IN January 1919, glamorous guests were dressed to the nines as they rolled up in carriages to Café Monica for the Oldham and District Master Plumbers’ dinner dance.
One hundred years on, the faces may be different and the location has moved to the White Hart at Lydgate, with a few stops in between, but the annual event is still going strong.

Almost 70 guests enjoyed the evening on February 22, including a meal, dancing and entertainment.
Special guests included members of Oldham and District Master Plumbers association and other nearby groups, members of the national Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors (APHC), local companies and their families.
Graham Beevers, president of APHC, was meant to open the proceedings but suffered a heart attack that afternoon and is now recovering well.
A loyal toast was given by Gary Lawton, president of the Oldham and District Master Plumbers, while Graham Christie, from Wolseley UK North, gave a toast to the ladies, association and guests.
Among them was event organiser Lawrence Perrins, who attended for the first time 70 years ago and has only missed a handful of occasions since due to national service.
“I was 17 and had just started working,” he explained. “My father was involved through the family business and was president, so I came with Audrey, who I had just started courting.”
Over the years, Lawrence has twice been president, and son Richard is president elect, taking over from Gary Lawton next year.
“This year’s event went very well,” said Lawrence.
“We started with the traditional game of whist and even got a few new players joining in this time!”
Lawrence, who revealed records of Oldham and District Master Plumbers date back as far as 1904, added they always welcome new members, including tradesmen, merchants and manufacturers.
For more information about the Oldham and District Master Plumbers or to get involved, call the Saddleworth Independent: 01457 237474.
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