The Legends, a gym group at CrossFit OL1 in Derker, meets Monday and Wednesday mornings for members aged 55-82 who have overcome health challenges including cancer, heart attacks, and knee replacements. Members like 70-year-old cancer survivor John Roberts credit the group with saving their lives, while 82-year-old Irene Lorenzelli regained fitness to travel to Australia after knee replacements. The group provides adapted workouts focusing on daily movement and strength, combined with strong social support. Members report improvements in both physical and mental health, with some reducing or stopping medication. The group welcomes new members with free first sessions.
Emergency services responded to a welfare call on Park Bridge Road near Daisy Nook Country Park in Oldham this afternoon. Police, ambulances, fire service, and a police helicopter attended the scene. A man was returned to safety after a long negotiation and subsequently arrested on suspicion of class A drugs. Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service deployed specialist water rescue teams near the Medlock River just before 3pm, establishing safe systems of work on both riverbank and waterside. Fire crews remained until all risks were mitigated and the scene was handed over to police.
Mayor of Oldham Councillor Eddie Moores visited The Salvation Army's Roundthorn Road centre to learn about its support services for vulnerable residents. He met service users, volunteers and staff while observing the food bank, employment guidance through Employment Plus, and the Lighthouse Project weekly drop-in offering hot meals, showers, laundry and crisis support. Captain Maisie Veacock said Oldham has many deprived areas where working people and low-income households struggle to make ends meet, with people in crisis or experiencing homelessness finding a safe space at the centre. The Salvation Army has served Oldham since 1882, providing support and outreach for over 140 years.
Shaun Grenfell, 37, of Sharples Hall Street, Oldham, was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison at Minshull Street Crown Court for raping a woman in her early 20s in 2024. The victim woke to find Grenfell raping her and later described feeling 'fundamentally changed' by the attack. Grenfell also assaulted a man in April 2024, causing two black eyes and requiring hospital treatment. Judge Matthew Corbett-Jones said the relationship breakdown was 'no excuse' for Grenfell's behaviour and imposed a 15-year restraining order preventing contact with the rape victim and two family members.
Samuel McConkie, 40, from Angelico Rise in Oldham, avoided a prison sentence after a rooftop stand-off with police in Counthill Road on August 25, 2025. Residents called police after seeing a woman covered in blood wearing only a bra. McConkie, who had 61 previous convictions and was on licence, threatened officers saying 'don't come any closer - I've got a nine milly' and threw roof tiles, damaging a car. Police found cocaine on him when he came down. He admitted breaching a restraining order and criminal damage, receiving a 20-month suspended sentence and £500 compensation. Charges of assault, false imprisonment, and threats to kill were dropped.