News

We are really pleased to announce that in February 2024 the centre has been awarded a grant by Action Together to replace all of its tables and chairs within the centre. Our project is to replace the tables and chairs with modern equivalents. We are in the process of purchasing stacking chairs that are comfortable and are easily cleaned, but are of good quality and of robust construction. Tables would be foldable. It will be possible to clear the main hall of furniture and used for other activities such as exercise classes, meetings and gatherings.

Our wildlife garden looked good - we can't wait to see how it develops next year.

During a routine inspection of the centre signs of damp had become noticeable in the kitchen and after closer inspection all of the floor joists had rotted and rainwater water was coming in, causing major structural problems. Jon Cousins, Director of Rivergate Developments Ltd, based in Mossley offered to get involved and came to SOPAs rescue. Jon’s family had stayed at the centre many years ago and shared happy memories. Over a period of weeks Jon and his team repaired the floor and solved the damp problem at a heavily discounted price. The team fitted in repairing the centre around their busy building business. SOPA is eternally grateful to Jon and his team as without his help and support the centre would not be open and its future uncertain.

105 native trees and hedgerow plants have been planted within and wildlife garden. Our hard working gardening gang has managed to plant them all out and we now look forward to seeing them grow.

Many thanks to Saddleworth Community Hydro Ltd for providing grants to install energy efficient lighting (November 2020) and loft insulation (September 2022). Many thanks must go to the society for supporting our centre. For more information about the Saddleworth Hydro project please follow the link: https://sites.google.com/site/saddleworthcommunityhydro/home

Over the Summer when we have been forced to close we have been painting the external windows and doors in heritage colours to reflect our conservation area setting. We have been upgrading the bathrooms which have been painted throughout and new mirrors installed. New bedding has also been purchased.

We are so grateful to Craig Hannah for donating ten of his fantastic photographs to the Centre as part of our ongoing upgrading process. Craig's photographs can be purchased via - https://www.facebook.com/CraigHannahPhotography

Robert Scotts of Greenfield have kindly donated the centre much needed cleaning products to make our centre ready for the season ahead.

Many thanks must go to Alphin Pans who have kindly provided much needed new kitchen equipment to help with our re-opening at the end of next month. It is fantastic that local businesses such as this go out of their way to support local charities.