History of Austerlands and Scouthead: A Saddleworth Local History

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Meanwhile, astunning suspended carpet of poppies offered a dramatic contrast to Diggle’s contribution to Remembrance (see above). 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.” Proudresidents received a King Charles III wreath gifted by Greater Manchester Lieutenancy in honour of the district's fallen. 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. The Above and Beyond Award was presented at the Scouthead Band Contest award ceremony held at Old Original, Scouthead.

Before the application was submitted, the field and its surrounds were very poor with an extremely muddy entrance, falling down walls and barbed wire. 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.” And over the years, the pub has collected a host of brewing industry related accolades and several distinguished awards for its beautiful external floral displays. Joan, who attended with her husband Paul, received a Yorkshire emblem scarf from Michael Hall of Saddleworth White Rose Society instead of the usual society tie given to male holders of the title.He said: “The field had been one of the very few bits of open green space in Austerlands and Scouthead accessible to the public. It was very much larger than it now as Oldham Council sold two thirds of it leaving the remainder. 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. In 1985 he launched the Saddleworth Olympics which has now become an annual event and a tradition itself,” added the citation. Residents proudly received a wreath from the Mayor of Oldham, laid by CllrPam Byrne, Ward councillor for the area.

A spokesman for the award scheme said: “Mr Needham fits all the scheme’s attributes and is very worthy winner.” 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 annual Band Contest is a tradition David has been very keen to promote and keep alive. He is a very pro-active member of the committee and prepares the magazine. The Above and Beyond Awards are presented to Saddleworth residents and chosen by their local community groups. And two local pubs were blooming brilliant as they were honoured with Best Business merit awards – The Old Original at Scouthead and The Old Bell Inn at Delph. 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. If we fast forward to the beginning of the 20th century, to the First World War, and again, we see that truth being modelled - not this time by a single individual - but by tens of millions of men, women and children as they put the needs of their families, their friends, their nation before themselves; many of whom willingly gave their lives in battle.

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.And Alison Clowes, the Royal British Legion standard bearer, returned to the hills after from representing Saddleworth at the televised service of remembrance at London’s Royal Albert Hall attended The Queen and Royal family on Saturday night. The group also hopes to work with the Police and community services to improve the area’s safety, and to put up signage to target speeding in Heywood Lane and Thorpe Lane.

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. Benches and picnic tables have been installed and an award winning garden area developed by the group in conjunction with Waterhead Academy. 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. He highlighted provision of benches, picnic tables, garden beds and sporting facilities that the community can enjoy. 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.The award citation read: “He is a great believer in local traditions throughout Saddleworth and believes in the importance of keeping them alive.” The great worry was the remaining part of the field could also be sold, leaving the community without a venue for the band contest or any other events.