STALYBRIDGE Spring Show proved another hit on the town’s calendar – but there was a tinge of sadness.
For tributes were paid to one of the event’s inspirations, Honorary President of the Festival Committee, Joyce Hobson, following her death.
Hundreds of people descended on Cheetham Park on Sunday, May 4 and lapped up the packed programme of entertainment, which included a traditional fun fair, stalls hosted by local community groups, children’s games and the ever-popular fun dog show.
The event was opened by members of the Festival Committee, who were joined by the Civic Mayor of Tameside, Cllr Betty Affleck and her consort Declan Fitzpatrick.
Chairman of the Festival committee, Brendan Lomas, who is also a member of Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club, spoke fondly of Joyce, who passed away on April 24 after being a tireless volunteer and driving force behind both the Spring Show and Stalybridge Carnival.
He said: “It was in 1976 that the Stalybridge Festival Committee was originally set up.
“Joyce and her late husband David were among the volunteers that made up this committee, their objective was to organise the Stalybridge Carnival.
“Over the years, the Hobson family has played a leading role in ensuring that Stalybridge is able to enjoy its annual Carnival Day.
“With the loss of Joyce’s husband, David and, later, one of her sons, Nigel, and losing other committee members due to one reason or another over the years, the task of organising the Carnival was becoming extremely difficult.
“It was after Nigel’s passing that the family reached out to the local community to seek additional help in making sure Stalybridge gets its annual Carnival.
“I think it is fair to say that we were relieved that the Hobson family decided to stay with us and with all the experience they had gained over the many years, they soon knocked us into shape.
“And as Joyce was there from the very start, it seemed fitting that she became the Honorary President.
The Hobson family have suffered more than their fair share of sadness with the loss of Joyce’s second son Phil in 2023.
“Although Joyce was suffering with her health in her later years, she rarely missed a meeting. One of Joyce’s roles was looking after the Carnival Queens and in doing so she spent many hours at her sewing machine making sashes and altering dresses.
“Next year, 2026 will see the carnival’s 50th anniversary and we, the committee, had grand ideas about putting Joyce at the head of the parade, riding on her mobility scooter but she was having none of that.
“There’s an element of sadness among the committee members because Joyce passed away peacefully with her family around her. She was just one day away from celebrating her 84th birthday.
“It was Joyce’s wish that the work be continued and it is down to her relentless effort that we will be introducing three potential carnival queens, one of which she recruited just days before she died.
“Stalybridge owes a big debt to the Hobson family when it comes to the Carnival and in our opinion deserves recognition.”
Proceeds from the Spring Show will go towards supporting the 49th annual Stalybridge Carnival, set to take place later this year.
Although this year’s Carnival is going to be immensely difficult following the loss of Joyce, the Hobson family in the way of Andrew, Sarah and Chloe Hobson are set to continue on as members of the Stalybridge Festival Committee.
The organisers of the Carnival say the continued support of the public helps ensure the longevity of these local events.
- The funeral of Joyce Hobson takes places on Tuesday, May 13 at 2pm at Dukinfield Crematorium followed by a gathering at Seel Park (Mossley AFC). Family flowers only, donations to be made to the Friends of Stalybridge War Memorial.
Images from Stalybridge Spring Show
