History of Austerlands and Scouthead: A Saddleworth Local History

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Our appreciation also goes to Councillor Rob Knotts for the enormous amount of work he has put in on this project, the community group for their involvement and to Saddleworth Parish Council for its commitment." 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.

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. Plans are now underway for 2020 as this will mark the centenary of the Austerlands & District war memorial, which was officially unveiled on Saturday the 7th August 1920.” 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.” The Service was conducted by Roger Fielding with Rev Sally Robinson from St. John The Baptist Hey reading the prayer. A delighted Saddleworth community is celebrating news of an extra special Christmas present this year.Proceedings were conducted by Mr Roger Fielding, with prayers by the Reverend Lynn Woodall of St John the Baptist Church, Hey. 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." In 1985 he launched the Saddleworth Olympics which has now become an annual event and a tradition itself,” added the citation. Before the application was submitted, the field and its surrounds were very poor with an extremely muddy entrance, falling down walls and barbed wire.

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. David has been a resident of Austerlands for more than 40 years and has been involved with various committees over the years. 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. 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.The group has also applied for a Local Investment Funding Grant to further improve the facilities including a climbing frame. She said: “I feel humble to have become the Mayor and I hope in my year of office to raise funds for charities.” Past Mayors with new Mayor Joan Sykes Residents proudly received a wreath from the Mayor of Oldham, laid by CllrPam Byrne, Ward councillor for the area. He took on the daunting task of reading through all the documents then moving forward, taking the lead throughout. The award citation read: “He is a great believer in local traditions throughout Saddleworth and believes in the importance of keeping them alive.”

At the unveiling, on Tuesday, May 27, Mr Knotts welcomed Oldham Councillor Pam Byrne, the outgoing chair of the Parish Council, and David Needham, secretary of Scouthead band contest committee. 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.”

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In addition, the group has agreed to oversee use of the field on behalf of Saddleworth Parish Council. But, encouraged by visionary councillors Derek Heffernan, Garth Harkness and Alan Roughley, residents have teamed up to form Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group. Event organiser David Needham said: “Wewere particularly pleased to see more and more children attending the event, and the assembly was captivated by 10 weekold Jase Johnson (see picture above), a village resident, proudly wearing his poppy in support of his Great Granddad’s Uncle, Thomas Burns,of the Gloucestershire Regiment. Former parish councillor, Robert Knotts, chair of the Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group, applied for Capital Asset Transfer of the field from Oldham to the Saddleworth Parish Council four years ago. The judges commented: “It’s been a pleasure to see how much Aimee has enjoyed this year of gardening.