News

Police appeal for witnesses after body of woman recovered from reservoir in Oldham

Can you help?

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant - 19th August 2025

An urgent appeal for witnesses has been issued after the body of a woman was recovered from a reservoir in Oldham.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) explained that emergency services responded to an incident at Strinesdale Reservoir, in Oldham, after receiving reports of a woman getting into difficulty in the water this past weekend. 

The incident was said to have taken place at around 4:50pm on Sunday 17 August 2025.

Sadly, despite the prompt call to emergency services, the woman lost her life and her body was subsequently recovered from the water.

Police say there are believed to be ‘no suspicious circumstances’ surrounding the woman’s death, and are instead focusing their investigations on trying to understand what happened by calling on witnesses for information. 

“We are appealing for witnesses who may have seen her as she entered the water,” GMP said in its witness appeal.

Officers are also keep to learn more about the moments prior to her entering the water, and are urging anyone with information to come forward and help with enquiries. 

Read more:

Can you help?

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 2357 17/08/25, or by use the LiveChat service on the GMP website at www.gmp.police.uk.  

Independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Featured Image – Wikimedia Commons / Geograph

News

Salford Red Devils have assured that their next game will ‘go ahead as scheduled’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Salford Red Devil vs Leigh Leopards going ahead as planned

Salford Red Devils have assured their supporters that their next game is set to go ahead as planned following the cancellation of their previous match over the weekend.

The local rugby league club is set to take on fellow Greater Manchester outfit Leigh Leopards this Friday, but there remain lingering doubts as to whether or not this latest fixture will be played either.

Nevertheless, Salford Red Devils have now issued a statement assuring those watching Super League round 23 at home and, more importantly, those travelling to nearby Wigan for the clash that “will go ahead as scheduled.”

Then again, the meeting against Wakefield Trinity RLFC was only called off two days prior, so many are still opting for a ‘touch wood’ mentality.

Sharing a statement on social media at the start of the week, the Red Devils said: “We can confirm this Friday’s Betfred Super League Round 23 clash between Leigh Leopards and Salford Red Devils will go ahead as scheduled.

“The Club, in consultation with the Rugby Football League (RFL), RL Commercial and Rugby League Cares, reluctantly decided to cancel last Sunday’s scheduled fixture versus Wakefield Trinity due to significant concerns regarding player welfare.

“However, with first-grade players back from injury this week, and others with Super League experience set to join on loan, this Friday’s fixture will proceed as planned.

“Your support this season has been incredible, both at home and on the road – thank you for backing the boys in such a tough period.”

While there were no issues on Wakefield’s end last Sunday, 17 August, it was made apparent that the home tie simply had to be cancelled, as the Salford side were effectively unable to raise a team.

Only two players were said to be actually available for the match, with the Devils having to depend on loanees for others in the division to stay afloat following several individuals departing this year.

Against the backdrop of yet more woe for the 125-year-old organisation, more than 500 fans decided to march outside the ground – led by passionate supporters group, The 1873 – with a clear message regarding problematic ownership and their equally ever-troublesome finances: “enough is enough.”

The board insist that the recent and increasingly decisive decision-making hasn’t been “taken lightly”, but the climate around the Salford Community Stadium is nevertheless turbulent, with some deeply distressing claims being made behind the scenes.

Perhaps one of the most alarming allegations came on Thursday, 14 August, when now former COO (chief operating officer) Claire Bradbury resigned within less than a year with the Devils after an ownership figure suggested she “sleep with someone at the RFL” to help their struggles.

She shared details of incidents in a lengthy open letter via LinkedIn; we sincerely hope the toxicity and lingering air of uncertainty abate soon, not just for the fans’ sake, but for the evidently long-suffering staff and everyone who has kept the club going this long.

The latest on Salford Red Devils’ financial situation as ‘winding-up’ petition is adjourned

Read more:

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Hullian111/Salford Red Devils (via X)

News

Cooking classes aimed at getting students ready for university are taking place near Manchester

Thomas Melia Thomas Melia

A cooking workshop has launched just in time to teach students kitchen hacks as they prepare for university, and it’s less than an hour from Manchester. 

With September just around the corner and the inevitable bedroom-packing, car-cramming, finance-faffing action already underway, there’s only one thing left to box off – cooking.

That’s where Saddleworth Cookery School steps in, with a five hour culinary experience that hopes to teach aspiring academics how to chef up some budget-friendly foodie feasts.

Located in Diggle, this cooking class will not only provide you with some essential cooking skills, but also aim to boost your confidence in the kitchen environment ahead of university. 

There's a cooking workshop aimed at University students taking place near Manchester / Credit : Brooke Cagle via Unsplash / Adbulmajeed Hassan via Pixabay
There's a cooking workshop aimed at University students taking place near Manchester / Credit : Brooke Cagle via Unsplash / Adbulmajeed Hassan via Pixabay
A cooking workshop aimed at university students is taking place near Manchester / Credit : Brooke Cagle via Unsplash / Adbulmajeed Hassan via Pixabay

Throughout the session, you will learn how to prepare meals for yourself that are healthy and cost-effective, and also tailored to students and their lifestyles.

This cooking class doesn’t just show you how to batch cook a meal or two either, they also provide reassurance for students who may be anxious about food safety, storage, and preparation.

The dishes made within the workshop can be adapted and modified to suit all dietary requirements subject to prior notice – meaning veggies and vegans, this one’s for you too.

Anyone looking to advance their kitchen knowledge or start from scratch must be 16 years or older, and you can also attend without a parent or guardian.

Each participant will leave the session with a selection of recipes, as well as a shopping list, and even a goody bag containing some starting essentials to becoming a kitchen conqueror.

Cooking for yourself may seem daunting, but this kitchen has lots of positive feedback – with one user noting: “Thank you so much Pam and her wonderful, helpful and welcoming team,” while another added: “Kate taught us tons of recipes in a super relaxed and friendly setting.”

Read more:

The ‘Get ready for University Cooking Class’ is taking place at Saddleworth Cookery School in Diggle across a range of dates, and you can find key info and get in touch with them directly HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images – Kevin McCutcheon via Unsplash

More News

News

New £350m sustainable neighbourhood in Stockport given the green light

Freya Andrews missing teenage girl Stockport

News

Police appealing for information about missing teenage girl from Stockport

Fly-tipping

Bolton

Three Greater Manchester boroughs named in UK’s top 10 fly-tipping hotspots

Audio

Clint Boon takes us around Manchester's iconic Deaf Institute

Eats

We go meatballs deep with Mira's traditional Neapolitan sandwiches