Milnrow Master The 'Salute To Youth' In Kettering

Milnrow Band members with the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Award.

Milnrow Band came second in the All England Masters International Brass Band Championship at The Lighthouse Theatre Kettering on Sunday 24 May 2015, picking up £1,500 and the BBC Radio Cambridgeshire Award.

Competing in the ‘Masters’ for the first time and against an exalted company of brass bands from England and the continent, Milnrow Band, under the direction of Mark Bentham, was placed above 12 other competitors with its performance being surpassed only by the winners, Virtuosi GUS Band (formerly the Munn & Felton band).

Playing from the number six position, Milnrow provided the audience with a sparkling and robust performance of the test piece, ‘Salute to Youth’ by Gilbert Vinter.

Written in 1961 the piece was used at the National Brass Band Championship qualifying rounds in 1962. Reflecting aspects of youth, it comprises of three technically challenging sections ‘resilience’, ‘romance’ and ‘relaxation’. It was Vinters' first composition for brass bands and in the period until his death in 1969 he was to have a great influence on music of the brass band genre. The first movement portrays ‘resilience’ with the use of a theme and heroic fanfare with a 'full blooded' ending.

Milnrow gave its all in a fantastic show of brilliant sound and team coordination, what a start to Milnrow's musical contribution, it has been proved in the past that Milnrow Band has the quality of soloists and support players with which to give any band a ‘run for its money’ in the smooth, sweet and lyrical playing such as required in the second movement ‘romance’.

The playing in this ‘love story section’ was as exquisite as it was impressive, with the band evoking a sense of true emotion, somewhat endorsed by the adjudicators favourable remarks.

Thus having so far provided the audience with what some listeners perceived as a near flawless performance, it was imperative that the players did not lose concentration and power in ‘relaxation’ the final movement. Musically anything but relaxing, this final movement, exhibited, in turn, youthful exuberance, drive, and energy with a reprise of the original theme, all in all a test of stamina for competing bands.

If the stamina of this ‘young’ Milnrow Band was ever in question, all doubts were confounded with its playing of this last section with which it completed its musical offering with a flourish, leaving both players and listeners with a sense of pleasurable exhaustion.

Adjudicators Mark Wilkinson and Stephen Roberts were suitably impressed with one remarking: "The performance was a technical tour de force, the detail was brilliant."

Ken Watts, Band President said: “We would also like to give thoughts and appreciation to past MDs and members who have made it possible over the years for Championship Milnrow Band to still exist and enjoy its most successful period in its long history of 146 years.

“Well done everyone, we are proud of you.”

Milnrow Post Office Theft And Violence

At about 8.30am on Friday 22 May 2015 three men entered the Post Office on Dale Street and, whilst one of them distracted the member of staff, the other two stole some sweets.

All three then left the shop, but a few minutes later one turned back and when he was asked to leave by the staff member, a scuffle ensued.

The offender tried to grab a pair of gloves on the display, at which point one of the other offenders came back into the shop and threw a punch at the staff-member, but missed.

All three then fled the scene on foot in the direction of Station Road.

The man who was asked to leave the shop is described as Asian, about 18-years-old, about 5ft 9in tall, of slim build and was wearing a dark hooded top with the hood up.

The man who threw the punch is described as white, about 18-years-old, about 5ft 7in tall, of slim build and was wearing a hooded top.

The third offender is described as white, about 18-years-old, about 5ft 5in tall, of medium build, and was wearing hooded top with the hood up.

Detective Constable Rich Shelton of Rochdale division said: “The victim was left shaken by this ordeal and we want to catch these men as soon as possible.

“If you saw three men matching the descriptions or saw the incident unfold, I would urge you to contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4646 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Source: GMP

Lib Dems Need Farron 'The Campaigner' Says Andy Kelly

Andy Kelly (right) with Tim Farron (left).

Local Lib Dem Champion and Milnrow & Newhey Councillor Andy Kelly has today given his backing to Tim Farron’s campaign to become the next Leader of the Liberal Democrats.

Farron was re-elected at the recent general election for a third straight term as MP for the Cumbria constituency of Westmorland & Lonsdale.

He has already received significant endorsements from the leaders of Scottish and Welsh Liberal Democrats, many former MPs and over a hundred of the party’s parliamentary candidates who stood at the general election.

Getting Andy’s support will be a further boost for Farron, who is also backed by fellow MPs Greg Mulholland (Leeds North West) and John Pugh (Southport) and Mark Williams (Ceredigion).

Commenting, Andy said: “I have worked closely with Tim Farron for many years now. Tim is a proven campaigner and outstanding communicator. He is the distinctive, liberal voice that our party needs and this is why I am supporting him to be our next leader. I am urging people in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton to do the same.”

Tim Farron added: “Andy has been a fantastic Lib Dem champion who has done so much for local people in Milnrow & Newhey and in the Rochdale Constituency. I have seen how hard he works for constituents and so to have his support for my campaign will be invaluable.”

Milnrow Defeated By Royton In Hard Fought Wood Cup Preliminary Round

Milnrow lost a tense, hard fought Wood Cup preliminary round match at the Paddock against Royton on Sunday.

After winning the toss, Royton elected to bat and made a good start with the opening partnership making 41 before Charlie Lloyd-Jones made the breakthrough when he removed Walsh. 17 year old Lloyd-Jones has been bowling very well for the second team and showed real promise in his spell here. It was also pleasing to see 18 year old Brad Smith also make the step up from seconds to firsts and he took a key wicket when he caught Durose off his own bowling. Milnrow's fielding was tight and the bowling kept control of Royton's good batting order. At one point, Milnrow's quality bowling had Royton at 123 for 6 with Wilkinson removing former Milnrow captain Nathan Sinkinson for a duck. Wilkinson bowled tightly and with skill to reach figures of 2 for 25 from his 10 overs. 

Royton batted resolutely, however, and having been 123 for 6 they reached the challenging total of 196 for 7 after their 50 overs. The unbeaten eighth wicket partnership making 48 runs. Milnrow's fielding was much improved on recent matches and there was confidence that this total could be reached.

The key to the Milnrow innings was the batting of professional James Price and he produced his best performance for the club so far. He came to the wicket following the dismissal of Crabtree with the total on 17 and batted fluently and with great skill. He struck the ball to all parts of the ground with great timing and scored quickly. Unfortunately at the other end, wickets fell regularly with only Dryden and Diplock making double figures and when the score reached 160 for 7, it was clear that Milnrow's fortunes in the match rested on Price's shoulders. 

Having reached 98 from 90 balls, hitting 13 fours and a six, there was real tension around the ground but with Milnrow supporters and players hoping that he could lead the team home and make his maiden century for the club, he got a ball that kept low and bowled him. This effectively ended the Milnrow challenge and in the end Royton ran out winners by 27 runs in what was an excellent match. Milnrow's players had competed hard against a good Royton side but ultimately left deeply disappointed.

Contributed by
Colin Williamson
Chairman, Milnrow Cricket Club

Latest Update From Hollingworth Academy

Art Exhibition: We would be delighted if you could join us between 5pm - 7pm on Wednesday 20 May to celebrate the success of our GCSE Art & Design pupils.

PE Kit: Half price PE kits for sale from the school’s Finance Office, limited sizes available. Please order through WisePay.

Congratulations to the following pupils who, over the last week, have achieved an average of 85% in their Accelerated Reader Quizzes:

Louiza Azhar, Ishaa Bashir, Andrew Chisnall, Grace Cooke, Aaron Found, Rima Hanif, Zuhaib Hassan, Willow Hirst, Isabelle Hoyle, Anisha D Iqbal, William Jones, Katie-Ann Murray, Eisha Nawaz, Mohammed Nur, Christopher Pickup, Hannah Razzaq, Shaaref Rehman, Freya Rickards, Keelan Shipley, Brandon Watts, Lourdes Wellens, Mohammed Iqbal, Muhammad Aminu, Joseph Frater, Shelby Nicholls, Eesha Siddique, Megan Borrill, Hamish Bruce, Rumaan Hanif, Chloe McHugh, Abdul Raheem, Amina Begum, Ammarah Siddiqa, Naila Siddiqi.
Keep reading!

Food Tech: We currently have Aprons in stock for your Food Tech lessons. They are available to purchase on WisePay for £5.

VIVO Rewards:

Monday 27 April 2015 – Sunday 3 May 2015

Best Pupil in Hollingworth: Samuel Byrne

Best Pupils in:
• Year 7: Ethan Cockcroft
• Year 8: Grace Cooke
• Year 9: Kane Nicholson
• Year 10: Samuel Byrne
• Year 11: Bethany Razzaq

Best Tutor Group in Hollingworth: SG

Best Tutor Group in:
• Year 7: JH
• Year 8: TK
• Year 9: NM
• Year 10: SG
• Year 11: BL

Best Year in Hollingworth: 10

Well done to all.

Diary Dates:
Monday 11 May - Year 8 Parents’ Evening
Friday 22 May - School closes for Half Term
Monday 1 June - School Re-opens & New School Year Begins

Local Polling Sations

Just in case you haven't already seen your options, hear is a list of the local polling stations.

Kingsway ward

• Moss Street Youth Centre, Rochdale
• Mobile unit on car park of Sacred Heart Church, Kingsway, Rochdale
• Turf Hill Initiative Centre, Neston Road, Rochdale
• Lowerplace Primary School, Kingsway entrance, Rochdale
• Buersil Bowling Club, Crowther Street, Rochdale
• Belfield Community School, Samson Street, Rochdale

Smallbridge and Firgrove wards

• Moorhouse Methodist Church, Rochdale Road, Milnrow
• St Ann's School (Parish Hall), Brocklebank Road, Rochdale
• Meadowfield Community Centre, Eafield Road, Rochdale
• Smallbridge Library, Stevensons Square, Rochdale
• Smallbridge Tenants' and Residents' Association, 5 Stevensons Square, Rochdale
• Mobile Unit on Car Park of Ryefields, Braddocks Close, Rochdale

Littleborough Lakeside ward

• The Coach House, Victoria Street, Littleborough
• Littleborough Campus, Small Gym, Calderbrook Road, Littleborough
• Stansfield Hall Primary School, Barnes Meadows, Littleborough
• United Reformed Church, Victoria Street, Littleborough
• Smithy Bridge Methodist Church Hall, Smithybridge Road, Littleborough
• Milnrow and Newhey wards
• Milnrow Cricket Club, Harbour Lane, Milnrow
• Butterworth Hall Community Centre, 22 New Street, Milnrow
• Mobile unit on car park of Ogden Baptist Church, Cedar Lane, Newhey

Wardle and West Littleborough wards

• Littleborough Campus, Small Gym, Calderbrook Road, Littleborough
• Dearnley Spiritualist Church, 14/16 New Road, Littleborough
• Wardle Library, Ramsden Road/Birch Road, Wardle
• Mobile Unit on Car Park of Ryefields, Braddocks Close, Rochdale

A Big Thumbs Up After 12 Months Of Campaigning From Andy Kelly

We are coming to the end of a long General and Local election campaign.

12 months of door knocking and delivering, listening and campaigning.

And I want to pay particular thanks to the people in my home ward of Milnrow & Newhey.

It has been brilliant to see democracy in action, people raising petitions, turning out to public meetings, writing letters to the press, volunteers turning up to clean areas, people giving of their time to public events and all making sure that their voice is heard.

The turnout in Milnrow, Newhey & Ogden has always been relatively high, but even with the rise of other parties in the constituency, people have always been courteous and polite to me on the doorstep, as I have been to them.

None of these rumoured arguments and rants that pepper the internet.

Postal voting has increased this year too, which shows how well planned people are, and how valuable their vote is to them.

So, regardless of the outcome on Thursday/Friday this week, the voters in Rochdale, and particularly Milnrow & Newhey, get a great big thumbs up from me.

Andy Kelly
Liberal Democrat Parliamentary candidate for Rochdale and local candidate for Milnrow & Newhey

Brett Thanks All The Voters Of Milnrow, Newhey & Ogden

I write this before the result is known and so can not be accused of politicking.

First can I thank all the voters of Milnrow, Newhey and Ogden for taking part in the democratic process; no matter how you voted nor whatever the result.

It almost seems that the entire Rochdale Constituency campaign has been fought in the villages but with only two participants.

It is sad when one of the major parties makes no effort to engage with the public. It has been an interesting five weeks on the doorstep plus the several weekends before.

The main local issues have been dog fouling, lampposts, litter and traffic/parking.

We did get some national issues and some quirky complaints about the new lamps not allowing car fobs to work and the stolen post office letter box. All have been taken up and long may we continue to provide the service to the electors.

Cllr Allen Brett
Labour member for Milnrow & Newhey