Choral greeting for new chairman

LEADING the way: Saddleworth Parish Council chairman Councillor Graham Sheldon and his wife and consort, Diane, at the head of the procession in Chew Valley Road

SADDLEWORTH’s new civic dignitaries and supporters paraded to St Mary’s Church for the inauguration of the chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council.

Greenfield Brass Band led the parade as new Parish Councillor Graham Sheldon took pride of place at the event with his wife Diane.

Councillor Sheldon said: “It was absolutely fantastic. We got the weather, a great number of people turned out, and dignitaries came from all around.”

There were a couple of surprises in store for Councillor Sheldon to mark the start of his year as chairman, the first organised by choir member David Parkin.

The church choir - normally led by Mr Sheldon, the church’s organist for the past 30 years - rehearsed a Mozart work in secret and performed it as a surprise

Mr Sheldon was also given a watch to mark his service as church organist