Charity idea has a lot going ferret
Date published: 12 January 2012
Presentation of £630 to Macmillan Nurses by SFBATGA (Saddleworth Ferret Breeders and Turnip Growers' Association). Left to right, Di Heffernan, Derek Heffernan (chairman Saddleworth Macmillan Nurses), Lawrence Perrins (president SFBATGA), Audrey Perrins.
BREEDERS of ferrets or turnip-lovers struggling to find a group to join and share their passion with fellow enthusiasts are in luck — as such a bunch are here in Oldham.
The Saddleworth and District Ferret Breeders and Turnip Growers Association (Affiliated) has been raising money for charity for years.
However, the majority of members don’t own a ferret, rarely eat turnips and don’t hail from Saddleworth.
Everyone is welcome to join the kooky band of fundraisers.
All that’s needed is £5 —then a car sticker will be posted out in recognition.
President Lawrence Perrins said: “It is all a bit fun and the association was set up to raise a bit of money for charity.
“The name makes people laugh and that’s all it is purely there for.”
The group presented £625 to Chairman of the Saddleworth Macmillan Nurses, Councillor Derek Heffernan, at Lawrence’s home in Grotton on Friday.
Lawrence (76) and his wife, Audrey, celebrated their wedding anniversary last year, but, instead of presents, they asked for donations to support the wacky association.
Lawrence said: “The wife thought it was a great idea and she is also a member.
“We have quite a few members, one of whom is a London cab driver after I met him on holiday.
“The group was formed at a dinner in 1995 by the then president, Alan Radcliffe, and secretary John Ainley who wanted to do something for charity.”
When asked about when people would want to renew their membership in the future, Lawrence, who became president in 2005, replied: “If your car sticker falls off, then give us another fiver for charity and we will send you another sticker.”
To join, send a cheque of a minimum of £5 — payable to Saddleworth and District Ferret Breeders and Turnip Growers Association (Affiliated) — to Lawrence Perrins & Sons Ltd, 176 Oldham Road, Springhead, Oldham OL4 5SJ.
