Saddleworth Shop Local Festival Hailed As A Success
50p from the sale of each of these bags went to charity.
Organisers of today’s first-ever Saddleworth Shop Local Festival say the event has been a success.
More than 40 local businesses selling all kinds of produce, goods and services took over Uppermill Civic Hall, with hundreds of people flocking through the doors.
The event was the idea of the Saddleworth Women’s Institute, and was held in conjunction with Saddleworth Parish Council.
Organisers from the WI said they would “definitely” be holding another festival in future after today’s proved popular.
Jen Whitworth told Saddleworth News: “It’s been such a great success. The feedback we’ve had has been superb.”
The Saddleworth Shop Local Festival attracted plenty of shoppers to the Civic Hall.
Jen was kitted out in an apron, as she helped organise the refreshment area. Several local firms donated produce which was served up to hungry shoppers, and the bacon sandwiches in particular proved a hit, with stocks sold out within a couple of hours of the 10am start time.
Food was donated by Scott’s Butchers and Stanford Greengrocers, both of Greenfield, as well as from Bearpark Greengrocers, Paul’s Quality Meats, Chutney’s Deli and Buckley’s bakery of Uppermill. Milk from the Dobcross herd was supplied by J and R Lancashire of Long Lane.
Helen Bennett, another WI committee member who helped organise the day, said: “It’s been really hectic. Initially we thought the drizzle might put people off but it’s been busy. During a recession is when a lot of people start businesses, and a lot of people here are working from home.”
Cllr Keith Begley with Tony Harratt from the Greenfield Real Ale Brewery.
Saddleworth Parish Council Chairman Keith Begley was among the visitors to the festival, and he stopped by the Greenfield Real Ale stall for a taste of Icicle beer, courtesy of Tony Hannatt from the brewery.
Special Shop Local bags were on sale for £1.50, with 50p from each being split between the WI’s three local charities, Oldham Cancer Care, Oldham Mountain Rescue and Saddleworth Special Needs Nursery, as well as the charities being championed by Cllr Begley during his year in office.
One of those causes is Alcohol Concern, and as he had a sample of ale, he explained that he was keen for people to be able to enjoy a drink without suffering from problems associated with alcohol misuse.
But it wasn’t just food and drink on offer. Local businesses as varied as Diggle-based Hay Tarn Willwriting, Uppermill toy shop Countryside Kids (both supporters of Saddleworth News), make-up artist Lisa Marie Gee, and photographer Jude Gidney, were all there for the event, which lasted until 3pm.
(Editor’s note: I’ll publish more photos from the day later in the week. The event will also feature in a forthcoming bulletin from Saddleworth News TV, so look out for that appearing on this website soon!)
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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