A Tribute to Ged By close friend Carl Taylor On Sunday 2nd September, Saddleworth lost a local legend in Ged Casserley. Many of you might not know Ged, if you don’t venture out often to where people make revelry, music or are just having fun. Some of you may have just noticed him, his broad 6ft plus frame, a leather jacket and the unmistakeable trade mark Indiana Jones style fedora hat. But many more have been touched by his warmth, his humour, his boyish enthusiasm about everything, his amazing talents and the pleasure he took out of life and shared with everybody around him. Uppermill Con Club lowered their flflag half- mast in respect of a beautiful soul who, not born and bred in Saddleworth, has lived in these villages for over 20 years and is truly regarded as one of those great Saddleworth characters. He not only leaves behind his wife Terrie but a big hole in this community with many people devastated with his very sudden death. Many people will take joy out of the fact they were out singing and dancing with him on what would be his last night out on Saturday at Donkeystone brewery’s 1st Birthday bash, where a great time was had by all. So who was Ged Casserley and why did anybody who came in contact with him love him so much. By profession Ged’s talent was art. His pencil drawings are amazing to the point you will think you are looking at a black and white photograph. He earned his keep as a top rate photo re- toucher. Most people in the area will know Ged as a Musician, often seen playing at open mic nights throughout the area, The Cross Keys Barn, regular and one time host at the Railway and recently the Albion Tap. Many of you might have been lucky to be in his presence when he did his close hand magic. He was magic circle quality, and could have been professional. He amazed everybody with his skill, but the winner was always his delivery, his laugh, his smile. His spare bedroom was full of tanks of exotic creatures, which he reared and even provided specimens to Manchester museum, of which he did the graphic back drops for their Vivarium. Everybody who ever met Ged will have their story to tell, each will be different, all will be told with great affection, each will have their favourite song he sang for them, to me he was everything and the greatest friend! Rest in peace Ged, you will be remembered with every guitar chord played in Saddleworth. Ged’s wife Terrie wanted to fifinish with this poignant quote... “The thousand Pink blossoms of the peach tree fade away in spring. But their colour is one.” Keizan Zenji Established since 2015 189 Oldham Road . Springhead . OL4 4QJ. Tel: 0161 633 6487 Experience team always up to date on all the latest trends! Proud stockists of MATRIX products! WEDDING PACKAGES AVAILABLE NOW AVAILABLE... Full Range of beauty treatments with AMBER TETLOW (Bespoke Beauty) Also proud to welcome Zara to the team GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE Also The Colour & Styling Range from CLOUD 9, The PERFECT GIFT! A position for fully qualifified stylish available. Please contact Adele at the salon for further details. FESTIVE OPENING TIMES December Tuesday 18th. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am - 5pm Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am - 5pm Thursday 20th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10am - Late Friday 21st. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am - Late Saturday 22nd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.30 - 4pm Sunday 23rd . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED CHRISTMAS EVE . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am - 1pm CHRISTMAS DAY 28th . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED Saturday 29th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8.30 - 4pm Sunday 30th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .CLOSED Monday 31st . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9am - 2pm January NEW YEARS DAY & 2nd. . . . . . . . .CLOSED Thursday 3rd . . . . . . . . . OPEN AS NORMAL www.AroundSADDLEWORTH.co.uk 7 Out and About Christmas appointments NOW BEING TAKEN