Helen's 'new vision' as new term of office in Saddleworth begins

Helen Bishop, new chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, plans ‘a clear vision’ for her term of office.

Helen is an Oldham Borough Councillor for Saddleworth South, Shadow Cabinet Member for Education a Saddleworth Parish Councillor – Greenfield ward and Chair of Saddleworth Parish Planning Committee.

Taking over the parish mantle from Cllr Barbara Beeley, she said: “Saddleworth is an  eccentric place.

"It welcomes and embraces progress, creativity and tradition, and transforms it into a unique community.

"And it is our responsibility to do our bit to protect that.

“There are a few ideas I’d like to explore.

"I hope they will form the basis for future direction and the way we work to we adapt with the ever-changing challenges.

“These include a review of Civic Hall operations and recruiting more volunteers and maybe even looking into collective purchasing with other organisations. 

"We are hopefully to launch our own merchandise and a new website dedicated to promoting weddings and events at the Civic Hall.

"We should consolidate on the important environmental work by councillors addressing the very real impact of the changing climate in Saddleworth and how we can work as a community to mitigate the worst impacts.

"For example, rain catchment and filtration systems, which will be a big focus this year.

"I want us to have a really clear vision of what we want to achieve as a Parish Council, and make it happen.

"I’d like us strive to be even more accessible and visible - wearing ID badges and maybe getting some t-shirts/hoodies or fleeces etc for when out representing the Parish in the community.

"I want the public to understand anyone can come to Parish Council meetings, submit questions and get involved.

"We are the closest form of local government to the people, but too many still don’t know enough about what we do.

"We are the voice of the community.

"We represent, inform and interact, but most of all, it’s important for us to stay humble - we are public servants, with servant being the operative word.”

Speaking of charity fund-raising, a main driver of the chair’s role, she said: "Most of the charities I’ll be fundraising for will be local groups and organisations which deliver services and support for children and young people in our area, which is really not well catered for currently, such as The Andrew Gidney foundation.

“In particular, I’d like to see more support and resources for neurodivergent young people.

“I’ve also included Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, such a vital emergency service for us, and chosen Medecin SansFrontieres, or Doctors without Borders, to be a recipient.

“This organisation delivers medical care to people caught up in some of the world’s most troubled places, to alleviate the suffering of people who will never be as lucky as we are to live where we do.”

And she hinted fund-raising events and activities have been bandied around already, "but I like idea of a murder mystery event, a local food and drink festival.

"Other ideas involve a Ceilidh, a Quiz night and a Masked Ball, but again, if you have any ideas or there is something you think would be a good draw, please do come forward.

"All are welcome to get involved.

“One thing we do have in Saddleworth is an unreal amount of volunteers who quietly go about their business putting on so many events and making this a great place to live, and I’d like to see us do more to recognise these volunteers, maybe with a Pride of Saddleworth award, or something similar.”

"As a parish council, we will continue to operate with a sense of decency and fairness regardless of political parties, showing respect for others and welcoming healthy debate,” she promised.

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