Support your local traders

ON a mission: (l-r) WI members Tricia Leigh, Helen Bennett and Jen Whitworth

SUPPORT your local traders is the message from a team of Saddleworth women on a mission.

Members of the enterprising branch of the Saddleworth Women’s Institute are transforming the civic hall in Uppermill into a bustling marketplace.

Their second ‘Shop Local’ event is on Sunday, after the combination of raising money for charity and promoting local businesses proved a runaway success last year.

This year’s event is the start of a campaign challenging local organisations to stage similar events to safeguard independent businesses.

Organiser Helen Bennett said: “It isn’t an easy time for traders at the moment. We’re a group of volunteers who all have day jobs and families, but if we could influence other people to also take this up we could make a difference.

“Of course people will still shop on the high street and use the big supermarkets, that’s fine, but we’re urging people to think and if they can support a trader just round the corner, try and do so.”

Saddleworth Parish Council is supporting the event, with the doors to civic hall open to shoppers from 10am-3pm.

The money raised — last year’s total topped £1,500 — will be donated to Oldham Cancer Support Centre, Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup and the parish council chairman’s charities.

Artists, stationers, photographers and craft specialists will be among 40 local retailers, from independent chocolatiers to a local brewery and village pharmacy.

A kitchen will offer food, and the group will also sell “shop local” bags to raise extra funds.

Admission is free.