VOLUNTEERS from Hyde Fundraisers have been given a civic thank you as the group marks a major anniversary of fundraising.
The Civic Mayor of Tameside, Councillor Shibley Alam, and her consort Mohammed Khairul Alam welcomed members of the long-running group to the Mayor’s Parlour.
In doing so, they were recognised for 40 years of voluntary work in support of local and national causes.
Hyde Fundraisers was formed in 1985 and has become well known across the borough for its distinctive blend of charity fundraising and sci-fi spectacle – something reflected in the guests attending the civic reception at Dukinfield Town Hall.
Among those invited was Andrew Crombie from Hyde, one of the group’s founding members. In the early 1990s, he built several of the organisation’s most memorable props, including two full-size Daleks.
One of those Daleks recently appeared on screen, featuring in the season finale of last year’s Doctor Who during a flashback to a Jon Pertwee-era adventure from the 1970s.
Also attending were Cheryl Revell from Ashton, who has created a number of costumes for the group over the years, and Melanie Broughton from Gee Cross, who has been involved with Hyde Fundraisers for more than 20 years.
Completing the sci-fi line-up was BB-8, the robot built by volunteer Pete Brocklehurst from Godley, which has become a familiar sight at the group’s events.
During the reception, the Mayor praised the organisation and the dedication of its volunteers, presenting a certificate of appreciation in recognition of the support they have provided to good causes since the mid-1980s.
Hyde Fundraisers – who recently visited Westminster, where they were hosted by local MP Jonathan Reynolds – show no signs of slowing down.
Their next event will be a Character Curry Night on February 17 at the Indian Plaza in Audenshaw. The group has also confirmed it will return to Ashton’s Sci-Fi Day on May 2, where many of its well-loved characters are expected to make another appearance.