LOCAL HEROES of the snows are being celebrated on a unique Christmas card from the Saddleworth Parish Council chairman and his lady.
Councillor Neil Allsopp has chosen an image from the invaluable Oldham Mountain Rescue Team to adorn his card, which shows a snowy Saddleworth scene taken by JS Hinks.
In a touching tribute, the registration plate of the car pictured has been altered to say ‘JE1 OMRT’ in memory of former team chairman John Edwards.
And inside an inscription reads: “With our sincere gratitude to OMRT for 50 years of outstanding service to the people of Saddleworth”.
The team, which celebrates its 50th anniversary their year, helps emergency services with search and rescue incidents across the borough, particularly in bad weather.
Each of the 100 cards, which say ‘With very best wishes for the festive season and the forthcoming New Year’, will be signed by Cllr Allsopp and his wife Carol.
It is customary for the Parish Council Chairman to send an ‘official’ Christmas Card to other local chairmen, councillors, mayors and dignitaries.
Cllr Allsopp said: “This year I’ve been most fortunate to have the card printed to my own design and also to carry a very personal message from Carol and myself.
“Very importantly, I’ve paid for them all myself so there are no extra costs to the ratepayers of Saddleworth, and Minuteman Printers in Ashton have done a wonderful job.”
Cllr Allsopp has also designed a colourful ‘Then and Now’ calendar for 2016, featuring scenes across Saddleworth’s villages from past and present times.
The calendars cost £4.95 and are on sale at outlets across Saddleworth including The Clarence and The Railway pub in Greenfield, Uppermill Post Office, and the Civic Hall.
Funds will benefit the chariman’s chosen charities Ballboys, Grace’s Place, Francis House Children’s Hospice and Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, as well as local groups.
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