OTR - Oldham Schools' Debate 2026

On November 5, 2026, North Chadderton School commemorated Second World War hero Flying Officer Donald Hopkinson by unveiling a blue plaque during its centenary year celebrations. Donald Hopkinson, a former student of Chadderton Grammar School for Boys, volunteered for the Royal Air Force in 1941 and served as a bomb aimer with the elite 617 Squadron, known as "The Dambusters". Tragically, he died aged 22 on May 16, 1943, during Operation CHASTISE when his Avro Lancaster—built locally in Chadderton—struck high-tension power cables while flying at low altitude toward the Möhne Dam. Led by Major (Retired) Eddy Hardaker alongside co-headteachers Nikola Westhead and Nick Angus, the dedication ceremony highlighted Hopkinson's extraordinary bravery, sacrifice, and local connections. The plaque serves as an enduring reminder to current and future students that remarkable, world-shaping contributions can emerge from ordinary beginnings. On this recording you will hear the full ceremony and interviews with some of the attendees at the event.The programme was first broadcast on Oldham Today on Oldham Community Radio on 11.11.26 at 11amProduced and presented by Ian Wolstenholme

Oldham Hulme, Oldham Sixth Form College, Bluecoat School and Crompton House compete in the annual Debate Challenge, held this year at The Hive in Oldham.Local sixth formers will be competing head to head in a live debate promoted by Debating Matters - a competition tackling free speech and artificial intelligence. The event is taking place as part of Hulme Grammar School Science Week, run through our Brenda Mills Institute of Innovation and Technology.Judges panel: The Lady Mayor, Paul Tinsley (Director of Education and Early Years), Anwar Ali (Founder of Upturn), and Dr Lizz Peatfield (Senior Lecturer in Criminology, Liverpool John Moores) and Cllr Sam Al-Hamdani. Hosted by Chris Millington and Marc Hornby (Hulme)The programme was edited and produced by Ian Wolstenholme

A special concert featuring the talented Marshall family from Oldham - recorded by the Oldham Community Radio OB unit at Oldham Parish Church on Sunday 6th September. In support of Dr Kershaws Hospice.Producer: Ian Wolstenholme

A special programme live from Oldham's Hulme Grammar School on Thursday 13th August 2026 from the Kings Hall at the school.Ian Wolstenholme chats with students, tutors and others as the celebrations begin.....

Ian Wolstenholme visits the annual Scouthead and Austerlands Motor Show to chat with some of the enthusiasts.

Ian Wolstenholme meets some of the youngsters from Broadfield Academy in Oldham taking part in this year's Singing Challenge from Alexandra Park in Oldham on 18th June 2026.(First broadcast on Oldham Community Radio)

A lookback at Whit Friday celebrations in Lees, Oldham May 2026, as Ian Wolstenholme meets some of the bands and chats with the community....First broadcast on Oldham Community Radio 29th May 2026 at 10.00pm

A special programme featuring the young people of Mahdlo, plus community panellists discussing the UK Government's current consultation/survey around online and social media safety. The idea is to try and understand stakeholders' voices and opinions and this 'roundtable' opportunity was an ideal way to collect a wide range of problems and suggested solutions to the issues.The consultation is open until 26th May 2026 and ANYONE with an interest in the safety of young people online can have their say.https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultationProducer: Ian Wolstenholme

A special programme repeated on 31st March on Oldham Community Radio following the death of broadcaster and dj JAMES STANNAGE on 30.3.26.Here, long-time friend and colleage Ken sits down with the legendary 'shock jock' to learn more behind the late night man on Piccadilly Radio.Programme produced by Ian Wolstenholme

Ian Wolstenholme meets local shoppers, traders and those involved in the opening of THE MARKET - the new retail space in the town centre