'Smiling Morn' really brings villages closer together

Whit Friday walks in Uppermill. At the front of the procession, L/R, Reverend, Duncan Rhodes, Dorothy Rhodes, secretary of Diggle band.

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ERNEST Battersby, the unofficial laird of Dobcross, raised a quizzical eyebrow skywards ...

Tugging at his drooping moustache he said prophetically: "Does't know, Beethoven didn't write a sonata as sweet as a brass band playing 'Hail Smiling Morn' on a Whit Friday morning."

That was more than 30 years ago but his heartwarming observation still resonates today.

Because here, on this green and pleasant field dappled in timid sunshine, that legendary anthem swelled and rolled skyward, lifted by the proud voices of hundreds of men, women and children.

They had marched to King George's playing fields Uppermill on their yearly pilgrimage: a nostalgic, music-laced journey from churches and chapels scattered across these hillside villages.

They came to pray, sing and meet friends and acquaintances but they reserved a special vocal effort for "Lord, for the Years" chosen by Kilngreen Mission Church.

The hymn was very apt because it was from this tiny chapel Rev Duncan Rhodes, now in his 80th year, wearing a smart jacket and a white rose, lead loyal parishioners, accompanied by Diggle Band, on the longest walk to Uppermill from any village.

And although he has taken part in whit walks since the age of four, it was the minister's debut performance addressing the large gathering.

In an uplifting address thanking the churches, bands, and people for supporting the Whit Friday celebration, he brought warm laughter when he referred affectionately to his wife, Nancy.

He quipped: "I often say to her 'I'm very, very lucky' and she says:'Yes, you are' - and I know what she means."

And there was more laughter when he shrugged off a severe fall of a week ago which left him with stitches and bruised and battered face.

He said he had been rescued "from the gates of death" by a kind couple, adding: "The ministrations of the people of Dobcross are superb. If you want to anywhere to fall on your head, that's the place to do it!"

But the bespectacled minister, father of three, revealed his luck nearly ran out 40 years ago when civil war erupted in Beirut.

He survived an attack on his station wagon which in turn was the first of the miracles which bought him to taking the cloth.

And, setting the seal on the service he reminded the multitude: "Happiness which is shared is more than doubled.

"If you want to feel rich, think of all the things you have that money can't buy.

"Today, this day of ours, is a gift... and remember to say thank you."

Then he rejoined the milling throng drawn by the magnetic magic of the Whit Friday tradition.

It was a day that brought Robert Hankinson on a 12,500 mile journey from Australia to join the colourful Whit Friday brass band contest.

Robert (66), whose brother Richard was the former squire of Saddleworth Morris Men, said laconically: "I went on line and saw Dobcross needed a player ... so it was an added reason to see the family."

But the impact of the annual service was perhaps best summed up by Fr Bernard Bickers, from Sacred Heart and Saint William.

"Saddleworth's villages express the vitality, vibrancy and variety of the Christian church," he said.

Yes, it truly was a smiling morn: thank you, Ernest.

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