History of Austerlands and Scouthead: A Saddleworth Local History

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Joan Sykes, former chair of Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, added: “This area of green belt is a great local asset and for Saddleworth as a whole.” This will secure the Whit Friday Band Contest for the Scouthead Contest Committee and use for other community activities and further demonstrate its use is needed for this community. They have teamed up over the last year so pupils can help develop the community garden at Dawson’s Field, providing a focal point for local activities, improving the look of the area and learning about the growing cycle.

Rob Knotts, chair of the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, first applied for Capital Asset Transfer of the field from Oldham Council to the Saddleworth Parish Council. Wreaths were also placed by Stuart Cook, the Mayor of Austerlands; Geoffrey Fielding on behalf of Saddleworth Parish Council; Mrs Joan Sykes on behalf of the Scouthead & Austerlands Community Group; Gareth Farnam-Jones on behalf ofthe North West Ambulance Service and from a representative on behalf of the Debbie Abrahams, the Member of Parliament for Oldham East and Saddleworth. And so in 2019 - a year marked by division, uncertainty and fear, where nations have been torn apart and families forced to flee their homes because of war and violence - may we be willing to learn from those who have gone before us. The Above and Beyond Awards are presented to Saddleworth residents and chosen by their local community groups. It was attended by previous Austerlands mayors, wearing miniature clog-irons that were presented to them on their retirement.

He said: "We welcome the parish council's initiative and fully support the community group's plan to encourage greater use of Dawson's Field. OVER moorland polished by bright sunshine, they came in their hundreds to pay tribute at one of Britain’s most uniquememorials to those lost in conflict. May we be prepared to put others before ourselves, to fight for the sanctity of all life, no matter whose life it is; and may Christ, whose life and death showed us what true compassion looks like, breathe new life into your hearts and the hearts of all those you meet this year.” David has been a resident of Austerlands for more than 40 years and has been involved with various committees over the years.

A spokesperson for the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group praising the couple said: “We’d like to thank them for all help and commitment given to the group. And Ray received a special certificate from the Rochdale, Oldham and Bury branch of CAMRA, the brewery watchdog, in recognition of services over the years.At the unveiling, on Tuesday, May 27, Mr Knotts welcomed Oldham Councillor Pam Byrne, the outgoing chair of the Parish Council, and David Needham, secretary of Scouthead band contest committee. I always thought the people, the customers and mainly Ray were the character and Sue brought her own style. In 1985 he launched the Saddleworth Olympics which has now become an annual event and a tradition itself,” added the citation.