Fields of our dreams

TWO unsung heroes of community sport were given the honour of opening the newly-refurbished Churchill Playing Fields.

Diggle FC chairman George Bradbury played in the first match on the fields when they opened in 1967, and Ian Gauld is a former chairman of Uppermill FC, a club member for 40 years and winner of the “unsung hero” accolade at the 2010 Oldham Sports Awards.

George said: “I’m very impressed with the work that has been done by so many people. We (the club) have been farmed out all over the borough and now we will be able to get together and be a better team and a better club.”

The pair represented the local clubs who had fought for years for drainage improvements that would prevent rainwater lakes forming on the pitches.

Oldham Council approved the plans to refurbish the playing fields and changing rooms and improve the drainage two years ago.

Saturday’s celebrations also included a range of sporting events.