VOLUNTEERS from Hyde Fundraisers have marked four decades of fundraising for good causes with a trip to Westminster.
They were celebrating a journey that began with a handful of sci-fi fans and has since raised an estimated £250,000 for charities across the country.
The group, founded in 1985 by Hyde resident and lifelong science-fiction enthusiast Kevin Taylor, originally started with simple bucket collections in the local area.
What began as friends staying in touch after the closure of the Blackpool Doctor Who Exhibition quickly evolved into a nationally recognised fundraising group, known for using entertainment and costume to support charities.
Kevin recalls how the idea took shape nearly 40 years ago.
“A few friends met up through the Blackpool Doctor Who Exhibition, and when it closed in 1985, we decided to carry on meeting up, and I developed the idea that we could costume and raise money for children in need.”
Since then, Hyde Fundraisers has supported a wide range of causes including BBC Children in Need, St Ann’s Hospice, Willow Wood Hospice and Reuben’s Retreat, as well as staging large community events such as the Ashton Sci-Fi Day and family activities at the Indian Plaza in Audenshaw.
Among the group’s most memorable achievements were two sell-out performances of Trial of Davros, a play written by Kevin Taylor and the late actor and writer Michael Wisher.
“It was an incredible achievement the two times we did Trial of Davros and all the hard work which raised money for Children in Need, plus in 2005, the NSPCC,” Kevin said.
He also paid tribute to the many people who have given their time over the years.
“I’m also really proud of all the volunteers past and present – without them we wouldn’t have a group!”
The recent visit to London included volunteers from across Tameside, including Gee Cross resident Melanie Broughton, whose family has been involved with the group for more than 20 years, and Ashton’s Cheryl Revell, who has created many of the detailed replica costumes used at events.
The visit was hosted by Stalybridge and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds, who invited representatives to Westminster to thank them for their long-standing commitment to fundraising.
“It was a real privilege to welcome Hyde Fundraisers to 10 Downing Street,” he said. “Their creativity and commitment have made a huge difference in Tameside… These volunteers show how local fundraising can have a national impact, and I’m proud to see their work recognised at the heart of government.”
As Hyde Fundraisers looks ahead, the milestone anniversary has offered a moment to reflect on four decades of community spirit, creativity and generosity.