What a difference a day makes

Photo: PICTURES: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

SMOOTH landing: Kevin Ryan with Ruby the vulture.

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ORGANISERS of this year’s Saddleworth Show were driven quackers when the famous annual duck race was cancelled due to a fast-flowing River Tame.

It was an unwelcomed blip in a mixed weekend, which saw relentless rain on Saturday almost spoil the event.

A great splash of sunshine on Sunday, and events held indoors for the first time, rescued the two-day show held at Saddleworth School, meaning residents could still enjoy one of the villages’ favourites traditions.

Braving the weather, a selection of food stalls provided tasty treats. A fun fair offered an adrenaline kick for thrill-seekers, while an assault course, football tournament and climbing wall also tested skills and stamina.

Stealing Saturday’s show was the falconry display.

And though 4,500 visitors were treated to a warmer, drier Sunday, too much water in the River Tame at Churchill playing fields resulted in disappointment as the much-loved annual duck race was cancelled.

The race has been rescheduled for the morning of June 24.

Saddleworth Show Committee and Oldham Metro Rotary Club member Gordon Russell said: “The weekend has been very successful, despite Saturday’s poor weather.

“There has been a great atmosphere all weekend and people have been in high spirits. We are delighted with how it all turned out.”




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