Church provides mothers festive fun

A TIME for giving . . . from left, Carl Duddridge (Probation Service), Valerie Ridley, Rev.David Jones, Hayley Stapleton, Chris Oakley (both Probation Service) and Anne Taylor

FOR years an Oldham church has been practising what it preaches by spreading seasonal goodwill and joy.

This Christmas Shore Edge Methodist Church, in Shaw, is marking 20 years of donating gifts to needy youngsters via Cheshire and Greater Manchester Community Rehabilitation Company.

Worshippers at the Buckstone's Road church have donated new and second-hand toys, selection boxes and clothing to the organisation's Oldham office every year since 1996 which are distributed among offenders who have children and are known to need support.

Church steward Val Ridley, who helps run the initiative, said: "Children generally get so much at Christmas. We encourage our parishioners to think about others in the borough during the festive period, who might not be as lucky as they are, and to donate toys to them. I am delighted we are able to spread a little Christmas cheer."

CGM CRC colleagues Carl Duddrige, Hayley Stapleton and Chris Oakley organise the goodwill scheme.

"We run a women's centre for female offenders," said Carl.

"The toys are extremely gratefully received especially by those for whom we know money is tight. It captures the real spirit of Christmas and illustrates that there are some really nice, genuine people out there who care. It helps us to help our service users."