We’re watching you
Reporter: by KEN BENNETT
Date published: 04 June 2009
Oldham’s police chief warns trouble-makers over Saddleworth weekend
OLDHAM’s police chief today issued a stern stay-home warning to potential troublemakers who may try to wreck celebrations at Saddleworth’s busiest weekend.
Supt Caroline Ball said: “I want to make it clear anyone who tries to spoil the fun of the majority will be swiftly dealt by police. If your only intention is to cause trouble, then stay at home.”
She was talking ahead of the traditional Whit Friday walks, brass band contests and the legendary Saddleworth Beer Walk.
She added: “This is a busy weekend for Saddleworth and we want to make sure that everyone has an enjoyable time.
“Extra officers will be on patrol throughout the two days to make sure that the weekend’s events pass without incident.”
They have written to all pub, club and restaurants landlords in the area thanking them for their continued co-operation and outlining the drinks curfew on Whit Friday night.
In line with last year, all pubs will close at 11.30pm, with the last drinks sold at 11pm. And a special CCTV van will patrol the area.
Although police do not reveal the actual number of officers patrolling the area during the weekend for operational reasons, it is believed a substantial number will be drafted in.
Mr Results bows out
the man responsible for compiling all the Whit Friday Brass Band Contest results has stepped down.
Peter Dyson (67), from Lydgate, who has held the vital task of result co-ordinator for many years, also provided the names of the winning bands for publication in the Evening Chronicle.
Mr Dyson’s invaluable work started after the very last note sounded in the contests.
He spent many hours poring over the results of every band entered in Saddleworth, Oldham District and Tameside district contests.
And he was responsible for collating the results of the contests and having them ready for publication in the Chronicle on the Monday following the hectic weekend.
“It’s been a very exacting job,” said Mr. Dyson. “But I have loved every minute. The work is absolutely essential. Now I plan to visit Diggle, which is holding its first contest on Friday, and take in other local band contests, too.”
Mr Dyson’s role has passed to Bill Cullen, chairman of the Lees and Springhead contest, and a member of Saddleworth Parish Council.
Mr Cullen, a former BT engineer, said: “I am looking forward to compiling the contest results.
“It’s a big challenge — Peter has done a brilliant job on compiling the results over the years.”
Mr Cullen will handle all the local results while Tameside will make its own compilation arrangements.
