Good idea all round

SNAPSHOT of Oldham’s past... artist David Ford with Vera’s daughter Frances Heywood and the painting

SADDLEWORTH artist David Ford is hoping to boost Dr Kershaw’s coffers with an iconic local image.

The Dobcross painter used photographs from the Chronicle’s archive to create a striking picture of the roundabout run by the late Vera Smith, who was affectionately known as Dobby Horse Vera to generations of Oldhamers.

Prints will now be sold to raise money for the Royton hospice, of which Vera was a staunch supporter. The 78-year-old, who died last November, was well known to thousands of Tommyfield Marketgoers for her hand-cranked roundabout.

Vera, named Woman of Oldham in 2007, slipped on ice outside her home in 2000. She was forced to wear a steel halo around her head prompting friends to dub her The Angel of Tommyfield. Vera’s daughter Frances Heywood said: “Mum would have loved the painting. It’s really lovely that a part of her legacy is still helping to raise funds for the charity she loved so much.”

Last year, David created a striking image of the iconic Mumps Bridge before it was knocked down. The sale of prints raised £1,400 for the hospice.

He said: “I’m hoping we can raise as much as possible for this worthy cause.”




Prints of David’s painting are available for £22 on 628 3951.