Community day bonanza on Sunday
borough.
Reporter: Ken Bennett
A GALAXY of diverse and interesting options to tempt Saddleworth residents to immerse themselves in the community go on show this weekend.
The special “Its your community – get involved!” call to action begins at 11am on Sunday at Uppermill civic hall.
The event is spearheaded by Saddleworth Parish councillor Jamie Curley and supported by Christine Wilson and Jane Soriente, from the Saddleworth and Lees district team.
The exciting showcase will give more than 30 community and volunteer organisations and associations a chance to demonstrate, discuss their skills and encourage visitors to join their ranks.
And there will be exciting demonstrations from Oldham Mountain Rescue team who will be showing their specialised kit and vehicles, Saddleworth Air Training Corps and the Greenfield Scouts.
Said Cllr Curley: “The breadth of organisations who are an integral part of our community is fantastic, covering the environment, youth work and fitness and fun.
“But they all depend on volunteers to thrive prosper,” he explained.
“And volunteering can be so much more for people than simply giving up their time.
“It’s an opportunity to meet new friends, learn new skills and get a real sense of achievement and of giving back to our dynamic and thriving community in Saddleworth.”
Organisations including FACET (supporting families of children with ASD) and SSYCA from Greenfield’s Satellite centre will be showing the work and how it benefits the whole community.
Cllr Curley said: “Volunteering can be really rewarding and also help people to enhance their CV if they are job hunting — employers always look at outside activities positively.”
The Real Junk Food Project will be cooking up treats showing how food normally wasted can be turned into tasty and healthy meals. And visitors will be invited to taste and learn how to cook great food and save money.
Mountain bikers and horse riders will help launch a new initiative with Saddleworth and Lees policing team.
The Rural Mounted Volunteer Observers project will provide a reporting system for the policing team through volunteers who may reach areas police sometimes find difficult to access.
Full training will provided and Sgt Neil Barker and PC Lee Cullen will be accompanied by officers from Lancashire Constabulary who are already operating a successful scheme.
Oldham and Tameside based Action together will be on hand to give advice to organisations and also to anybody thinking of starting a new community or volunteer group.
MAHDLO will be highlighting their youth work in Saddleworth and across the borough and Oldham Community Power will be displaying their community-owned renewable energy scheme.
And Natwest Bank will be on hand to answer questions about their new Community Banking plan for Saddleworth.
Fitness is also on the agenda with Saddleworth Pedestrians, Lees Karate Club and Funky Fitness and Fun taking part.
Added Cllr Curley: “This will be a fantastic day with something for everyone and an opportunity for people to get involved and really get the best out of living in Saddleworth’s dynamic community.”
The free event runs from 11am to 3pm on Sunday at Uppermill civic hall.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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