Festival heralds new era for arts

A BRIGHT future . . . outside the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph are (l-r) chairman Colin Smith, stage director Ken Wright and treasurer David Shipp

A THRIVING future as the cultural heart of Saddleworth has been toasted by volunteers at the Millgate Arts Centre as they count down to next month’s Festival of the Arts.

The landmark building, towering at the end of the high street in Delph, will be brimming with activity throughout June as it plays a major role in the celebrations.

No less than seven of the staple events will be held there, which organisers say will show off the rich and diverse way in which it serves the local community.

It marks a new era for the 19th century former Co-operative building, after a limited company was formed to ensure its place in the borough for years to come.

Locals took it into their own hands to create the company and seek out a maintenance lease from the council, giving them more control of the building and relieving the authority of its responsibilities.

Ken Wright, one of the registered charity’s directors, said: “We’ve worked out that 14,000 people will come through the door.

“It’s gone from being a small amateur theatre group to a community centre for the whole of Saddleworth.

“It was leap of faith creating the company and taking control but it has worked a charm.

“We’re now striving to get more money in to convert the ground floor and extend the use of the library.”

The library almost closed in 2005, when the council withdrew support, however it has since been kept open by dedicated volunteers.

As part of the festival, the venue will host a screening by the thriving Saddleworth Film Society of Mike Leigh’s film Another Year on Monday, June 6, while author Jane Rogers will launch her new book, The Testament of Jessie Lamb, on Saturday, June 11.

Hands on Headpieces, on Tuesday, June 7, will see local milliners Jayne Mulqueen and Sue Carter provide an opportunity for locals to create their very own feathered fascinators.

Colin Smith, a former chief executive of Oldham Council, has been recruited as the chairman of the board of the new company.

He said: “We’re looking forward to playing a great role in the festival.

“I am proud of what we have achieved. The company is self-financing and run by volunteers and will always continue to be so.

“With all the restructuring going on locally this sort of thing gives power to local people who want to safeguard these projects.”

One of the undoubted highlights will be a performance of Under Milk Wood by the Saddleworth Players, the main occupants of the building, on Saturday, June 4.

For tickets and a full list of events visit the festival website at www.saddleworthfestival.org.uk.


MORE than 80 original works in oil, watercolour, drawing and print will be on display at the Saddleworth Museum Gallery, from Sunday, as part of the Saddleworth Festival.
The subjects chosen by the Saddleworth Group of Artists vary from landscape, figures and flowers, and styles from photo-realism to abstract.

There are 50 members in the group from a wide range or artistic backgrounds, with severally nationally-recognised artists.

Their works are on show at the gallery until June 19.