Singing in the rain at the party in the park

Photo: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

THE Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle, eyes up the cakes

DERKER folk were singing in the rain as they refused to let a downpour spoil their fun day.

Residents braved the bad weather to enjoy a Party in the Park, organised by The Friends of Stoneleigh Park, on Saturday.

There were activities for all ages, including face-painting, arts and crafts, bouncy castle, assault course, climbing wall and go-carts, while Rochdale Rescue Hedgehog Society took along some of their spiky friends. There was a raffle, tombola and refreshments as well as information displays from Housing Market Renewal, Community Links, Police and Community Safety, Street Scene, St James’s Children Centre, First Choice Homes and the Library Service. The event was opened by Oldham Mayor, Councillor Jim McArdle.

Councillor Roger Hindle, a member of the Friends group, said: “I want to thank everyone who braved the weather to come and join us for this event and a huge thank you to all the volunteers from the different organisations who took part.

“Everyone seemed to have a great time and the rain didn’t dampen our spirits too much. It was no surprise though that at the end of the afternoon when we were packing up, the clouds broke and the sun came out — and then the DJ played ‘Singing in the Rain!’”