THE WEATHER eventually rewarded the efforts of volunteers that brought an annual family fun day to part of Ashton-under-Lyne.
Setting up stalls in the rain on the morning of Sunday, August 3 may have out a dampener on some spirits ahead of the St Peter’s Community Gathering at Oxford Park.
But the sun came out and the smiles on the faces of hundreds of children made it all worth it, showing the positive impact the event had on local residents.
Families enjoyed the fun day with bouncy castles, a magician and various stalls.
A face painter and henna painter were kept busy all afternoon decorating hands and faces with their beautiful designs.
Volunteers from the LEAP Children’s and Family Centre kept children entertained with their craft and bird box feed stall and there was live music throughout.
The Tameside Police Panda showed the children behind the scenes of a police van and the children were amazed by the equipment.
And there was an array of special guests – Tameside’s deputy mayor, Cllr Helen Bowden, Ms Endeavour UK Great Britain, Wolverine and R2-D2.
Cllr Joyce Bowerman, chair of the St Peter’s Community Gathering for 10 years, could not attend this year as she is recovering from long-term sickness.
But she said: “It was truly heartwarming to hear how so many families came together and enjoyed a wonderful day at the St Peter’s Community Gathering Family Fun Day.
“The photos from the event show the very best of our community – laughter, friendship, and everyone looking out for each other.
“I’m so proud of the team and volunteers who made it all possible and delighted that so many people joined us to make it such a special day.
“Although I couldn’t be there in person, I was very much there in spirit and so proud of what we achieved together.”
Minaz Aslam, from Jigsaw Homes – which funded the event – added: “It was another busy successful event for our families and the fun day was attended by about 1,000 people.
“It was rewarding to see lots of happy faces and the whole community enjoying the day and engaging with each other at this happy and inclusive event.”
A spokesperson for the Community Gathering group commented: “We thank our hardworking kitchen staff: Nicola, Sandra, Steve and Anita who were working non-stop, you were outstanding!
“Throughout the afternoon, members of the Community Gathering actively engaged in discussions with stallholders, children and parents.
“Feedback has been noted and taken on board, which will be used to plan for the fun day next year, making it bigger and better.
“A huge thank you to the Community Gathering volunteers, the volunteers at LEAP, the staff at Active Oxford Park, GMP Tameside and Tameside Council for their support. Together they all helped make the fun day a huge success.”