Emmaus Mossley celebrates 20 years with a swing

Indie rock band Cabbage and Terry Waite CBE wowed the crowd at a day-long event to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley.

Emmaus Mossley’s 20th Birthday Bash took place on Saturday 16 September, celebrating 20 years since the opening of the homelessness community at Longlands Mill. The free event for supporters of the charity included live music, special guests, a charity auction and fun activities throughout the day.

Terry Waite CBE, President of Emmaus UK, was one of the special guests at the event along with Richard Darlington, founder and President of Emmaus Mossley, and John Henshaw, actor and patron of the charity.

Terry  told Sadleworth News: “Congratulations to everybody who has contributed to the development of this wonderful centre. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to so many people who have supported Emmaus Mossley over the years. I would like to give my thanks particularly to the companions who have made this their home and helped to create a living, lively centre for the local community to enjoy.”

Over the years Emmaus Mossley has grown and it is now home to 26 companions – formerly homeless people who live, work and are supported at Emmaus Mossley.

Jeff Greaves, companion at Emmaus Mossley who cut the birthday cake with Terry Waite CBE, told Saddleworth News: “It was a fantastic day for Emmaus Mossley and I’m glad I was a part of it. Cutting the cake with Terry was a fun experience, especially after the comedy moment beforehand. Thank you to everyone who attended our wonderful party.”

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An eclectic mix of local bands and musicians performed throughout the day including Cabbage, Danny Mahon, Kyla Brox, The Piccadilly Rats, Afghan Sand Gang, The Pistuns, Night Host, Good Vibrations, Dobcross Brass Monkeys and Lydgate Brass Band.

Frances Hirst, Chair of Emmaus Mossley told Saddleworth News: “The event was a fitting tribute to the many people who have supported Emmaus Mossley over the past two decades. I would like to give sincere thanks to all the people who joined us to celebrate and to all the musicians, individuals, organisations and our community members for their contributions in making it a great birthday event for Emmaus Mossley.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. The charity runs a social enterprise in Mossley, selling donated and upcycled furniture, household goods, clothes, bric-a-brac and vintage wares.

To find out more or support Emmaus Mossley head to www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 01457 838608 or visit the store at Longlands Mill, Queen Street, Mossley OL5 9AH.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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