Festive fun with the Saddleworth Women’s Institute raises £500

SHOPPERS SNAPPED up early Christmas presents and goodies at the Saddleworth Women’s Institute first ever Christmas Market at the Saddleworth Hotel.

Spread over two floors, more than 30 stalls from local businesses offered a variety of crafts, jewellery, handbags, clothing, candles, festive confectionery, jams and speciality foods.

A raffle offered great prizes, including dining and shopping vouchers, and proceeds from the evening will go to Oldham Bereavement Support Service.

Saddleworth WI Said: “The event was a resounding success, with over 200 eager shoppers all fortified with a glass of mulled wine provided by the Saddleworth Hotel.

“Our thanks go to Anthony and his staff Hotel who worked hard to provide the market with a fantastic atmosphere, carols, beautiful decorations, a roaring log fire and mulled wine.

“We also made a profit of over £500 for our Oldham Bereavement Support Service. The Christmas market will definitely be a regular part of the WI Calendar from now on.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in 2013, with best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.”

Meanwhile, the group is already planning for next year when they will hold the fourth Shop Local Festival with the Saddleworth Parish Council at the Civic Hall in Uppermill on Sunday, March 16.

This popular event, which raised more than £1,000 for charity last year, sees local retailers showcase their products and last year raised more than £1,000 for the WI’s chosen charities.

For further information or to book one of the 40 stalls available, please e-mail tricia.leigh@btinternet.com or call 07866 541560.

Further details of events, activities and subgroups including food and drink, cinema and book club, and a programme of speakers can be found on their website: www.saddleworthwi.com.

New members and guests are always welcome at meetings, and non-members can attend up to three meetings before joining. There is a voluntary donation of 50p from members and £2 from non-members per meeting towards running costs and refreshments.