ON December 9 we brought you the news that all the main rugby league stakeholder organisations in Oldham were uniting in a bid to boost the sport locally at all levels.
Oldham Council was represented at a ‘partnership meeting’ by no less a figure than chief executive Harry Catherall, whose very presence indicated that the local authority was aware of the importance of rugby league to the local Oldham community.
Also present were a former Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Ginny Alexander, and her husband Adrian, our former prop-forward, who is now a club ambassador after himself serving for several years as an elected town councillor.
As we get back to something like normality after the Christmas and New Year break, and tick off the days to our friendly against Wakefield Trinity on Saturday, January 22 (6pm kick-off) ahead of our 2022 season in Betfred League One, Ginny has talked on Facebook of sport as a vehicle for discipline and friendship and has urged her fellow Oldhamers to get behind the new-look club and squad.
She wrote:
“We have some good news for you. Oldham RLFC are back in Oldham. They will be playing at the Vestacare Stadium in Whitebank Road, Limehurst Village, Oldham OL8 3JH.
“We want to make Oldham RL personal again. It is important to the people and to the families of this borough. We believe sport can unite people of all different backgrounds and bring some discipline into the lives of young and old alike.
“TOGETHER WE CAN BUILD A LIFETIME OF FRIENDSHIPS.
“This year Oldham RL will celebrate 25 years under the guidance of chairman Chris Hamilton. It would be great if you could support the club by becoming a member of the new Supporters’ Group (YEDS) or with sponsorship and by attending matches.
“Below are links to the Supporters’ Group’s website and to the Roughyeds fixture list (for the coming season).
“See you at the games. Please give us a shout and a wave.
“GO ON THE YEDS !”
She then reminds people she loves the whole of the Metropolitan Borough — Oldham, Shaw, Chadderton, Royton, Crompton, Saddleworth, Failsworth, Hollinwood, East Oldham, West Oldham.
From the club’s point of view, we are indeed OLDHAM — and proud of it !
