Christmas cheer

RED nose day . . . morris men take the strain as they pull Father Christmas along the streets of Uppermill.

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Our photographers have been out and about at local seasonal events
Seasonal spirit is alive and well in Saddleworth: heavy rain failed to dampen the spirit of crowds who flocked to Uppermill Christmas lights switch-on.

Visitors packed the village to enjoy Christmas stalls and a tasty a hog roast at the Conservative Club gardens.

Saturday’s celebrations saw a parade, attended by Father Christmas, Saddleworth Parish Council chairman Bill Cullen and lady councillor Enid Firth, switch on four sets of lights starting at Uppermill Museum, the park, the Conservative Club and the Square.

Youngsters from St Chad’s Choir were in fine voice singing carols as Mossley Hollins School Band entertained all with Christmas music.

The evening ended with a spectacular firework display organised by Saddleworth Round Table. Then it was mince pies and mulled wine all round.

Pam Byrne, who helped organise the event, said: “Lots of people attended despite the heavy rain and really enjoyed themselves.

“All the lights went on beautifully. It was a really lovely occasion.”


HUNDREDS of cheering revellers caught the festive bug in Delph during the Christmas lights switch-on.
Pauline Darwen, from the village’s Co-op, did the honours and pushed the plunger to set one of the village trees aglow.

The bustling event was the culmination of months of fundraising by kind village volunteers, who decked the street with twinkling lights and staged the Delph Party in the Park to fund the switch-on.

Oldham Scottish Pipe Band paraded around the village as the roads were closed, allowing Santa to ride into town on his sleigh — pulled by a real reindeer.



VISITORS took part in a moving ceremony at Dr Kershaw’s Hospice to reflect and remember their loved ones.
The annual Light up a Life carol service was led by hospice chaplain Miles Howarth. Individuals also dedicated a light on a Christmas tree to a loved one or friend, not necessarily someone who has died.

The Salvation Army band played at the service while Peter Wakefield, from Oldham Coliseum, led carol-singing with pupils from Chadderton Hall Junior School.

The event raised around £13,000 towards the £13 million it costs annually to run the Royton hospice.

To sponsor a light, contact the appeals office on 0161-624 9984, or download a form from drkershaws hospice.org.uk.



SPRINGHEAD Infants Choir was the highlight of a dazzling Christmas lights switch-on.
Santa flew in to turn on the lights in front of a 150-strong crowd as Lees Band entertained with popular carols.

Residents then packed in to Springhead Community Centre for hot drinks, mince pies and games for the children.

Councillor Val Sedgwick said: “The choir sang beautifully and it was just a lovely evening — it has grown each year and it is still growing!”