Volunteer army to the rescue
Reporter: Richard Hooton
Date published: 18 January 2012
COMMUNITY spirit could prove vital in Saddleworth this summer to ensure two long-running events go ahead.
It’s hoped an army of volunteers could see the Round Table-organised beer walk resurrected after it was controversially scrapped last year.
And groups of volunteer litter pickers are to be dispatched in the wake of the Whit Friday Band Contests in a bid to cut costs.
Organisers of the beer walk, which has raised thousands of pounds for charity over its 39-year history, are on a mission to make alterations to the traditional event to avoid the violence and crowds of hangers-on which plagued last year’s event.
The title of the day would be changed to a “charity walk” and the date would be moved away from the Whit Friday weekend, while a volunteer army is being called on to help marshal the route which would also see some alterations. The plans are part of a blueprint due to be put before Oldham’s safety and advisory committee.
It’s expected 30 paid-for marshals would be placed along the route, with organisers in talks with Mahdlo to sponsor another 30.
A raft of 26 volunteers have already come forward to help as it passes through Dobcross.
Chief organiser Dave MacDougall said he and organisers were looking at dates in July.
He added: “We already have a number of volunteers keen to support the day itself — but we need more to help marshal and underpin security operations.
“There is terrific feeling across Saddleworth that the event should go ahead — albeit on a different date away from the aftermath of the Whit Friday Brass Band Contests, which, in some respect, may send out mixed messages about it becoming a boozy weekend across the community.
“We are looking at an alternative spring date to stage the walk and would urge legitimate fund-raisers not to take part in any unofficial walk — that simply is not an option.
“The band contests have grown and so had the beer walk — that has put pressure on the police and organisers.
“We want to get the community involved even more.”
A professional security firm is hoped to be employed to back the marshalling volunteers, while organisers say they will work with the police and make safety paramount.
An option to restrict entries to the beer walk to only pre-registration is also on the cards in a bid to cut down on the numbers of hangers-on brandishing charity buckets for their own personal gain.
Meanwhile Adrian Alexander, Labour councillor for Saddleworth West and Lees, is motivating locals to help clean up in the aftermath of the Whit Friday Band Contests.
Spurred on by revealing pictures of mountainous piles of plastic cups and rubbish strewn onto the road during the village events, he’s assembling a kind-hearted group to take to the streets of Lees and is hoping other villages will take up the idea.
He said: “The community used to be heavily involved in helping these events. We seem to have lost our way slightly — it would be great to get people out on the streets helping clear up.
“Some of the pictures from the day after are quite shocking.”
This would not only cut costs but Oldham Council’s Street Scene are backing the plan, with local football teams and scout groups expected to join forces on the Saturday morning to help out the clean-up efforts.
Adult volunteers would also join in on the day of the contest in Lees.
It’s part of a drive to support the band contests, cut costs and see more community involvement to take the burden of clearing the aftermath off council workers.
Anyone who would like to help should email info@beerwalk.co.uk.
