Hunt begins for more volunteers

Saddleworth residents are being urged to join one of the many voluntary organisations operating in the district.

Already 50 groups and societies have expressed interest in taking part in a voluntary showcase at the civic hall, Uppermill, from Friday to Sunday.

There will be various displays, workshops and demonstrations to keep the public interested, from model aeroplanes to a flight simulator.

Saddleworth Naturalists will be leading two short local rambles at 1pm on the Saturday and 2pm on the Sunday.

There will be Reiki sessions throughout Saturday and yoga taster sessions on Sunday.

Chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, Councillor Pat Lord and the Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, will be officially opening the free event at 7.30pm on Friday.

Musical entertainment will be provided by St Anne’s School Choir and the group Mancunian Way.

Saddleworth School, Dobcross Youth Band, Saddleworth Players and Jonty Noir entertain the crowds on Saturday.

Sunday’s entertainment will be provided by the Oldham Royelles Dance Troupe, Saddleworth Musical Society, Katana Ju Jitsu Club and Saddleworth Male Voice Choir.

Local pianist Victor Khadem will be playing at various times during the event.

Refreshments will be provided during the event by the chairman’s charity committee and will include Councillor Derek Heffernan’s renowned bacon butties.

Councillor Pat Lord said: “Some members of the council and many groups have worked hard to put on this event.

“We hope that people will come and support them.”