A petition has been created to help save The Oddfellows Club in Denshaw, which has become one of the most popular annual Saddleworth Whit Friday Contest venues.

It is understood that the lease on the club which sits in the heart of the village and has been hosting a Whit Friday Contest since 1993, is set not to be renewed in October.

Over a century

However, following a special meeting on 24th August, club members along with its committee explored ways to try to save a club which has been an integral part of the Denshaw community for over 100 years.

The 2023 Whit Friday Contest saw 54 bands from across the banding world compete with British Open Champion Brighouse & Rastrick taking the £1,000 top prize.

They stated: "To lose such a place will come as a great loss to not only our village but to many others who travel to visit. The club is not only used by members but also by cyclists, walkers, traffic when the motorway stops, supporters and contestants of the annual band contest and many more."

Petition

A petition which is looking to get 1500 signed supporters has now been created in a bid to help secure a new lease, with the team adding: "Whether you are regularly seen at the Oddies or only visit on occasion or even just want to help we would be so grateful for the support!"

One person already signed up is Black Dyke Director of Musi, Prof Nicholas Childs, who for many years lived just a stone's throw from the club and has spent many happy evenings with friends there.

It has always welcomed people, especially linked to brass bands, and has become a brilliant Whit Friday contest venue with a wonderful atmosphere and offering plenty of prize moneyProf Nicholas Childs

Support

"The Oddies has been a fantastic part of the Denshaw community for over a century,"he told 4BR.

"It has always welcomed people, especially linked to brass bands, and has become a brilliant Whit Friday contest venue with a wonderful atmosphere and offering plenty of prize money.

Please support the petition and help keep a fantastic community and brass banding asset open."

Petition:

https://www.change.org/p/save-the-oddies-denshaw?source_location=search