Past is recorded for future generations

Saddleworth’s colourful history is being captured in personal detail.

Saddleworth Voices is building a collection of CD recordings of locals talking about their lives and memories.

A team of a dozen volunteer researchers are interviewing people across the community headed by Martin Plant one of the Delph Library volunteers.

The exciting scheme is supported by Delph Community Association, Saddleworth Parish Council and the North-West Sound Archive at Clitheroe.

Every one interviewed receives their own CD copy, another is kept by the library and a third is logged at the sound archive.

Mr Plant (62) a retired teacher, said: “We now have about 30 recordings and the library copies are available to borrow for general interest, educational and research purposes.

“They are remarkable accounts of Saddleworth people speaking thoughtfully and with good humour about their lives and times. They are really enjoyable listening.

“We are aiming to create an oral history of our times,” he explained.

“Last year, the sound archive provided training in interviewing techniques and supplied us with free copies of each recording in exchange for the original which it keeps for its own archive.

“Villagers have their own special memories on life here and we would be delighted to hear from anyone who wishes to record their thoughts.

“We are grateful for the funding Saddleworth Voices received from the parish council to buy the recording equipment and our team has had a really fascinating time gleaning information from locals.”

He added: “The starting premise is that everyone has a story to tell and these oral recordings have the added advantage of capturing accent and dialect.”

Villagers who took part in the scheme talked fondly on a wide range of topics from school days, Whit Friday band contests and personal memories of growing up in Saddleworth.

Some included dialect verse from legendary local poet Ammon Wrigley.

Others talked of times working in local mills and reflected on local characters.

Jack Highton (79) from Delph who performed under the name of Jack Steele, a stage pickpocket, talked of his colourful career and a lifetime meeting famous stars including Little and Large, Matt Munro and Bob Monkhouse and other performers.

Robert Rodgers and his wife Mary, remembered school days, brass band concerts, changes in the villages and family life.

Mrs Rodgers added: “People have loads of fascinating stories to tell.”

And Keith Begley, incoming chairman of the parish council, who has made a recording, said: “There are a treasure trove of stories from villagers. I would urge them to take part and record their memories for posterity.”

People who may know someone who might be interested in being recorded can email: saddleworthvoices@yahoo.co.uk or contact Martin Plant or Gill Clark, from the Delph Community Association, at Delph Library during opening times: 01457-874 381.