CROWDS OF locals enjoyed a festival of fun – as well as raising thousands – for charities at an action-packed Saddleworth Summer Show.
The two-day event at Saddleworth School boasted a vibrant World Cup theme and an array of talented acts, super entertainment, exciting stalls, and fun activities.
Youth bands from Delph and Dobcross entertained while there were also performances from talented local children and enthusiastic Oldham Athletics Cheerleaders ‘Blue Crew’.
Young Sports Leaders delivered a range of Kwik Cricket sessions and tasters of sports including football, futsal and short tennis.
The Jets Studio staged an eye-catching event and families were thrilled by Circus Sensible, falconry displays, Punch and Judy, donkey rides, and a host of other activities.
And eleven young people from Failsworth, Saddleworth and Lees showed off their catering skills as they prepared and served treats including sandwiches, cakes, scones and champagne jellies for around 80 VIP guests, including the Mayor of Oldham.
The project was part of their work towards their Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification, helped by the Saddleworth Rotary Club’s ‘Engage, develop, succeed’ initiative.
Saddleworth Parish Council chairman Cllr Enid Firth commented: “The young people did a wonderful job and it was absolutely superb. They were so polite and the food was delicious!”
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The Rotary Clubs of Saddleworth and Oldham Metro, who organised the glittering event, said they were “delighted and overwhelmed” by the big turn-out.
Richard Bartlett, president of Saddleworth Rotary Club and his counterpart from Oldham Metro, John Walkden, said in a statement: “It’s very gratifying to see all the hard work by our resolute members, sponsors, helpers and the wider audience across the borough and beyond end in such a satisfying result.
“The support from the community has been marvellous. The months of meticulous planning have all been worthwhile. Everyone has really pulled together to make the show an incredible success.
“We’d like to thank the public for loyal support – and all the youngsters and teenagers who have worked so hard in their different disciplines to ensure their events went so well.”
Show director Tony Hunter declared: “I am thrilled with The Saddleworth Show this year. All the events, craft and charity stalls, show sponsors and many more have all added to the atmosphere of summer fun and laughter.
“A huge thank you to the efforts that both Oldham Metro and Saddleworth Rotary Clubs have gone to to make show a huge success.
“We enjoyed the varied talent of the children from brass bands to dance teams, the food taster sessions from the young people aiming to gain a management qualification and the musical bonanza in the main hall from Mahdlo and many more.
“And of course, the show wouldn’t be what it is without the public who come along to enjoy it. I thank you all the most for supporting all of the charitable work that Rotary International do. I very much hope to see you all next year.”
Funds raised by the show, which is sponsored by the Oldham Chronicle, AWC Windows and Home Improvements, RRG Group and The Swan Meadow Nurseries, will help boost Rotary’s contribution for needy local charities.
