It has been a superb year of effort and hard work from the volunteer team. We began our project to make the churchyards safer and more pleasant. I think we can all agree that there has been a positive improvement. We can see that paths have been cleared, along with the drainage. A lot of levelling has been accomplished and generally, access has been improved, especially in the new yard.

The new yard is very much an open and working environment with many members of the public now having better access to loved ones memorials.

We would like to thank everyone who has helped out and remind those thinking about it, that you would be very welcome to join us. If you can spare a few hours a month to help our team next year that would be a real benefit to the community of Saddleworth. Just follow St Chad’s on Facebook to get updates on the next working party meet up. Its a great way to meet like minded people who want to preserve the churchyard for future generations and to keep the yards open.

Thank you to Sarah, who provided mulled wine, mince pies and other festive delicacies, it was much appreciated. Jo took the photo, and pictured left to right Martin, Rod, Jenny, Sarah, Richard, Louise, Andy and Godfrey.