Saddleworth civic service will take place at Greenfield Methodist Church

Saddleworth Parish Council's civic service for chair Helen Bishop is scheduled at Greenfield Methodist Church on Sunday 1 February at 2pm, and donations collected that day will go to the chair's chosen charities for 2025–26.

Saddleworth Parish Council will hold its civic service at Greenfield Methodist Church on Sunday, February 1 at 2pm. The service will mark the civic ceremony for the council's chair, Helen Bishop. Normally the civic occasions take place in neighbouring Uppermill, but this year the event is set on Chew Valley Road at the Greenfield church. Bishop has personal ties to the church and said she wanted to highlight its role in community life. Key details: - The civic service is for current chair Helen Bishop and will be held at Greenfield Methodist Church on Sunday 1 February at 2pm. - The Mayor of Oldham, Cllr Eddie Moores, is scheduled to attend and the Reverend Ken McNally will conduct the service. - The choir from Greenfield's St Mary's C of E Primary School will perform; Helen Bishop is a former pupil of the school. - The venue choice departs from the usual location in Uppermill and places the ceremony on Chew Valley Road. - Members of the public are invited to attend, and refreshments will be provided by the chair's charity committee after the service. - Donations on the day will go to the chair's charities for 2025–26, which include Oldham Mountain Rescue Team, Funky Fitness and Fun, and the Andrew Gidney Foundation. Summary: Holding the civic service at Greenfield brings the ceremony to a venue with personal links to the chair and highlights a local community institution. The event will involve local groups and officials, and donations collected at the gathering will be directed to the chair's nominated charities for 2025–26.