St Chad's Tidy Up

A team of community-spirited  Rotarians have been praised for tidying  an ancient church graveyard.

The team from the Rotary Club of Saddleworth, armed with rakes, strimmers and hoes, have spent two weekends shifting undergrowth and brambles from St Chads Church in Uppermill, working with parishioner Tim Edge.

John Ainley, a leading Oldham solicitor, said:" In addition to organising the Saddleworth Show, Rotary also has a presence in the community and a hands-on approach to work necessary to protect our heritage. 

"Churchyards in Uppermill are a good example and we were happy to roll up our sleeves and carry out this important work to help safeguard the landscape and graves there, some of which are listed."

Lily Hopkinson, secretary of the Parochial Church Council, said"We are enormously grateful for their efforts.

"We get many visitors to the church and it comforting to know the graves and their surrounds are being kept tidy."

Picture shows, left to right:  David Howse,John Ainley, Tim Edge ,Clint Elliott and Jon Stocker.

Words & picture by Ken Bennett

The following Pictures from Stuart Littleford, Saddleworth News:

Jon Stocker and John Ainley and others.

The following Pictures from Doug Greenwood: