Local shops for local people
Date published: 17 March 2011
Keeping it local . . . Parish councillors team up with the Saddleworth WI for the event this weekend. From left, Councillor Alma McInnes, Sue Harding, Michelle Nield, Jennifer Whitworth, Councillor Barbara Beeley and parish council chairman Keith Begley
WOMEN in Saddleworth are keeping it local this weekend in a bid to boost the benefits of supporting entrepreneurs.
The Saddleworth Women’s Institute (WI) plan to transform the Uppermill Civic Hall into a bustling market, brimming with high quality local produce and a vast array of services.
The idea is to showcase the individual businesses in the area and raise money for good causes in the process.
Experience everything from breweries to boarding kennels, catering to crafts at the market planned to reveal the wealth of hidden gems in Saddleworth.
Organiser Jennifer Whitworth said: “We’ve got a really big variety. Saddleworth has so many lovely businesses and this is a chance to showcase that to everyone.
“This is the first time we have done something like this and we’re hoping it will be really busy. A lot of people have put effort in to make it work.”
Each business has rented a stall at the event, from which the proceeds will be donated to Oldham Mountain Rescue, Oldham Cancer Care and the Saddleworth Special Needs Nursery.
Dedicated WI members will also run a cafe on the day and use donated produce to whip up some delicious offerings. One member, Michelle Neild, has even designed a “shop local” logo and had it printed on canvas bags, which will be sold on the day to add to the money pot.
Parish councillor Alma McInnes is backing the project, that will also raise money for the chairman’s charities.
She said: “If you look around Uppermill and Delph in particular they are full of little independent shops and sometimes one-man bands.
“These are just as important as the big shops in providing employment and promoting private enterprise.
“Plus, money is being raised for charity. It will be fantastic.”
The event will take place from 10am to 3pm on Sunday.
