Nice weather for ducks!
Reporter: Lewis Jones
Date published: 13 June 2011
Showgoers get soaked, but everyone still had a quacking time
IT WAS nice weather for ducks but a dismal downpour for revellers at the Saddleworth Show yesterday.
Brave showgoers pulled on their macs and wellies for the family extravaganza that saw everything from thrilling stunt bikes to duck herding at Churchill Playing Fields in Greenfield.
They smiled through the disastrous weather as they basked in all the fun of the fair, but numbers were down as giant pools formed and the mud got thicker.
Even the youth bus had to be towed free after becoming stuck in the quagmire conditions.
The event was jointly organised by the Saddleworth and Oldham Metro Rotary Clubs.
Show chairman David Wright said: “After all the preparations it was a shame that it wasn’t what it could have been, but we live in England.
“Thanks to the sponsors we can cover costs and still make money for charity which is brilliant, and so many people put effort into the show.”
Despite the weather staple events still went ahead as planned, with youngsters enjoying donkey rides and bald eagle D’Mona flying impressively above spectators.
Owen Merrion commanded his adorable sheep dog around the main arena to herd his ducks.
The famous Wharmton Dash, hosted by the Saddleworth Runners, was a hit as brave runners tackled the brutal two mile dash and 600ft climb and then the finale plunge into the river.
Sean Willis, a member of Saddleworth Runners, was first over the finish line while MEP Chris Davies came in eighth and Gaynor Keane was the first woman to cross the line.
Mayor of Oldham Councillor Richard Knowles, who lives in Greenfield, said: “People have been walking around looking a little bedraggled but they have stuck it out.”
A thrilling display of axe and chainsaw wielding gave the audience cause to cheer as the Welsh Axe Racing Team showed their impressive skills. Children watched on in wonder as junior BMX champion Ben Slinger put on a dazzling performance of stunts to pumping music.
The show was sponsored by Veolia, Tesco Greenfield and the Oldham Evening Chronicle.
Protest over drainage project
A GROUP of protesters who want to see a review of the controversial Churchill Fields drainage project mounted a petition at the Saddleworth Show yesterday.
Helen Bishop, a candidate in the parish elections, joined Saddleworth Runners on Wellington Road and succeeded in getting 256 signatures to protest against the removal of the running track.
The plans, to close the fields for a year while the drainage works are completed, are due to start this summer dependent on financial backing for sporting federations.
