Belles stay on road to dance success

A HEARTFELT act of generosity was a bolt out of the blue for one of Oldham’s longest running dance troupes.

It looked like it could be the end of the line for the 60-strong Buckley Belles when the engine of their old bus caught fire on a recent trip to Leeds. However, kind-hearted business owner Garry Buckley, who is no relation to the group, has come to their rescue and purchased the team a replacement 68-seater bus to ensure they can continue to perform.

Seventy-six-year-old Margaret Buckley set up the troupe 52 years ago, gathering groups of girls to practice on the lawn outside her Chadderton home.

Over half a century later the girls are a force to be reckoned with.

Margaret said of the setback: “We were four miles out of Leeds and it set on fire. We had to pull over quickly and 60 girls were stranded on the grass verge.

“It cost £120 to get us all back and we missed the competition.”

It was third time unlucky for the group, having already had two buses that had broken down.

The old bus was then taken to Buckley Transport, in Stock Lane, Chadderton, where Margaret was then summoned by the owner. She added: “He showed me around the bus, asked if a liked and then turned to and said ‘it’s yours.’

“I cried I was so emotional, I couldn’t believe it. This is a real lifeline for us.”

Margaret’s two-year-old great-granddaughter Ellie Jackson is now the youngest member of the troupe.

She’ll now be sitting pretty on the bus that Gary has had specially sign-written for the Belles.

Garry said: “She’s had a rough time with the vehicles and I felt sorry for the group.

“This is me doing my little bit for the community. It’s great to be able to help out young people locally.”