Sharing a common love of arts and crafts

Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date published: 01 August 2014


FROM traditional cobbling to expert picture framing and glass giftware to handmade jewellery, there’s something for everyone at the Saddleworth Craft Co-operative.

And it is party time at the Delph-based centre as members celebrate the organisation’s 35th birthday.

The co-operative, the longest running in the country, is home to 23 crafty types who carry out their specialist skills at the King Street base.

There’s a cafe, which is a lifeline to many elderly residents, and the centre is part of Oldham Council’s community loo scheme.

Chairman John McCoombs, who has an art gallery and studio at the centre, said: “I think a lot of the other businesses in Delph wonder how we survive but we are a not-for-profit organisation. We are a co-operative and co-operatives work. None of the members would want or be able to afford the entire building. But we each have our own little space and we pay a contribution to overheads.

“I think the centre is very useful to the village. Some people come and sit and get so relaxed in the cafe that they end up staying all afternoon. It’s a very friendly atmosphere.”

The co-operative was set up by seven married mothers in 1979. They rented the building from the Co-operative for a reasonable rate. The premises are now owned by a private landlord but members say the rate is still reasonable.

Saddleworth Craft Co-operative is open every day except Monday. Call 01457-874705 or visit www.facebook.com/saddleworthcrafts for more information.
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