£2,500 served up for group

A Springhead playgroup is thanking local businesses after scooping over £2,500 at a fund-raising dinner.

Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup, based at the former clinic in Ashes Lane, Springhead, is 40 years old and paid for entirely by volunteers and donations.

But funds were running low last year when a new committee took over.

A mail shot to local businesses produced the idea of holding a dinner at the White Hart, Lydgate from Neil Barker, of Grotton Fruit and Veg.

The recent dinner included star prizes of a Freeview digital box and recorder, a hamper of luxury beauty products and an afternoon tea with champagne at Harvey Nicholls in Manchester, plus 25 others.

And there was an auction of celebrity memorabilia which included a signed Manchester United football and a pair of signed boots, both donated by Reds’ star Paul Scholes, who lives in Grasscroft, a signed Oldham Athletic football, and a “Coronation Street” script, signed by former star Sean Wilson, who played Martin Platt, and who was also a guest at the dinner.

The MC was entertainer Anthony Kinsey, whoconducted the auction. The whole event raised £2,546.

Liz Brocklehurst, the playgroup’s committee chairman, said: “We have been planning this for months, but it was Neil’s idea to hold it at the White Hart.

“There hadn’t really been any fund-raising for the last two or three years, and the money will be used for our running costs.”

The playgroup allows children with special needs to mix with other children in games and activities, including music therapy.

It is a registered charity and has four paid staff members and volunteer drivers, helpers and escorts.