Community members recognised for voluntary service

Saddleworth Parish Council has launched its Spirit of Saddleworth Award to recognise voluntary service to the community.

All the well-deserved winners, and their nominees, were invited to an awards ceremony at the Civic Hall on Thursday (March 19). 

There were 11 individual winners and five Community Group winners. 

Carol Oldham - for her services to the Saddleworth community. She supports local businesses through her Facebook group, Saddleworth Business Network, championing independent traders and community initiatives and was heavily involved with Friends of Dobcross School (FODS) and is currently Chair of Friends of Saddleworth School (FOSS). 

Erica Ryan – for her work as Group Leader for Uppermill Methodist 20th Oldham Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. For over 12 years Erica has volunteered, first with the Beavers and then as Group Leader of the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. She plans activities and leads and supervises the leaders of the three groups each week, spending up to four hours each Tuesday. 

Dr Eamon O’Daly - he has made a significant difference to the lives of people suffering with dementia and, importantly, the people who care for them.  Their meetings are always warm and positive, reflecting his energy and commitment. 

Jennifer Greenwood – she has led a team that have delivered so much for Lydgate, from rescuing and managing the Parish Hall and enabling all the activities that go on there to tending to the flowerbeds and organising community events such as Christmas illuminations, Whit Friday. Jennifer has also lent her time and energy to the campaign to protect the birthplace of female suffrage in Lydgate.  

Kye Steadman – for his services to Youth Local Projects and the Satellite Centre. He has spent years volunteering and fundraising for young people and the community. Mature beyond his years, he is sensible, caring and always helpful. 

Katie Hodson – for her dedication to her son’s school. As head of the PTA, she gives countless hours to support teachers, children, and families, always putting others before herself. Her fundraising efforts bring new opportunities, resources, and joy to the children, reflecting her deep belief in giving every child the best start. 

William Smith - for more than two decades, he served as the secretary of the Delph Allotment Society. In this role, William handled everything from communications and tenant coordination to day-to-day operations. Allotment societies like this rely heavily on volunteers, and his long-term commitment ensured the plots remained available and functional for the people of Delph. 

Nicola Brown - in recognition of her outstanding work with Lifeboat Recovery Hub and the 12 Step programme that supports people in Saddleworth every Tuesday on their recovery journey.  Nicola’s dedication to the recovery community is truly inspiring. Through her involvement with the Lifeboat Recovery Hub and her commitment to the 12 Step programme, she has helped create a safe, welcoming, and supportive space for individuals seeking freedom from addiction and the challenges that come with it. 

Karen Jakeman -for her services to her community, not just in Springhead but to the wider Saddleworth community. These are just a few of the roles and groups that she runs or is a very active part of: Saddleworth Olympics – Karen is a committee member of the Saddleworth Olympics group and the SASL (Scouthead, Austerlands, Springhead and Lees) Sports Group; LSG litter heroes – a litter picking group covering Lees, Springhead and Grotton; Lees and Springhead Band Contest; LSG business group – she runs the local business hub where businesses are encouraged to join to support each other and the wider community. 

Tracy Buckley - for her dedication to the Diggle community. During her time with Friends of Diggle, Tracy was a fundraising powerhouse, securing over £16,000 for the Diggle School’s Trim Trail and launching the iconic Scarecrow Trails. Tracy has been instrumental in fostering local spirit and her dedication is unmatched but most importantly her efforts directly enrich the lives of our children. Her commitment to encouraging youth sports through the Saddleworth Olympics and bringing neighbours together through creative events such as the Diggle All Stars Pantos and Shows makes her a true community champion who embodies the heart of Diggle. 

Christopher Bannatyne - after watching the panto at the Millgate Arts Centre in Delph three years ago, Christopher decided to become a volunteer. After retiring from being a builder, he needed a new challenge. 

He now is the set builder for all the plays at the theatre. It takes time to build the stage and paint it. Then it all needs to be dismantled ready for the next play or concert. He spends many hours there as a volunteer and is very happy to do it for the community. 

Moorgate Campaign Group - for many hours of work to research and help prepare the campaign to have a footbridge at Moorgate and keep the public right of way open. Contributing to the call for a public inquiry into TRU and doing their best for Saddleworth. 

Saddleworth Parish Council Chairman’s Charity - for their fundraising efforts, giving their time arranging coach trips, fayres, catering for coffee mornings, concerts, lunches, meetings, and for all the support they give the Parish Council. All the funds raised each year are presented to local charities at the council’s annual meeting in May. 

Street Scene, Greenfield – for years of keeping Greenfield tidy and beautiful. Looking after planters throughout the year and carrying out regular litter picks, giving Greenfield an A* rating for cleanliness.   

Dobcross Village Store- it is a village-owned cooperative and a vital community hub. A committed team of volunteers plays a central role in its success, generously giving their time to help cover shop opening hours, supporting employed Post Office staff and ensuring essential services remain available to the village. Without their dedication, the village’s last remaining shop would not be sustainable. 

Scouthead & Austerlands Community Association - plays a vital role in bringing the community together. The group actively supports other local organisations and community initiatives, including helping provide a defibrillator at the Three Crowns. Members assist with the annual Remembrance Sunday event, organise welcoming coffee mornings and hold regular monthly meetings that keep residents connected. In addition, the group supports the upkeep of Dawson’s Field and helps organise popular local events such as the car show and Summer Fair, creating opportunities for residents to meet, celebrate and strengthen community spirit.