A special treat for Terrence

An Oldham pensioner, whose heartbreaking story of loneliness touched the nation, was the special guest at big-hearted Saddleworth Round Table's annual Christmas party.

Terrence was highlighted in a series of BBC Breakfast reports over Yuletide, after students from Oldham College brought him a Christmas tree and decorated it, before the student choir performed a carol outside his home.

Earlier, he had explained to a sympathetic TV audience that Christmas Day was “not a very good day” for many years - he would get up, make a sandwich and watch TV after the death of his mother 20 years previously.

But the 79-year-old joined 140 elderly residents from the Oldham and Saddleworth community at the White Hart, Lydgate, for special treats.

Guests received a sherry on arrival, a three-course meal, played Christmas games including bingo, and took part in a huge raffle including anything from a haircut donated by Peppi’s in Chadderton to a £100 Waggon Inn voucher, donated by Wiggett Construction. 

The event was co-ordinated by MC Alan Tayor, with Dobcross Youth Band playing all the Yuletide favourites.

Round Table have organised the party for more than 30 years but this year they focussed on inviting guests who are at risk of social isolation and loneliness. 

And they worked with new partners, including Age UK in Oldham, to identify the elderly who live alone or live with people suffering from dementia.

David Wood, the event organiser, said: “Many guests have attended this event in the past and we are looking forward to welcoming people from all over Oldham, including members of Saddleworth Carers Group, Friends2U and The Luncheon Club organised by Saddleworth Volunteers Service.

Andrew Rothwell, Saddleworth Round Table Chairman, commented: “This year’s event really sparked something in our club. It was fantastic to see so many people enjoy a rare and fun-filled afternoon.

“Putting the event together is not an easy feat, with table members, communities and local taxi firms driving throughout the borough to get everyone safely to and from the venue. This really is a community event that gives something back to those who really need it." 

Dee, Terrence, Doreen and Dougie at the Round Table's annual Christmas party 

Terrence said: “What a wonderful day out for people who otherwise would be at home. As someone who doesn't really do Christmas Day, I've had a wonderful party with like-minded people - well done to Saddleworth Round Table.”

The event cost more than £3,500 to stage and was funded in large by the fantastic comedy night - Bangers and Laughs. 

The comedy night offered at £20 a ticket, including a hearty sausage mash and gravy, followed by three comedians. It was jam packed with 250 people.

The compere who pulled the evening together was the talented Mick Ferry, with the final act Daliso Champonda appearing on the ITV talent show Britain's Got Talent back in 2017. 

The event finished with a charity auction that helped make the final number raised on the evening to a whopping £2,853, smashing the forecast, with all proceeds going to the Elderly people's Christmas party. 

A £600 top-up donation from Wiggett Construction meant the Elderly Folks party costs had been fully covered by funds generated in January 2020 by Saddleworth Round Table.

And the Round Table still have money available from the Santa Dash to be donated to local worthy causes. If you have a local worthy cause that needs support, you can contact the Table’s community projects manager Matt Sykes by emailing sykesmatthew@gmail.com.

If you are between the ages of 18 and 45 and are interested in finding out more on how to join Saddleworth Round Table, which now has a 21st century record level of membership of 29,  contact membership officer Richard Foster at vinster74@gmail.com.

Saddleworth Round Table meet on the first Thursday of every month at The White Hart, Lydgate, from 7.30pm and welcome new faces with new ideas.

Main image:

Saddleworth Round Table chairman Andrew Rothwell, 35, and 79-year-old Terrence (right)