Saddleworth Show organisers blown away by success!

Anthony Murphy and his daughter Kayleigh enjoyed the thrill of the fair

HARDY organisers hailed yesterday’s Saddleworth Show a resounding success after strong winds threatened proceedings.

Families flocked in their droves to the event — now in its 33rd year — refusing to let bad weather dictate the day.

But plans were literally up in the air when marquees — erected on Saturday night — were swept away by the gusts. Many were in tatters.

Show organiser Malcolm Hill said: “We were disappointed with what happened to the marquees. In some cases they were a right-off, but we had gale-force winds and it’s just one of the hazards you get when organising this kind of event.”

But, the show must go on, and organisers rallied round to ensure visitors were treated to a real community affair.

Highlights included a thrilling bird of prey display.

A harris hawk, peregrine falcons and even an eagle sailed through the skies — missing crowds by inches as the birds swooped for food offered by their keeper.

Visitors also took part in an exciting donkey derby, tried their hand at lassoing and other Wild-West skills, cheered on their choices in a duck race, marvelled at a parade of classic cars and listened to the sounds of Oldham Pipe Band and Delph Band to name but a few of the attractions.

Special guest for the day was madcap presenter Paul Crone from ITV’s “Granada Reports”.

‘Croney’ stayed for the whole afternoon, joining in the festivities, chatting to visitors and trying out his equine skills in the donkey derby — only to be last across the finishing line.

He said: “It’s the first time I have been to the Saddleworth Show. It’s wonderful, it just sums up British life, and involves the whole community.

“The weather hasn’t been brilliant, and I felt for the organisers, but it’s a great opportunity for children to go out with their parents and grandparents and have a good time.”

And he wasn’t the only celebrity guest.

TV’s Amanda Holden, from “Britain’s Got Talent” was spotted in the crowd. The event was proclaimed a huge success by organisers who worked tirelessy to ensure things ran smoothly.

Last year’s show was cancelled because of incessant rain which made Greenfield’s Churchill Playing Fields unfit to use.

Saddleworth Rotary Club this year made a promise that the show would go ahead, and drafted in the Rotary Club of Oldham Metro to help out.

Celebrating the show’s success, Mr Hill added: “It’s absolutely marvellous that so many people turned up on a day when it was blowing a gale and rather cold.

“On the day following midsummer’s day you would expect better weather!”

Organisers were this morning still working out exactly how many people went to the show by totting up gate receipts which all goes to local and Rotary charities.

U><a href="Saddshow.pdf">See more pictures from the show on this link</U></a>