show tunes accompanied by Diggle Youth Band (Reserves) if David Tennant is too busy.

Dobcross will be the first village to see the return of the blue police box in Greater Manchester, although their reintroduction has been a great success in places like Stackton Tressel, Suffolk; Walmington-on-Sea, Kent; Penny Hassett in the Midlands and Effing Sodslaugh in The South.

Objections & comments should be forwarded, via the Dobcross Diary email address (dobcrossdiary@dobx.net) to The Association of Public Resources in Local Funding of Outsourced Legal Services by no later than the first of the month.

 Villagers voice strong reactions vocally…

“Well, it probably won’t be too bad. But I won’t like it.”

- Local person

 “It’s a disgrace. They should spend our money on potholes. I blame the Common Market.” 

- Resident

 “What phone box?”

- Neighbour

 “I prefer custard creams.”

- PC Mark Clough

 “It has recently become my lifelong dream to perform in Dob’s Moss.”

- John Barrowman

The recent freezing conditions have added to the village’s pothole problem. Sugar Lane is particularly bad and the road surface was only laid last year. The Council has responded by creating the POTHOLE MOLE HOTLINE. If you spot any potholes, you can contact the moles on 0161 770 1685 or email pothole.mole@oldham.gov.uk  

Look forward to other exciting Council hotlines, including DOG DIRT BURT on 0161 770 6644. 

Readers of the Dobcross Diary will remember the entertaining stories of derring-do in the jungles of South America sent in by Dobcrosser, Liam Bluer. We are delighted to report that his adventures continue. Now in the Far East, Liam hasn’t forgotten his home village. Here is an update on how he is getting on now.

 “Greetings from the land of fermented cabbage and spam gift sets, where I am an object of ridicule to young children because I don’t know my own blood type, and where the natives actually correct MY English because I don’t speak it with an American accent. Welcome to South Korea.

 I’ve been here for six months, teaching English in a “hagwon”, which is an academy for children to attend every day after regular school. It can be somewhat disheartening to work in a place with a sign outside proclaiming it to be an “ENGILSH SCHOOL”, and where students respond to assignments like Describe a whale (5-7 sentences) with answers like “IT IS A HORSE”, but I keep telling myself I must be getting through to some of them.

Most South Korean children go to three or four hagwons every night, and it is quite normal for them to study from 8am until 10pm, or even midnight! Of course, they don’t know any different, and they are always slightly appalled when they discover that there is no such thing as a hagwon in the UK. In fact it is quite effective to calm an unruly class down not by shouting, but by coolly explaining to them that when I was their age I finished school at 3pm, and after that was free to play with my friends, not buried beneath a mountain of homework. I know it’s cruel, but it works.

While I am proud to be a Dobcross boy, I have come to realise that the verbal skills I picked up there are not the greatest asset to my teaching abilities. This may come as a surprise, but of the nine foreign teachers at my school, including a Welshman, a Scotsman, and a New Zealander, it is my accent that the Korean staff and students find hardest to understand. I have even had to stop giving entry tests to new students because so few have any idea what I’m saying, despite my best efforts to speak slowly and pronounce all my Ts.

Having to regularly explain to children that English does not come from the USA can be infuriating, but if that’s all a free ticket to Asia costs then it’s nothing to whinge about, and I must say I’m having a horse of a time.”

The DOBCROSS DIARY is always keen to hear from readers about what they get up to. It seems Tai Chi is popular with villagers & they asked their teacher to write to the editor to explain about the history & the benefits of this ancient art form. Read what he has to say and you may want to join in! The Diary looks forward to hearing from other groups and we will be more than pleased to publicise your events and activities!

 “Once  upon  a time in sixteenth century China there lived a great general, Chen Wang Ting, who set about designing a great fighting system which would keep him and his men healthy and fit . No this is no fairy story, the great fighting system has many proven health benefits and is called “Tai Chi Chuan”. It is based on kung fu, Chinese medicine and yoga. Today Tai Chi is used primarily for its many proven health benefits such as stress and anxiety management. It relieves depression, arthritis, improves muscle strength, balance, flexibility and much more.

 It is a holistic therapy, developing and helping us to improve our physical, mental and emotional abilities. The important thing to realise is that it is the process of practising Tai Chi which is important, not how good we are or how much we know.

 To begin this fantastic process of regeneration and renewed health, come along to St Chad's Parish Church Hall, Lee St, Uppermill on Thursday evenings at 7pm-8pm (£5per person) and join in with a friendly helpful group of people.

I will be there to guide you along the path to health. I have been teaching in Oldham and Saddleworth for around fifteen years and practising Tai Chi for over twenty years. My teacher in China, Master Liu Yong, has given me permission to teach. I have been a gold medal winner twice in competitions in China 2007 and 2009. Add to that I am a Chinese Scouser and what more could you want?!

If you would like a chat to find out bit more, then ring me on my mobile 07976 732962” JOHN CHANG

Shockwaves rang out through the valleys of Saddleworth last month when, for a brief moment, it looked as if local politicians were going to effectively cancel Whit Friday in favour of petty traffic regulations. People from Dobcross, Saddleworth & around the globe were quick to protest. Within hours, thousands had signed up to internet sites calling for a return to common sense - it worked because embarrassed officials & police chiefs quickly backed down and assured the world that Whit Friday could stay part of the Saddleworth calendar, as it has done for over a hundred years. Phew!

Whilst this show of support is fantastic, what we need now is for those people who value the traditions of Whit Friday to step up to the mark and come forward to volunteer to help run the events planned for the day, because none of it would happen without ordinary folk from Dobcross & the other villages giving their time and energy.

Can you spare a small amount of time to join the volunteers who make it happen? Help set up the contest ring - sell some programmes- help booking in the bands - marshal the bands - join the clean-up on Saturday - be a music ‘runner’ - help organise the activities for children... there’s lots to do! Please 

The theme of this year’s village fête  on July 10th will be ‘The World Cup’. It will include the traditional parade through Dobcross & this year there will be bands performing from 6.30. 

Does anyone know what happened to the bells which used to ring at Holy Trinity Church? Please contact the editor!

The Bowling section of the Band Club starts its new season with the opening of the green on Easter Saturday, 3rd April at 12 noon. Competitors will play for the coveted Easter Cup. The Green is one of the loveliest in the area with beautiful panoramic views.  There are eight teams in total,  incorporating all ages and levels. Anyone fancying a bowl needs their own bowls (jacks are provided). We would appreciate you being a member of the club.  Further information on practice times etc available at the Band Club. (Tel: 873741)

Sunday 14^th March (Mother’s Day) was the date set for the North West Area Regional Brass Band Championships. DOBCROSS YOUTH BAND were participating in the 4^th Section; a section comprising 23 bands from the North West of England. This was the first time that the Youth Band’s Musical Director, James Garlick, had conducted the band in the ‘areas’ where they played Philip Sparke’s ‘Saint-Saëns Variations’ described as A Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes from the ‘Organ’ Symphony.

And what an excellent result for this young, developing, youth band! They embraced this powerful classic to deliver a performance of real character to finish in a creditable 6^th place to the delight of both band and supporters.

Meanwhile, DOBCROSS SILVER BAND, conducted by Grenville Moore,  continued to maintain their high standards in the second section by coming a respectable 6th.

The Inspector highlights that there has been a reduction of 32% in reported crime within the Saddleworth North area compared to the same period last year. This I feel can only to attributed to a lack of criminal opportunities, due to the continued vigilance of the community. We are receiving regular information from residents which helps us to target areas of concern.

Home Watch: If any residents would like to be part of Home Watch, please contact us and we will put you in touch with Peter Lee the Home Watch Coordinator. In addition to this I will arrange for the properties to be Smart Watered - a great burglar deterrent!

E-Watch: In a new initiative, we will be establishing a new database called E-Watch, which is where we can update residents via email on a regular basis regarding incidents that have just occurred in their area. Please, if anyone is interested in receiving these updates, could they contact me with their name, address, telephone number, business details (if applicable) and most importantly email address? Thank you.

Police Surgeries: Hopefully in the coming months we are going to re-establish Police surgeries in the village. Any suggestions of times and venues would be gratefully appreciated. When dates, times and venue have been arranged, I will update residents via the DOBCROSS DIARY.

Handy tips to bear in mind: Now that spring has arrived, people will be out and about in the garden. Please make sure that whilst in the garden, your doors are secure and that once you have finished with your tools that they are safely secured in the shed or garage. This is so that criminals can not use them to force entry into your home or outbuildings. In addition if you have a set of ladders, make sure that they are properly locked away in the garage or shed. If this is not possible you can purchase a bracket to fix them to the wall and chain them up. This is to prevent easy access to upstairs windows or flat roofs.
I hope that this information is of help.”

 PC 9098 Mark Clough mark.clough@gmp.police.uk Tel: 0161 856 4523 Mob: 07770 835702   

The Dobcross Village Community AGM will be on Monday, 26th April at 8pm in The Swan. Everybody Welcome!     

After the usual business of the AGM - reports from the Chairperson, Treasurer, appointment of Committee members for the next term of office, we all relax, and this year we are very lucky to have 2 guest speakers. Alan Cockburn will talk to us about Whit Friday and then Jonathan Williamson will talk about the Wartime Weekend.The DVC is always looking for new faces and fresh ideas, so come along and you will receive a very warm welcome.

Di Kilburn (DVC Chair)

Dear resident,

As we approach the end of the current financial year, the most recent analysis shows significant reductions in almost all
key crime categories, across the Neighbourhood. There has been a decrease of 98 house burglaries, and 75 fewer motor vehicle crimes. Criminal Damage is down by 38 offences, and Burglary other than dwelling is showing a decrease of 7 incidents. Youth anti social behaviour is also down on last year with 15 fewer incidents.
 
The turn of the calendar year saw a "crime spike" in relation to house burglaries, and your Neighbourhood Policing Team were
swift in notifying the local community of this threat, both by email to Saddleworth Homewatch, and local residents associations.

Operation Skate was also launched to combat this trend, and there have been recent arrests and property recovered.

Operation Divert, aimed at tacking Anti Social Behaviour continues, but will draw to a conclusion at the beginning of April. This initiative has allowed the Partnership to deploy additional resources to the Neighbourhood, around hot spots, and repeat locations. We have carried out a range of tactics and activities, which we hope will develop a sustainable plan in the months ahead. Incorporated into the current plan is a "Youth Only Zone," based at Saddleworth Pool, which is led by Oldham Integrated Youth Scheme. This scheme provides free sporting and dance sessions on Friday evenings. Saddleworth and Lees Neighbourhood Policing Team have pledged £1,200, in support of the Youth Only Zone for the new financial year.

During late February and early March there was a number of indecent exposure offences reported in and around the Saddleworth and Tameside area. An adult male has been arrested and is currently on Police bail.  

Kind regards,
Inspector Danny Milovanovic
Saddleworth and Lees NPT

From this week you can see Dobcross on Google Maps Street View. It allows you to see 360 degree views of most streets and lanes in Dobcross in amazing detail. From the state of your neighbours window boxes to piles of horse dung on the road...

http://maps.google.co.uk/help/maps/streetview/index.html#utm_campaign=en&utm_source=en-ha-na-us-google-svn&utm_medium=ha&utm_term=road%20views

 Thanks to Richard at www.saddleworthnews.com for the information.