Diggle: a village with Friday on its mind

Diggle plans to blow its own trumpet

DIGGLE plans to blow its own trumpet by hosting a Whit Friday band contest next year.

The village, which has a legacy of successful brass bands, will be joining its Saddleworth neighbours in the popular traditional event.

And the new Whit Friday committee has revealed plans to build a bandstand if the community will help.

The committee comprises Peter Ashworth (president), Brian Cliff (chairman), Bernard Holden (treasurer), Steve Scholes (delegator), Phil Sewell and John Stocker (fund-raiser).

Their spokesman said: “This is fantastic news for everyone in Diggle.

“We would particularly like to thank the police, Oldham Council and Bob Rodgers of the Whit Friday General Committee.”

When Diggle held a survey over staging a Whit Friday contest, 90 per cent of villagers voted in favour.

It will be held on reclaimed land in Sam Road which offers disabled access to toilets at Diggle Primary School.

Nigel Shaw, chairman of Diggle Community Association, said: “To be included in the Whit Friday band contest in 2009 is fantastic news.

“There have been a number of attempts to do this over recent years, but none has had full village backing.

“I am proud the community association has been the catalyst to making this happen and has played a significant part in this historic step forward.

“The DCA committee has been kept fully updated of progress and the proposals, and a great deal of thought and hard work has been put in to make this happen.

“I feel sure that the contest in Diggle will not be just another venue – it will be the venue to go to, so roll on 2009.”

Dorothy Rhodes, the Diggle Band treasurer, founded the band 12 years ago with her husband, Alan, the president, and Brian Taylor, the bandmaster-secretary.

She said: “We applaud the idea of our own village contest, although we’ll be very busy ensuring our bands are out on the circuit on the big day.”

Diggle Band Club vice-president, David Hampson, said: “I am sure with a cross-section of the community now involved in organising the new contest it will be successful and maintain the long tradition of bands in Diggle.

“It should soon become an established event on the Saddleworth calendar.

The new Whit Friday committee is seeking volunteers to help at the event. Ring Steve Scholes on 07973-673 566.