Tameside Reporter

The project celebrates a significant milestone for both organisations, with 2026 marking the 150th anniversary of St Mary’s C of E Primary School and the Mothers’ Union. The school’s Ethos Group played a leading role throughout the initiative. After learning about the challenges faced by some patients arriving at hospital with no personal belongings, limited support from family and friends, or in difficult circumstances, the children took action.

With hot weather forecast, the refill stations offer an easy way for everyone to stay hydrated while out and about. Part of the national Refill initiative, the scheme encourages people to carry and refill reusable water bottles, helping to reduce plastic waste, save money and support healthier communities. There are currently 40 refill stations located throughout Tameside in community venues and businesses. The stations are open to anyone who needs a drinking water top-up while out and about.

Tameside Council partnered with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) to talk to local residents and offer advice, support, and guidance around ASB. The stalls aimed to help residents understand where to get help and how to report concerns effectively, ensuring appropriate action can be taken. The teams covered a wide range of ASB‑related issues and distributed leaflets and booklets providing information on scams, reporting off‑road bikes, and advice on mediation with anti‑social neighbours.

Next week’s full council will officially vote on the Tameside Borough Strategy – which aims to improve the lives of residents. The strategy largely looks at playing to the strengths of the borough’s nine individual towns and increasing housebuilding, job opportunities and improving transport connectivity. Not enough people in Tameside earn above the national minimum wage and lack opportunities, according to the council strategy.

The newly refurbished room has been transformed thanks to the generosity of Tameside & Glossop NHS Charity, supporters, local businesses and volunteers, replacing the previous sensory room with modern, accessible equipment designed to better meet the needs of children and young people.

Led by Principal Kirsten Swift and Elite Team Teacher and Choreographer Stacey Maurice, the academy has built a strong reputation for nurturing talent across a wide range of disciplines. From as young as two years old, students are trained in Tap, Ballet, Modern, Commercial, Acro, Drama and Vocal, creating a well-rounded and dynamic environment for aspiring performers. Now in its 10th season, the KDA Elite Team has grown to include 84 dancers aged between 3 and 18.

Delivered by Tameside Council’s Library Service, the programme engaged ten local secondary schools, each putting forward a group of readers from years seven to nine. Over the course of three months, students explored three critically acclaimed titles by authors based in or around the North West.

Other schemes include a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style fund to help people start new businesses, a youth-led art project to make subways feels safer and more events and activities to bring people into the town centre.

The Common Strands 2 project, launched last October to mark Black History Month, has recently concluded with students achieving their Arts Award Discover certificates. The awards were presented by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Helen Bowden, at a special ceremony held at Dixons Ashton Academy. To support students in exploring the legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, Tameside Council Cultural Services brought together historian Agnes Fough and artist and designer Rachel Wood.

News Home More from Tameside Reporter In a wide-ranging interview with The Tameside Reporter, she spoke about farming, mental health, apprenticeships and the challenge of proving that a beauty queen can also be a hands-on worker in the real world. From farm to fame Clare said she still can hardly believe she won the Miss Manchester crown, describing the experience as something she is “still pinching” herself about.