Record amount raised at fourth Mossley SOUP

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Reporter : Judith Grinter

Local supporters and businesses have rallied together to make the fourth Mossley SOUP community crowdfunding dinner the most successful one yet.

On Thursday 8 March, Mossley Town Team Stewards triumphed at the fourth SOUP event at Emmaus Mossley, winning £824 on the night. Symon Randall of Mossley Town Team Stewards pitched for money towards high visibility waterproof clothing and footwear for the volunteers who support events across the town.

Symon said: “Participating in Mossley SOUP was a brilliant experience. It’s a simple concept that just works. My nerves kicked in when I was pitching but I just thought I am here now, let’s rock and roll.”

“We were over the moon when it was announced that we had won. It was weird but awesome that it was just us in the spotlight instead of on the outside peering in. It has brought morale to an all-time high and we will all be kitted out in our protective gear very soon.”

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117 guests donated £5 each in return for soup, live music, presentations from four local projects and a vote for their favourite project. H Mulleney and Son Ltd donated £50 to the winners’ pot and additional funds were raised through a raffle.

Each of the four project presenters had four minutes to share their idea followed by four questions from the audience. Fellow presenters included Emma Nock from Liberty Farm CIC, Lesley Arnold of Friends of Egmont Street and Rachel Summerscales with Plastic Free Mossley.

Mayor of Mossley, Councillor Chris Lyness, said: “What a fantastic event we had for the fourth Mossley SOUP. It never ceases to amaze me of the passion and commitment of those who pitch at these events. All four presenters showed true conviction for their projects and the variety was impressive. Thank you to everyone involved in such a successful evening and I can’t wait until the next SOUP on 7th June. Well done everyone!”

In addition to the four project presentations, Mossley SOUP diners enjoyed live music from Jon Mambo and members of Night Host, a guest talk from Nina Vanessa Smith from Save Our Community Spaces, winners of the second Mossley SOUP, and a fundraising raffle.

Raffle prizes were kindly donated by Dinnerstone Uppermill, The White Hart at Lydgate, Muse Bar & Restaurant, The Britannia Inn, Mossley, The Waggon Inn and Saddleworth Wine Vault.

Soup choices at the event included Aromatic Cream of Vegetable, Butternut Squash, Chilli & Ginger, Carrot & Coriander and Jerusalem Artichoke & Oyster Mushroom. The soups were prepared by local volunteers Siobhan, Gassy and Rory with ingredients donated by vegetable suppliers Diane and Neil, and Co-op Mossley.

Mossley SOUP is organised by local volunteers with support from Mossley Town Council, The Mayor of Mossley and Emmaus Mossley. The organising group has already announced the date of the next event, Thursday 7 June. Project ideas are welcomed from individuals, artists, community groups, charities and new business start-ups.

For more information, to submit a proposal and for details of future Mossley SOUP events, head to bit.ly/MossleySOUP.

Author: Jude Gidney - Editor

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