Did they really cancel the Beer Walk?
In no order: Laura Quigley, Shawn Whewell-Duckett, Rik Ashton, David Ashton, Nikki Walsh, Tom Collins, Matthew Collins, Abi Rigg, keredy Andrews, Iain Andrews, Mark Whatmough, David Bailey, Sean Williams, Meatman Dan. Photo: Stuart Littleford.
Well these people don’t seem to think so!
A few small groups of people have set off from Uppermill this afternoon on an unofficial Beer Walk around Saddleworth.
The event has been cancelled this year by the organisers due to a lack of funding for essential policing and stewarding, the council would not give out permits to allow collections on the streets.
However, this has not deterred the groups of people we have seen out and about so far, all are of the opinion that the event should never have been cancelled and are still enjoying the dressing up and are having a good time.
A group of walkers in Dobcross. Photo: Stuart Littleford.
None are collecting money but all are continuing in the spirit of the Beer Walk.
We have seen around eighty people so far but we are told more could be turning up in Uppermill later which is the final destination for the walkers.
There have been some police patrols around the villages this afternoon although this has been kept low key, there is no real concern of any problems developing.
A group in Delph. Photo: Stuart Littleford.
Three girls enjoying the walk. Photo: Stuart Littleford.
- A group in the centre of Delph. Photo: Stuart Littleford.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
If you would like to share an interesting story, achievement, photo or something you just want to happily shout about please send it in an email to hello@saddleworthlife.com We'd ❤ to hear from you!!
56 Comments
Leave a Reply
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Yes it was intentional! A bit of someone getting a taste of their own medicine. Anyway this is getting boring now. Roll on the beer walk 2013
Helen, I am not snubbing you at all.
Believe it or not, I do not harbour any antagonism towards you, but like you, I do have an opinion, rightly or wrongly about local matters. The unfortunate thing about party politics in Oldham and indirectly the impact they will have on Saddleworth is that things could get a lot worse before they get better.
Oldham is a town in decline. I am sure the both of us don’t want that for the Saddleworth villages.
Wendy. Put the Daily Mail and whatever you’re drinking down. Step away from the computer. Deep breaths.
It’s been great reading the many comments. I totally agree that the beer walk should continue for many years to come. I hope my kids take their kids to put pennies in the collection tubs for stickers. Everyone taking part seems to have a great time. One suggestion however is that groups who have officially registered themselves and their chosen charity should be given something that clearly identifies them to the spectators. That way we know who to give money to and who not to. The police can concentrate their efforts on the unofficial participants. Those that are registered take part for all the right reason and good on them.
I’ve never done the Beer Walk. Usually due to the fact that I’m too hungover from Whit Friday. As I currently live in Denmark, it’s a big effort to get back for this weekend. Now I’ve heard that they’ve tried to cancelled the Beer Walk, it makes me want to support the it even more. So next year I’m going to attend the Beer Walk to show my support for it.
They should not be trying to stamp out local traditions, but support them.
(From Grotton and trying to get back there!)
I can say with certainty that the Beerwalk will not officially go ahead again. I was fortunate enough last night along with my sister Angie, to meet Dave McDougal, Chairman of the Round Table. The meeting was organised by Ken Bennet from the Saddleworth Independent. We spent at least an hour discussing the Beerwalk and Dave explained just how much of a minefield organising the Beerwalk is. It is not just about the financial aspect of organising the event, sadly most of the problem is the fact that we are governed by a culture of health and safety and and no event can be organised without bending over backwards for the authorities. Oldham Council alone have a rule book with over a hundred pages that have to be adhered to to the letter. The police also have a similar set up. Basically the top and bottom of it is,if that if 10,000 people turn up to drink beer and get jolly, even if only a thousand register, the Round Table are accountable for every person that attends the event.
Dave did hint that they were trying to think of an alternative event and he did say watch this space. But as for the Beerwalk, it is very unlikely to happen as an official event again, it has just gotten too big.
I would like to say myself though that i will definately be there next Whit weekend but we need to be careful not to appoint an official organiser, because in the eyes of the law that person then becomes accountable for the actions of every person there.
I would like to thank both Dave and Ken for their time and thank them for for meeting up with us.
LONG LIVE THE BEERWALK!