History of Austerlands and Scouthead: A Saddleworth Local History

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She is the 19th mayor since the tradition was reintroduced in 1998 and she has recently received a prestigious Above and Beyond award for services to the community. Proudresidents received a King Charles III wreath gifted by Greater Manchester Lieutenancy in honour of the district's fallen. The citation added: “As if this was not enough, he has many strings to his bow – local historian and keen photographer, with many pieces of his work featuring in local magazines.” Residents proudly received a wreath from the Mayor of Oldham, laid by CllrPam Byrne, Ward councillor for the area.

I always thought the people, the customers and mainly Ray were the character and Sue brought her own style. Because Oldham Council has granted a 12-month licence to Saddleworth Parish Council for the two-acre Dawson's Field, Scouthead. The news has been greeted with delight by the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group who already stages an annual fun day at the field, working with the district partnership. 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.” Austerlands, which has just two shops and a restaurant, and neighbour Scouthead are too slight to have their own associations.It seems to me Jesus, more than anyone else who has ever lived, realised the true nature and power of compassion. David Needham, a former chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, was presented with the Above and Beyond accolade by Joan Sykes, chair of Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group.

He highlighted provision of benches, picnic tables, garden beds and sporting facilities that the community can enjoy. Led by Canon Sharon Jones and Mr Graham McGuffie, the village gathered with Dobcross Youth Band where a prayer of dedication was read at the newly installed Silent Soldier memorial. Meanwhile, astunning suspended carpet of poppies offered a dramatic contrast to Diggle’s contribution to Remembrance (see above). 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. With Joan Sykes as chair, Andrea Jakeman as treasurer, and June Taylor as secretary, the group held their first meeting in April to put together a plan of action.

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ALL SMILES: Left to right, Councillor Robert Knotts, Councillor Pam Byrne, chair of Saddleworth parish council, Joan Sykes, chair of Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, and David Needham, secretary of the Scouthead and Austerlands Whit Friday Brass Band Contest Committee The judges commented: “It’s been a pleasure to see how much Aimee has enjoyed this year of gardening. With this worry in mind, I applied for Capital Asset Transfer of the field from Oldham to the Saddleworth Parish Council.

In the deluge of goodwill messages, Cllr Derek Heffernan, a long-time Three Crowns regular, said: “Since Ray took over in 1978 the changes to the pub have, in my opinion, only been for the good.As new Mayor, Joan’s duties will include leading the first band in the Whit Friday contests onto Dawson’s Field, presenting prizes at the contest presentation evening, and formally opening Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group’s Family Fun Day. 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. Benches and picnic tables have been installed and an award winning garden area developed by the group in conjunction with Waterhead Academy. Events including a bingo night, a quiz night, area tidy-ups, fashion shows, and sports events to create extra funds and bring the community together are also being planned. David has been a resident of Austerlands for more than 40 years and has been involved with various committees over the years.

The field, which sits alongside the A62 Huddersfield Road at Scouthead, has been a key feature of the Saddleworth Whit Friday band contest organised by the local committee. Parish cllr Barbara Beeley who launched the Fun Day said: “I am pleased the field has finally been transferred to the Parish Council and will be protected so many more fun days can be held in years to come.” Pam Byrne, chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, said: "Acquiring a 12 months licence for the use of Dawson's Field is the result of much hard work on behalf of Saddleworth Parish Council and especially Councillor Knotts. I thank him for his hard work and time he has spent to secure the field, we must also thank our community and Scouthead the Austerlands Band Committee for their support."Event organiser David Needham said: “From an informal gathering of a handful of people started in 1979, popularity of the event has grown significantly over the last few years. Proceedings were conducted by Mr Roger Fielding, with prayers by the Reverend Lynn Woodall of St John the Baptist Church, Hey. Former parish councillor, Robert Knotts, chair of the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, applied for Capital Asset Transfer of the field from Oldham to the Saddleworth Parish Council four years ago. 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. The retiring Mayor Anita, who lives in Springhead, is a dedicated volunteer with the Oldham branch of the Women’s Trust Fund (WTF) for The Christie Charity.