Proud tradition draws the crowds
Reporter: ANDREW RUDKIN
Date published: 20 June 2011
Photo: PICTURES: DARREN ROBINSON
PREPARED... thankfully Gabriella Leadbeater (2) didn’t need her bright red umbrella.
THE traditional Whit Friday Walks still prove a crowd-pleasing success.
Thousands gathered in Uppermill from afar and near to savour this splendid annual occasion.
The Saddleworth villages united in spirit as a mile of smiles lined Uppermill, watching the as the giant parade snaked down the High Street.
Crowds prepared for all weathers with forecasted bad weather — but the rain held off.
A sea of people were early in attendance with the deckchairs eventually out as onlookers ate ice cream and burgers.
Following the glorious sounds of the bands and church processions, were young cubs, beavers, scouts, guides, rainbows and brownies — all looking smart in their uniforms.
Husband and wife, Bryn and Barbara Calvert keep returning year on year from their home in Bristol.
Bryn said: “We have been coming around eight or nine years and we found it by accident to be honest.
“We came down to Saddleworth and we were speaking to some youths, who told us about the occasion.
“We then watched the film “Brassed” Off and we thought we would come down. We now come back every year for the spectacle.”
Thousands congregated on King George V Playing Fields after the procession to hear the annual United Service to celebrate Pentecost.
Rev Duncan Rhodes, of Kilngreen, St Chad’s Church, welcomed the audience, who participated in prayers and hymns.
Father and daughter, Martyn and Romana Halstead, of Dobcross Brass Band, praised the event as a great family occasion.
Martyn, of Shaw, said: “It is unique and enjoyable and great for the local communities. My daughter, who plays the flugelhorn, loves playing in the brass band and she has played the last three years.”
Walkers out for the day came from the directions of Diggle, Friezland, Dobcross and Lydgate — to enjoy the grandeur of the brass band music on offer during the day — with the annual contests to follow in the evening.
Former Black Dyke Band player, Colin Aspinall, who plays tuba with Diggle Brass Band, said: “It is nice to keep the event going, because many traditions die out. Today is all about the churches.”
Churches which took part were; St Anne, Lydgate, Christ Church, Friezland, Ebeneezer, Uppermill, Uppermill Methodist, St Chad, Saddleworth, Sacred Heart and St William, Kilngreen Mission Church, Wrigley Mill Methodist, Dobcross Community Church and Holy Trinity, Dobcross.
The united service ended with the crowds belting out the National Anthem.
