Morris Men Brighten Up Soggy Saddleworth Show
Despite the dreadful weather, local people did their best to have a good time at the Saddleworth Show. The driving rain barely let up all day, but there was still much to enjoy for those who did venture along to Churchill Fields.
As ever, the Saddleworth Morris Men were in colourful form, even though their musicians had to play with plastic bags over their instruments. You can watch a video of them in action by clicking on the box above.
The main attractions included a BMX display, an unusual take on sheepdog trials featuring the herding of ducks, and a team of Welsh axemen doing a sort of competitive lumberjacking.
There was also a wide variety of amusements, some sporting activities including a five-a-side competition from primary schoolboys as well as canoeing trips on the river, and lots of food and drink on the go.
In addition there were plenty of stalls, with local businesses showing off their wares. One of those was Diggle-based Ray Withnall of Hay Tarn Willwriting who, unlike some others, at least had the benefit of a gazebo.
He commented: “Apart from the weather it’s not been too bad. Saddleworth Show should be a great opportunity for local businesses, but unfortunately the local weather doesn’t help. We’re making the most of it anyway.”
As a way of encouraging the hardy passers-by to stop and chat over a cuppa, Ray had borrowed a fascinating local artefact for the day, the 1792 will of Joseph Wrigley from The Swan in Dobcross.
He explained: “There are references in there to how you want things to be managed when you finally go. It leaves things from his business, and also he was an innkeeper there so he was a reasonably wealthy man for his time.”
Ray added: “Basically the structure of the will is identical to today, it’s witnessed in the same way, but one unique feature about it from today’s wills is that it’s got a little wax seal in the bottom corner which is rather nice!”
You can hear more from Ray by clicking below. No prizes for guessing that his gazebo was next to the organ grinder!
Gill and Charlotte Brett from another Diggle business, photography firm Saddleworth In Focus, were among those sheltering from the rain in one of the craft tents, and they’ve written an account of the day at their blog here.
Jewellery designer from Scouthead, Claire Ogden of Claire Ogden Designs, also had a stall under cover, and her report of the show is on her website here.
Birds of prey are always a popular attraction at the Saddleworth Show, and Uppermill resident Nick Watts has published some photos of this year’s falconry display on his Urban Haze blog here.
One of the other highlights of the day was undoubtedly the Wharmton Dash fell race, as dozens of runners dragged themselves up and down Wharmton Hill through mud, rain and the river. Full coverage including pictures, audio and video is available from Saddleworth News by clicking here and here.
Past Saddleworth News articles about the Saddleworth Show can be read here.
(Full disclosure: Hay Tarn Willwriting is a supporter of Saddleworth News)
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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