Charity set to be the winner

MAP of the showground

SADDLEWORTH SUMMER SHOW

JUNE 13, Churchill Playing Fields, Greenfield, starts 10.30am

Roll up, roll up for the most exciting extravaganza of the year – the Saddleworth Summer Show.

This year’s fabulous day of family fun promises to serve up an action-packed programme, with a record turnout expected to indulge in the mass of activities on offer, courtesy of organisers the Saddleworth and Oldham Metro Rotary clubs

Plans are in place as organisers frantically put in the final efforts to ensure this year’s bonanza goes with a bang. But show organisers have set the bar high, with last year’s charity bash blessed with thousands of visitors, glorious sunshine and a charity total of almost £20,000 raised.

But they are determined to make this year’s event one to remember.

The show takes place this Sunday, with tickets for the day held at Churchill playing fields in Greenfield frozen for the last 15 years.

Show-goers will get the hump as Britain’s only racing group of camels bring a touch of the exotic as they gallop around the main arena in spectacular fashion.

The camels, which recently featured on Channel 4’s ‘Location Location Location’ will prove to be a show-stopping spectacle on the day, but they are among a whole wealth of animals appearing on Sunday.

The success of last year’s Country Pursuits means that animal-lovers are once again in for a treat with thrilling falconry displays, an RSPCA dog show and the return of the Petwise Zoo to get up close to exotic critters and creepy crawlies.

Local brass bands and an ornate Dutch fairground organ will provide the soundtrack to the day along with laughing children and Saddleworth’s very own Morris men.

Sticking with the brass band theme, there is again a Young Melodians event for young brass players. Youngsters in three school age groups (Years 1-6, 7-9 and 10-13) are invited to perform and unaccompanied solo. This takes place between 2pm and 4pm. Entry is free and there are prizes in each category, judged by David Ashworth, musical director of Boarshurst Band.

Thrill-seeking youngsters can look forward to the challenge of a climbing wall, canoes on the river and donkey rides at the now infamous donkey derby.

There will also be a living history display by the Civil War Society where you will be able to experience the sights, sounds and smells of the 17th century.

And of course the show would not be the same without the vintage collection of classic cars on display.


All the fun of the fair

ACTS are lining up in preparation for this year’s summer bonanza, with a jam-packed day of events scheduled for visitors which promises to be fabulous family fun.

Guaranteed to steal the show, the UK’s only group of racing camels will gallop around the arena ridden by jockeys in Arab dress.

Also new for this year is the giant fairground organ. Originally built for Willem Kelders, a travelling Dutch showman, the Twist organ will be music to the ears of showgoers as it casts a spell with its harmonic tones.

After last year’s success, the awe inspiring Malhamdale Falconry is back by popular demand and ready to wow the crowds with their comical and thrilling displays.

As well as birds being on show all day, the team will also demonstrate the power of the birds of prey as a golden eagle and peregrine falcon shoot through the sky.


Ever fancied holding a tarantula?

Get up close and personal with creepy crawlies and exotic critters at the Petwise zoo, back by popular demand after last year’s success.

Past shows may have posted hundreds of events, but Laser Clay Pigeon Shooting remains up there with the most popular after 14 years.

Put your co-ordination skills to the test and see just how many high speed targets you can hit.

Join Saddleworth Runners and special guest, Granada TV’s Paul Crone, for the challenging two-mile Wharmton Dash fell race, famous for its soaking final dash through freezing water. With a 600-feet ascent, the mad dash will prove a must for both runners and spectators.

The sound of the Whit Friday band contests will be revived with the Young Melodians event. Giving young brass-playing enthusiasts the chance to show what they are made of, first prizes of £15 will be available to those judged the best at their solo performance.

The competition will take place between 2pm and 4pm, with participants also getting free entry to the show.


TIMETABLE OF EVENTS . . .

THERE is so much going on at the Saddleworth Summer Show it would be easy to lose track and miss out on key attractions — so here’s a brief guide.


MAIN ATTRACTIONS


11am – Delph Band

12.00 – Fell race

12.30 – Donkey Chariot Race

1.15 – Camel Racing

1.45 – Malhamdale Falconry

2.00 – Lees Band

2.15 – Donkey Chariot Race

3.00 – Malhamdale Falconry

3.30 – Camel Racing

4.00 – Junior Rugby Demonstration


PLUS . . .


12.00 – Primary School’s Football – Uppermill

Football Club

2.00 – Scarecrow contest

2.00 – Young Melodians Competition

3.00 – Duck Race


AND DON’T MISS . . .

* The scarecrow competiton. Come dressed as a scarecrow, or bring a scarecrow, to gain free entry.

* The Young Melodians solo brass competition.

* Witness impressive tricks and obedience at the RSPCA dog show.

* Immerse yourself in 17th century wartime with the English Civil War Society.

* Indulge in local home produce at the food court, new this year.

* Give it your best throw with one unlucky fellow locked in the Beaumaris Stocks.

* See if your chosen yellow friend is first to finish in the duck race.

* Catch the Saddleworth Morris Men bringing their dose of joy.

* Cheer on local youngsters at the Mini Soccer Tournament.

* Get acquainted with Saddleworth’s famous llamas.

* Sponsor a jockey or just sit back and enjoy the eight races of the donkey derby.

* Ever popular and intriguing, don’t miss the mass of vintage and classic cars.

. . . and much, much more!