By Mark Barrow
ONE HUNDRED years of learning and exploring at Castleshaw Outdoor Educational Centre will be celebrated with fun for all the family at a special event on Sunday, May 8.
A range of activities will be on offer to mark the milestone, including orienteering, climbing, caving and guided walks across the mass of stunning scenery that the centre boasts.
The Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman, will get things under way at 12:30pm by unveiling a public display about the history of the site.
The events continue until 4pm and guests can meet search and rescue dogs, watch the art of chainsaw carving and listen to performances from Delph School and Oldham Music service. Refreshments will be on offer throughout the day.
The Centre, based in Delph, has had a varied history since it was donated to Oldham Council by Oldham’s first female Mayor, Dame Sarah Lees, in 1916.
It first served as a Sanatorium School for delicate children before being recognised as a holiday camp for school children in 1936.
The site now provides activities for all ages, such as kayaking and sailing, and allows primary schools to attend history, geography and science based-days at local sites including the historic Roman Fort.
David Faulconbridge, who has been Site Manager at Castleshaw for the past 24 years, is sure the special anniversary celebrations will be enjoyable for all.
He said: ‘’There will be something for everyone throughout the day. I’m hoping people will enjoy themselves whilst learning a bit more about what we offer at Castleshaw.
‘’We are going from strength to strength and I’m very happy to be part of that. On a typical day we have three primary schools visiting, with voluntary groups using our facilities at weekends.’’
To mark the centenary, the Centre is also encouraging people to share ‘Castleshaw Memories’ on its Facebook page.
This involves people sharing their memories and pictures from visits to Castleshaw over the past 100 years.
To share a memory or look through the growing collection, visit Facebook. Find out more about the Castleshaw Centre and their activities on their website.
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