A DOBCROSS landmark was the centre of a high-tech April Fools stunt…
The marble-faced memorial in the village square was toppled from its plinth after being stuck by a van on a Christmas Eve and its distinguished copper lantern was damaged.
But the current edition of the Dobcross Diary, a community-based publication, said there had been discussions with Oldham Council about improvements to the village centre.
Written by village executive committee member, Paul Clegg, the article said: “It was agreed the lamp on top of the monument should be replaced with a programmable digital laser.
“This would project images on the buildings immediately surrounding the Square.
“The Swan Inn could have a giant swan projected on the side of the building, the Old Shop might have tins of beans while Saddleworth Bank could have bank notes and coins projected on to it.
“At Christmas time and other festivals, all this will change and all buildings will have Christmas – or Rushcart, Easter and Yanks/Vintage Weekend – themed pictures projected on to them.”
The article concluded: “This has been made possible by joint donations from the DVC and Oldham Council. Arrangements are being made to have the laser switched on at a lavish ceremony by a ‘mystery guest’.”
However, Mr Clegg later admitted: “It’s an April Fool spoof. But it did cause a few raised eyebrows and puzzled questions from folk!
“The monument is part of village history and everyone saw the humorous side of the jape.”
The moment was dedicated to Oldham-born doctor Walter Henry Fox Ramsden who gave the bulk of his life of unselfish – sometimes unpaid – medical assistance to the working people of Saddleworth.
It was built a year after he died – 1901 – as a tribute to his dedication to the community and initially offered a water fountain for humans and a trough for animals.
The monument has been centrepiece in the village’s numerous floral awards over the years including a community prize in this year’s Parish councils Christmas village illuminations award.
In reality, Oldham Council say the memorial has been taken into storage where the plinth is being repaired, ready for the refit of the main memorial. The lamp is also being repaired and the bench is being restored.
A council spokesman confirmed: “The community of Dobcross have been kept up to date with news in the monthly newsletter and the refit will take place soon.”
