Family affair
Reporter: by MARINA BERRY
Date published: 06 July 2009
Photo: Pictures: CHRIS BULL
TRAIN driver Geoff Dowden had as much fun as his passengers Darren Connolly and his four-year-old son Corey
WALL-to-wall sunshine greeted Shaw and Crompton residents when they turned out in force to enjoy a family weekend of fun.
And parish councillors who hosted the event were today celebrating —and recovering — after the most successful family weekend for years.
The two days were packed with lots of things for revellers to see and do. Centred on the Market Place car park, there was a fun fair, a farmer’s market and more than 20 charity stalls.
More than 100 entries were on display in a classic vehicle rally, while sounds from Oldham Scottish Pipe Band rang out and dancers from Madd For Dance entertained with various routines.
Youngsters queued for a new look from face painters, and a rock climbing wall and miniature train drivers were kept busy throughout the whole weekend.
Another big draw were displays from the fire brigade and police, where children enjoyed trying on hats and helmets and crawled over emergency vehicles to find out how they work.
Councillor David Dunning, chairman of the communications and promotions committee, which organised the family weekend said: “It was excellent. Everyone enjoyed themselves and parish councillors worked very hard to make sure everything went smoothly.
“The family weekend has been running for around 20 years now, and this was one of the best we have had.”
