Bumper turnout at Scouthead and Austerlands Village Fete

Oldham Mayor Councillor Zahid Chauhan attended the fete

A record 400 people took advantage of a lovely summer day to enjoy the annual Scouthead and Austerlands Village Fete, held at Dawsons Field in Scouthead on Saturday.

The fete, which was free to enter, was officially opened by Sue Smith, the current Mayor of Austerlands - a quirky local tradition revived in 1998 after the discovery of the old clog iron badge of office in the village’s former Red Lion pub.

Other local dignitaries who graced the event were Saddleworth Parish Council Chair Cllr Barbara Beeley with her consort Cllr Alicia Marland, and the Mayor of Oldham Cllr Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, accompanied by the Youth Mayor Isaac Quinn.

Visitors to the fun-filled event enjoyed music and dancing led by Danny and Debra, folk music from Scots Robbie, along with a range of children’s games, a tombola, trade stalls, and of course the all-important raffle.

A variety of food, drinks, cakes and of course ice-cream were also on offer.

Community Group Chair Robert Cragg said: “This was our most successful event yet.

"Our aim was to offer affordable fun for children and families, and I think it was ‘mission accomplished’.

“Visitors came from far and wide to share the day with our local community.

"I have to thank my fellow committee members and all the volunteers that made the day possible: it wouldn’t have happened without them.

“Also a big thank you to all the local businesses that were so generous in donating raffle prizes and other gifts that we were able to auction off.

"We’ll be having a Summer Fete again next year, hopefully bigger and even better.”

The community group was set up in 2013, with some initial funding from local councillors, to create and build  community spirit and improve the quality of life for people in the community.

Its Facebook group currently has 2,600 members.

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