Oldham Council is saddened to learn of the death of former Liberal Democrat Councillor Angie Farrell (Angela Mary Cheeseman) who passed away peacefully in hospital on May 15, aged 61.

Angie served the Liberal Democrats and Liberals during her political career which began when she was elected as a Shaw councillor in Shaw in 1991.

She served on many committees including Licensing, Health and Environment Overview and Scrutiny, Health and Adult Social Services Overview and Scrutiny Commission, Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, First Choice Homes Oldham – Shaw and Royton Local Board and was a very active member of the A V Davies Charity.

Angie was Chair of the Parish Council on 2 occasions – from 2001 to 2002 and from 2016 to 2017.

Former Liberal Democrat colleague, Councillor Howard Sykes, describes Angie as a “first class champion for residents” as well as a “happy and jolly soul.” She was a glass half full person.

A lifelong fan of rugby league, Angie travelled all over the country in her passion for the game, even attending a Grand Final at Old Trafford.

We owe a huge thanks to Angie for her many years of service to Oldham, she will be sadly missed.

Due to the current coronavirus lockdown, a book of condolence will be available online only.

Oldham Council is saddened to learn of the death of former Labour Councillor Fred Yates.

Mr Yates served as a councillor for Oldham Borough from 1971-74, and was elected to Chadderton Central for Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council in 1974-75, and from 1979 until 1992.

During 1974/75, he was on the Social Services Committee and Environmental Health and Control Committee.   Mr Yates served as Vice Chair of Environmental Health & Control and then later became Chair for 11 years until 1992.  He also served on the Licensing Committee, Industrial Development and the Town Centre Redevelopment.

As well as being a councillor for Oldham, he sat as one for Chadderton UDC.

He as a highly skilled tool maker at Ferrenti’s as well as being a magistrate. He also served in the RAF.

Mr Yates was a founder member of Oldham United Charity and was still serving as Chair until his death. 

In his spare time he was a big music fan and attended the Free Trade Hall regularly. He was also a member of the Oldham Camera club and a very talented photographer, along with being a member of the Oldham Flying club where he built his own model planes including the engines. Lately he had begun to develop a model railway in his front room.

He was a passionate socialist and trade unionist and took an active interest in current affairs. He was modest and unassuming, very interesting to talk to and had many friends across his different issues.

We owe a huge thanks to Mr Yates for all the tireless work he did over the years as a councillor, where he was widely respected.

Due to the current coronavirus lockdown, a book of condolence will be available online only.

Book of condolence for former Councillor Fred Yates

Oldham Council is saddened to learn of the death of Derek Heffernan, a former Mayor of Oldham.

Derek’s interest in local politics began in 1982, and in 1987, he was elected to Saddleworth Parish Council for Springhead Higher Ward. Derek served as Parish Council Chairman in 1992-93, and again in 1999-2000 during the Millennium year celebrations. In May 1995, Derek was elected to Oldham Council to represent Saddleworth West Ward, which became Saddleworth North in 2004 and served the ward until 2019. 

He served on a number of committees including Education, Environmental Services, Social Services, Standards, Personnel, Licensing, Social Services, Finance, Scrutiny and the Saddleworth and Lees District.

Derek chaired the Oldham Learning Disability partnership Board for seven years following its inception and served as Oldham’s representative on GM Pension Fund Board and GM Health Overview & Scrutiny. As a member of the Pennine Care Joint O&S, he chaired the committee for a number of years. He also served on the Pennine Acute Joint O&S.

Derek served on the Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Authority led the Value for Money Challenge and was the Chairman of Audit Committee in 2011-12 overseeing major spending on new appliances. He subsequently became the Vice-Chairman of Audit.

Derek was a member of the Mayor’s Appeal Fund Committee for many years.

Derek became the Mayor of Oldham in 2016-17 and he took his role as Oldham Council’s, Champion for Peace into local schools, raised money for his Mayoral Charities, Francis House Children’s Hospice, Macmillan’s Cancer Support and other charities and he attended numerous events and engagements to promote the First Citizen of Oldham.

A Book of Condolence is now available at the Civic Entrance (Rochdale Road Reception) at the Civic Centre. 

In accordance with protocol, the Borough flag will be flown at half-mast on the day of his funeral, which will be attended by the current Mayor of Oldham.

Funeral arrangements

Monday 6 January 2020

11.30am at the Holy Trinity Church, Church St East, Waterhead.

1.30pm at Hollinwood Crematorium