History of Austerlands and Scouthead: A Saddleworth Local History

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The award citation read: “He is a great believer in local traditions throughout Saddleworth and believes in the importance of keeping them alive.” The Above and Beyond Awards are presented to Saddleworth residents and chosen by their local community groups. The group has also applied for a Local Investment Funding Grant to further improve the facilities including a climbing frame. THE IDENTITY of two of Saddleworth’s smallest villages is being rekindled by a brand new community group. NEW COMMITTEE: Joan, Andrea and June It was attended by previous Austerlands mayors, wearing miniature clog-irons that were presented to them on their retirement.

And so in 2019 - a year marked by division, uncertainty and fear, where nations have been torn apart and families forced to flee their homes because of war and violence - may we be willing to learn from those who have gone before us. 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. Like daughter like mother, Aimee’s mum Tracy scooped second place in the baskets/containers/balconies category (Oldham East), with first place going to Jeremy Craig-Weston and Tracy Kimpton from Derker. Because Dawson's Field at Scouthead has been asset transferred from Oldham Council to Saddleworth Parish Council meaning the facility can be used by villagers for 30 years.Austerlands, which has just two shops and a restaurant, and neighbour Scouthead are too slight to have their own associations. Because Oldham Council has granted a 12-month licence to Saddleworth Parish Council for the two-acre Dawson's Field, Scouthead. This will secure the Whit Friday Band Contest for the Scouthead Contest Committee and use for other community activities and further demonstrate its use is needed for this community. As we stood queuing, he looked round and said why don't you try to get village green status because once it's gone it's gone.

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.” 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." She added: "We are now planning a series of events and hope other communities come up with ideas for using the field too."

Rob Knotts, chair of the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, first applied for Capital Asset Transfer of the field from Oldham Council to the Saddleworth Parish Council.

A spokesman for the award scheme said: “Mr Needham fits all the scheme’s attributes and is very worthy winner.” 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.We have many happy memories of coffee mornings and themed evening meals. You both have supported us and we will miss your company at our meetings. 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. Joan, who is chair of Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, was presented with the iconic ceremonial silver clog iron chain of office by retiring Mayor Anita Aspinall. In 1979 David was elected to the Saddleworth Parish Council, representing Higher Springhead and he became chairman six years later.