White rose blooms

Reporter: KEN BENNETT; Pictures, CHRIS SUNDERLAND
Date online: 03/08/2009

Hundreds join Yorkshire Day celebrations

HUNDREDS of people, some wearing white roses, crowded Saddleworth villages to celebrate Yorkshire Day.

The traditional day began with a march along Uppermill’s High Street to the village playing field.

It came in the wake of news the area will soon be displaying signs saying “Saddleworth in the historic county of York” at its boundaries.

In bright sunshine, Gilbert Symes, a Delph brass bandsman, launched the event by reading the Yorkshire declaration to a crowd gathered at the statue of Ammon Wrigley, the legendary local poet and writer, at Saddleworth museum.

Mr Symes sang “Pratty Flowers” — the Holmfirth Anthem — which has strong associations with Saddleworth brass bands and choral communities.

He said later: “Yorkshire Day had an extra special meaning because of the recent announcement of our new boundary signs.

“The true geographical address for Saddleworth is Saddleworth, Yorkshire. Addresses by the Post Office do not necessarily reflect the true geographical location of a place. They are simply sorting and routing instructions for post office staff.”

Parish councillor Bill Cullen, who sported a white rose in his jacket, said: “It’s a chance for people to show that Saddleworth is still Yorkshire.”

The event, which included a country fair, was organised by Delph-born Brenda Cockayne, who headed a four-strong committee.

She said: “It’s been a delightful day and given many locals and visitors a real insight into crafts and skills we have here. It was good to see so many white roses. ”

One of the big attractions was an exhibition by the Pennine Edge Barn Owl Group, which is trying to encourage farmers and landowners to improve the creature’s habitat.

There were demonstrations of dry stone walling, sheep shearing and many stalls sold locally sourced products, including meats, jams and relishes.

Visitors could even purchase live chickens which had been saved from battery production.