SADDLEWORTH SPARKLED with festive cheer as houses, businesses and communities switched on their Christmas lights and dressed up their windows.
The twinkling array was judged over two days by Saddleworth Parish Council to pick out the best of the bunch in their annual Christmas Illuminations competition.
Chairman Enid Firth was joined by consort Bill Cullen, councillors Pat Lord, David Caddick and Nicola Kirkham and Parish Clerk Tony Marlor to take in the sights around the villages.
The Swan Inn at Dobcross won Best Illuminated Pub for their impressive display, which was switched on by West End star Sharon Sexton who was performing “Somewhere Under the Rainbow: The Liza Minnelli Story” at the pub.
Best Illuminated Large Shop Window was awarded to Face and Body Shop, Grotton, while Best Illuminated Small Shop Window went to Fine Buys in Uppermill.
Fletchers’ Florist, Grotton was crowned Best Decorated Shop Window and Best Illuminated Large Residential Property was won by Mr and Mrs Powell of Greenfield.
Mr and Mrs Percival from Springhead were awarded Best Illuminated Medium Residential Property while their street – Claytons Close in Springhead – won best Community prize.
And Best Animated Display was won by Mr Kershaw and Ms Whalley of Dobcross.
The popular competition is held annually by Saddleworth Parish Council and Cllr Brian Lord hailed councillors’ dedication to ensure it continues.
He said: “It threw it down all night on both days. They travelled 30 miles round every village getting in and out of the car, taking photographs and writing notes on soggy pads.
“Many people will not have much idea of what Parish Councillors do outside meetings. This shows their dedication to do their best. Long may community spirit like this survive.”
| Best Illuminated Pub | |
| Winner | Swan Inn, Dobcross |
| Second Prize | The Farrars Arms, Grasscroft |
| Best Illuminated Large Shop Window | |
| Winner | Face and Body Shop, Grotton |
| Second Prize | NK Hair Studios, Uppermill |
| Best Illuminated Small Shop Window | |
| Winner | Fine Buys, Uppermill |
| Second Prize | Finesse Beauty and Holistic Salon, Uppermill |
| Best Decorated Shop Window | |
| Winner | Fletchers' Florist, Grotton |
| Second Prize | Shear Perfection, Delph |
| Third Prize | Christoria, Delph |
| Best Illuminated Large Residential Property | |
| Winner | Mr and Mrs Powell, Annisfield Avenue, Greenfield |
| Best Illuminated Medium Residential Property | |
| Winner | Mr and Mrs Percival, Claytons Close, Springhead |
| Second Prize | Mr and Mrs Hall, Claytons Close, Springhead |
| Third Prize | Mr and Mrs Hughes, Fern Close, Springhead |
| Best Animated Display | |
| Winner | Mr Kershaw and Ms Whalley, Lowerfields, Dobcross |
| Community Prize | |
| Winner | Claytons Close, Springhead |
| Second Prize | Dobcross Village |
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