THE Tanner family has been synonymous with cricket in Greenfield and Saddleworth for more than a century.
So there was no better person than Roger Tanner to invite to mark the official unveiling of three new benches in Greenfield Park.
The seats overlook the village cricket ground on Ladhill Lane – one of the most picturesque in the Greater Manchester Cricket League.
Funding was provided by Saddleworth South councillors past and present, John McCann, Graham Sheldon and John Hudson, and the project was organised by Street Scene Greenfield Group.
Commemorative plaques will be attached to the easily accessible benches which supplement current seating on the lower level of the pitch.
Roger, now 96, was the president of the now defunct Saddleworth League for nearly 60 years.
The family’s connections with the league go back to possibly when it was founded in 1899.
“I have a picture of my father John Tanner – known as Jack – playing for Greenfield in 1911,” explained Roger, who in his day turned out for Greenfield Second Team.
Roger’s uncles, Harold and Gilbert Tanner, also gave the Tanner Cup to the league, with the knockout competition launched in 1925.
“The benches are dedicated to the village,” said Street Scene’s Peter Lowe.
“Roger was the ideal person to invite to come and see them.
“We raised the money through our local councillors to whom we are grateful and also to Oldham Council for helping us to purchase the benches.”
