A VETERAN community champion is urging villagers to save a dedicated, volunteer-run village organisation.
Downhearted officials took the sad decision to close Lees Community Association after their vigorous campaign failed to encourage villagers to take up key posts.
But Saddleworth Parish Councillor Derek Heffernan said: “Lees is such a close, community minded area, I cannot believe they will let their Community Association die.
“Someone somewhere in Lees, come forward and secure the future of your community association.”
His plea followed an Extraordinary General Meeting, called to discuss the crisis, but just two members of the public attended in addition to the association’s five-strong committee.
Consequently, despite raising thousands for local projects, the committee had no alternative but to close because members had served for five years – the maximum allowed under their constitution.
Chairman Raad Al-Hamdani said: “It is sad no one is prepared to put themselves forward to run the functions organised by the association.
“We must remember all the good things we have been able to achieve.
“It was gratifying when you saw families enjoying themselves at the summer fair and the look of awe on the children’s faces when they visited Santa’s grotto in winter.
“We’ve brought our local schools together by running the annual Art, Poetry and Craft competition and had some wonderful art work by the children,” he said proudly.
Over the past six years, more than £20,000 has been raised by the various events organised by the association.
This was matched by grants from Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, Saddleworth Round Table, Community Foundation for Greater Manchester, Manchester Guardian Trustees, Local Councillors, Oldham Council and Barclays Bank to support all the events.
Mr Al-Hamdani added: “The outgoing committee wishes to thank all the funders and those partner organisations that have supported us.”
Secretary Jenny Daubney added: “Let us hope others will come forward in the future to meet and fill local needs.
“Serving the community has been a very rewarding experience. We’ve helped to stop the closure of the post office and the annual summer fair has been growing every year.
“The Christmas Lights Switch-on encouraged the local community to come together.”
She added: “We hope some of our local organisations can benefit from the shared pot accrued by the association.”
The EGM agreed some money would be spent on restoring features of the square off High Street in Lees as a legacy to the association.
And, in keeping with the LCA’s constitution, the remaining money will be shared between local charities and organisations: Springhead F.C., Lees Band, St. Thomas’ Leesfield Church and Springhead Community Centre.
OMBC Cllr Val Sedgwick said: “It’s a very sad day for our village. LCA have done a tremendous job providing activities and events.
“It’s such a pity no one came forward to carry on the mantle. “A very big thank you to the team for caring about our community.”
What do you think of the work done by your local community association? Can you help it to continue in the future? Send in a letter by calling 01457 879264 or emailing aimee@saddind.co.uk
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