Here’s to a pint less ordinary!
Reporter: Richard Hooton, picture Darren Robinson
Date published: 11 January 2010
HEAVY snow has been causing havoc for most workers - but it was no match some hardy Oldhamers determined to serve the public.
A special mention today for those persevering with the most arduous of jobs during the big freeze — such as post and milk deliverers battling the elements to make deliveries.
They are typified by the Ripleys, who have ensured no customer has gone without a daily pinta despite their rounds taking in some of the hardest-hit areas.
Harold Ripley was a former coalman who became a well-known milkman in Springhead. He was just beginning his 80th year living at Blackleach Farm when he died in July. The farm has been in his family for more than 100 years and for five generations — and his relatives continue to keep up the good work.
His sons, John (51) and Andrew (47), and grand-daughter Hannah (17) all have milk rounds.
As Oldham plummeted to record low temperatures of -11.7C last week, the crew endured the ice and snow to make deliveries, covering 800 customers in Waterhead to Scouthead, Grotton, Springhead and Austerlands.
A round that normally takes four hours from 4am has taken hours longer. “But we haven’t failed to get to anyone,” said Hannah. “We have even had the tractor out to make sure no-one was left out.”
Some of the roads have not been gritted, which made deliveries even more difficult.
“We’ve even been up Brighton Road to the Roebuck Inn and Thurston Clough Road to the Old Original pub where conditions underfoot are really terrible,” Hannah added. “Nothing stops us. The customers are very appreciative and they ring up to thank us. But hopefully it will warm up soon!”
