Village opens gardens and hearts as more than £5k is raised for cancer charities

The village’s community garden featured pots decorated by school children containing sunflowers they had grown from seed

A caring Saddleworth community opened its gardens to the public and raised a remarkable £5,300 for cancer charities.

Scores of people turned up to make a personal viewing of residents' hidden gardens in Dobcross and discovered which plants flourish in the Pennines. 

The village’s community garden featured pots decorated by school children containing sunflowers they had grown from seed.

A community cafe staffed by volunteers was opened at the Dobcross Band and Social Club where visitors could try their hand at bowling under the expert tutors from the club teams.

And, adding to the welcoming village atmosphere, Dobcross Youth Band played at various locations.

A Tom Jones tribute act at the band club contributed to the fundraising total which was split between The Christie, Bowel Cancer UK and Dr Kershaw's.

On Sunday, a poignant memorial service was held at  Holy Trinity Church, conducted by Canon Sharon Jones,  where relatives remembered family and loved ones lost, underpinning the reasons for staging the event. 

Hymns were accompanied by Dobcross Brass Monkeys.

In a personal thank you, event organisers Marilyn McNeill and Sue Skinner said: “Thanks to all those in the community who contributed to this event and the visitors who supported us.

"The money raised was way beyond our expectations.

“The memorial service reminded us of those we had lost in our village and the reason behind this event.”

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