In this latest episode of Oldham Cast, we sit down with Support and Action for Women’s Network (SAWN) to hear their powerful and emotional story.

Rose Ssali and Karen Croft join us to talk openly about the real challenges their organisation has faced, the strength of the women they support, and the incredible work they continue to do in Oldham. This is one of our most moving episodes yet and a reminder of the impact community organisations can have.

In this episode of Oldham Cast, we sit down with Mike Ford, owner of Oldham Rugby League, to hear about his incredible journey in the sport and his vision for the future of rugby in Oldham.

Mike shares his story from player to coach to club owner, reflecting on the highs and lows along the way, and why bringing success back to Oldham means so much to him. With a career that’s taken him from local pitches to international stages, Mike’s passion for the game and for his hometown shines through in this conversation.

This episode is hosted by Robin Marshall, produced by Katie Fitzpatrick, and edited by Milad Sarwar.

Whether you’re a lifelong Roughyeds fan or just love hearing stories of ambition, resilience and community pride, this is one you won’t want to miss.

Our host Robin Marshall sits down with Chris Riley, the award-winning landlord of the Fox and Pine — one of Oldham’s most talked-about pubs. Chris shares his passion for the town, why he believes Oldham has so much more to offer than people give it credit for, and how pubs like his are at the centre of community life.

From lively nights out to the exciting changes ahead for the town centre, this conversation gives a real insight into what makes Oldham tick. Chris is honest, passionate, and full of energy — and it’s clear why his pub has become such a success story.

Behind the scenes, the episode was produced by Katie Fitzpatrick and edited by Milad Sarwar, with the whole team committed to bringing you authentic voices and local stories from the heart of Oldham. Don’t miss this episode if you want to hear directly from the people shaping Oldham.

🎥 You can also watch the full episode on the Oldham Council YouTube channel www.youtube.com/LoveOldham

In this special episode of The Oldham Cast, we sit down with one of Oldham’s most inspirational figures – Frank Rothwell, owner of Oldham Athletic, successful businessman, proud charity fundraiser, and now officially honoured with an OBE for his outstanding contributions.

Frank opens up about his life in business, sharing how he built his company from the ground up, the values that shaped him, and why Oldham has always been at the heart of everything he does.

We talk about what it meant to him to take ownership of Oldham Athletic, the challenges he faced stepping in, and his hopes for the future of the club. He also reflects on the experience of rowing solo across the Atlantic Ocean – twice – to raise millions for Alzheimer’s Research UK, and the mindset it took to get through such extreme conditions.

This is a conversation full of humour, honesty and heart – and a real look into the life of someone who never stops pushing boundaries.

🎥 You can also watch this episode on the Oldham Council YouTube channel Oldham Council - YouTube

In the next episode of The Oldham Cast, we speak with David Williams — a dedicated social worker who supports young people across Oldham.

He shares how he builds trust with the children and families he works with, and why that trust is such an important part of making a real difference.
 

You can also watch the full episode on the Oldham Council YouTube channel www.youtube.com/loveoldham

Angela Easton, Assistant Principal at Hathershaw College, has played a huge part in shaping the lives of young people in Oldham and has taught generations of pupils. Here she reflects on her incredible journey and the moments that have meant the most to her as a teacher.