Five things to do in Oldham

If you’re looking for a somewhere to go to spend your free time this weekend, we’ve packaged up a selection of five local attractions you may want to consider.

There are many events taking place in Oldham, but also just a few miles away in Manchester. Here they are

Poetry Workshop, Gallery Oldham, Greaves Street, Oldham

Saturday, February 2, 11am, £5

SEAMUS Kelly returns to Oldham Libraries to lead a special workshop during National Storytelling Week, in partnership with Gallery Oldham.

Taking the work by Dave Ball, currently exhibited in Gallery Oldham, as its inspiration, this poetry workshop will give writers the chance to create some brand new poetry themed around words from the dictionary beginning with A, B and C.

The workshop will look at how inspiration can be turned into a plan or outline for a new poem and will take participants through the evolution of the piece. There will be opportunities (for those who want to) share their work during the workshop.

No specialist equipment is required and all writers are welcome from those just starting out to professionals.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre,

Fairbottom Street, Oldham

A Different Way Home

Runs until Saturday, February 9

KENNETH Alan Taylor, who plays both a brother and sister living on the outskirts of Manchester, described Jimmie Chinn’s play as “one of my favourites”.

It’s a deeply moving, funny and astutely observed play in the form of two monologues from siblings Leslie and Maureen.

As well as featuring Taylor, who directed the production when it starred Roy Barraclough on its world premiere at the Coliseum 21 years ago, award-winning director Noreen Kershaw (Coronation Street, Life on Mars, Ashes to Ashes). has masterminded this production.

Huddersfield Narrow Canal

YOU can access this historic waterway at Whitelands Basin in Ashton. It’s a fascinating insight into the mode of transport which powered the Industrial Revolution.

It runs just under 20 miles from Lock 1E at the rear of the University of Huddersfield campus, near Aspley Basin in Huddersfield, to the junction with the Ashton Canal at Whitelands.

It crosses the Pennines by means of 74 locksand the Standedge Tunnel.

The canal was first proposed in 1793 at a meeting in the George Hotel, Huddersfield. Its engineer was Benjamin Outram on the recommendation of William Jessop. His plan was to start from the Huddersfield Broad Canal and follow the River Colne with a climb of 438 feet to its summit where it would pass through a tunnel at Standedge before descending through Saddleworth and the Tame valley to the Ashton Canal near Ashton. There were many woollen, worsted and cotton mills along its route which promised ample trade. However, there was the possible problem of the loss of their water supplies and so Outram proposed to build a number of reservoirs.

The Museum of Science and Industry

Liverpool Road, Castlefield

THS attraction sits in the heart of Manchester, the world's first industrial city. It houses the world's oldest surviving passenger railway station and the world's first railway warehouse from 1830, which are located at the end of the museum site. On a visit to the museum, you will see amazing objects and learn about the men and women whose ideas changed the world forever. Daily demonstrations bring the museum's world class collection of textile and industrial machinery to life. There are interactive exhibits to explore and a regular programme of changing exhibitions to enjoy.

Manchester Museum,

University of Manchester,

THE Manchester Museum is home to an array of treasures from the natural world and the many cultures it is home to. Highlights include a T-rex and fossils of other pre-historic creatures, ancient Egyptian artefacts and live amphibians and reptiles. You can handle objects from the collection, take part in hands-on activities or enjoy a glass of wine of cup of coffee whilst exploring the latest ideas in science, culture and the arts.