Sunshine and smiles - The Saddleworth Show

Photo: TIM BRADLEY

Ice Cream and ideal think on a summers day for Logan-Fahey Allcock.

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Hills alive with sound of laughter

THEY came . . . they enjoyed — and they poured thousands into a hard-working charity’s coffers.

The brilliant weather at the start of the two-day action-packed Saddleworth Summer Show really did let the sunshine in on a true festival of family fun.

Working around the World Cup final as its vibrant theme, appreciative audiences were wowed by sparking stage acts, super entertainment and sports sessions.

And although the weather was overcast for a time, punctuated with overnight rain, by its close last night The Rotary Clubs of Saddleworth and Oldham Metro who organised the glittering event believed the World Cup climax set a winning seal on their show.

Richard Bartlett, president of Saddleworth Rotary Club and his counterpart from Oldham Metro, John Walkden, said they were “delighted and overwhelmed” by the big turnout.

“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,” they said in a statement. “The months of meticulous planning have all been worthwhile. Everyone has really pulled together to make the show an incredible success.

“And we’d like to thank the public for their loyal support - and all the youngsters and teenagers who have worked so hard in their different disciplines to ensure their events went so well.”

And 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 the show a huge success.

“We enjoyed the varied talent in and around Saddleworth and Oldham 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 came along to enjoy it all.”

Held at Saddleworth School, Uppermill, and sponsored by the Chronicle, funds raised by the show will help boost the Rotary’s contribution for needy local charities.

There was a galaxy of crowd-pulling events with an accent on putting youth in the spotlight.

For example, a group of dedicated young people showed sponsors and VIP guests, including the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Fida Hussain, the results of the Rotary ‘”Engage, Develop, Succeed” initiative to develop young people’s skills.

Eleven youngsters from Failsworth, Saddleworth and Lees demonstrated their catering skills as part of a Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualification.

Visitors saw youngsters work with sports leaders to deliver a range of taster sessions of quick cricket and enthusiastic Latics cheerleaders Blue Crew and the Delph and Dobcross Youth Brass Bands entertained during the two days.