Memorial charity is short of space

AREAS of woodland created by the Life for a Life memorial charity have proved so popular they are full.

The sites at Dovestone, Tandle Hill and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice are all oversubscribed.

However, people are still able to plant a tree in memory of a loved one at three other sites — Salmon Fields, Strinesdale, and a newly-refurbished area at Calf Lane, Greenfield, behind the cricket club,.

The charity is seeking more planting areas, with the possibility of a site in the Beal Valley.

Since it was set up in 1999, Chadderton-based Life for a Life has spread to other areas including Lancashire and the south west of England.

Donated

The charity charges a minimum donation of £495 for a tree, £465 for a picnic table, or £465 for a bench, and £75 to £90 for a commemorative plaque.

The charity says 70 per cent of its income is donated to charities, including donations to the Royal Oldham Scanner Appeal (£395,000), Dr Kershaw’s (£37,650), Rotary and Rotary charities (£26,790), Soldier’s’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s’ Families Association (£3,600), Oldham Royal British Legion (£4,900) and Help Adolescents with Cancer (£1,170).

Supporter Jack Denson, who planted a tree in memory of his late wife Betty at Strinesdale, said: “We talked about the scheme and both agreed this was for us.

“But I was talking with one of the groundsmen recently, and he was explaining that Tandle Hill is full and they are running out of space.

“This rather bothered me as in these days of cremation and no graves there is no memorial, but Life for a Life creates a very attractive area.”

The charity’s general manager, Norman Armstrong-Kersh, said: “We are negotiating with Oldham Council, who have been wonderful with us.

“The council leader, Councillor Howard Sykes, is very supportive, and we are planning other sites.”

Councillor Sykes said: “We are currently looking at a number of areas. Just recently we agreed the Beal Valley, and a couple of years ago I was calling for the Crompton Moor area to be looked at.

“I asked some time ago for officers to look into possibilities elsewhere, then we can move this forward.”