A new heritage podcast by Northern Roots Community Champion Matt Dean, documenting the evolution of the ‘Beautiful Oldham – Why Not?’ project and the people and communities involved in bringing it to life.
In 1901, social reformer, pioneering conservationist and local resident Mary Higgs wrote to the Oldham Chronicle to ask, ‘Beautiful Oldham – Why Not?’
By the mid-19th century Oldham had become the cotton-spinning epicenter of the world, its skyline and fortunes transformed by the mills of the Industrial Revolution. Mary saw beyond the sooty mills and chimneys of the industrial Oldham she lived in. Her vision was to create a cleaner, greener Oldham, in which residents were empowered to make positive change.
In 1902 Mary founded the Beautiful Oldham Society. The Society encouraged residents, young people and businesses to plant flowers and trees, grow veg, and to cherish and protect the environment.
In this eight episode series, Matt explores Mary’s inspirational vision, the untold stories of everyday Oldhamers, and ponders a century’s old question: ‘Beautiful Oldham – Why Not?’
Listen to the full ‘My Northern Roots’ podcast series on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
special thanks
The ‘My Northern Roots’ podcast featured as part of the ‘Beautiful Oldham – Why Not?‘ project, which was made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to to build pride in place and connection to the past.
