David to join chain gang

David Needham - new Mayor of Austerlands, with his grand-daughter Amber

A tradition dating back 60 years will see David Needham appointed the new Mayor of Austerlands.

David will be the community’s 15th mayor since the custom was reintroduced in 1998.


His installation will take place at a special ceremony at the Old Original, Scouthead, tomorrow when the retiring mayor, Geoff Wood, will pass on the ceremonial clog-iron chain of office.

Ex-mayor Roger Fielding — complete with red tailcoat and white bow tie — will conduct the formal proceedings which will be attended by previous Austerlands mayors, wearing the miniature clog-irons presented to them on their retirement

David, who has lived in Austerlands for 38 years, said: “I think it is important for us to retain our Saddleworth traditions. It will be a proud moment for me to lead up the first band with my granddaughter Amber at the band contest on Whit Friday.”

David served 12 years as a Saddleworth parish councillor, first elected as the representative for Higher Springhead in 1979. He was its chairman in 1985 and launched the Saddleworth Village Olympics, which he chaired for 15 years