The parish of Dobcross is part of the area called Saddleworth which comprises eight villages covering 32 square miles. Saddleworth is in West Yorkshire, and it is situated in the foothills of the Pennine range between Huddersfield and Manchester in countryside north-east from Oldham. Uppermill is the centre for Saddleworth.

The area is scattered with groups of sturdy stone-built farmhouses and weavers’ cottages, the former dating from the 17th century and the cottages built in the 18th century, when this was the cradle of the Yorkshire wool industry and the forerunner of the American textile business. Two local families are the descendants of those who emigrated to the New World in the 18th century: they are the Whiteheads - who founded “Woodstock” - and the Wrigley family (of chewing gum fame) from Delph and Dobcross. Dobcross was also the birthplace of the giant Platt Brothers Textile Machinery business, which, in the second half of the 19th century, was the largest machine-making firm in the world, when it was based in Oldham. The village was used as the setting for the film “Yanks”.

Saddleworth has its own museum, craft centre and art gallery. The Brownhill visitors’ centre is alongside the Huddersfield Canal re-opened in May 2001. Dobcross Church celebrated its Bicentenary in 1987 having been built in the reign of George III, and Saddleworth Church site goes back to the early 13th century. The Romans’ presence in Saddleworth is marked by the fort remains at Castleshaw which was built around 80 AD as one of a series of forts built by Agricola on the Roman military road from Chester to York.

The area is full of lively societies embracing the arts, outdoor sports, brass band competitions, Morris Men dancing and the ancient Rush Cart bearing ceremony; and we still have our church processions on Whit Friday.

We are well situated to visit York’s superb Minster, the Bronte countryside and its neighbouring Steam Railway. Chatsworth House, built in the 17th century, a magnificent house set in glorious parkland, is within easy reach.

But we feel that the main attraction of Saddleworth is the hospitality we offer which is warm and friendly, and this is borne out by those who return to Saddleworth time and time again.

Saturday - Arrive in the parish - welcome and evening meal with hosts.

Sunday - Morning service at Holy Trinity. Afternoon drive around the area. Evening with hosts.

Monday - Tour of the Yorkshire Dales ‘James Herriot country’ by car. See Bolton Abbey or Skipton Castle; or cheese making in Wensleydale.

Tuesday - Visit to Quarry Bank mill, Styal - a working water-powered cotton mill (National Trust) Evening meal with friends in the Parish.

Wednesday - A guided tour of York. The afternoon free to explore the medieval city including The Shambles, museums, gates and city walls. 5pm Choral evensong in the Minster - a breathtakingly beautiful place of worship for over a thousand years.

Thursday - A visit to the city of Manchester. Evening meal with friends in the Parish.

Friday - Visit to the magnificent home and gardens of Chatsworth House, famous ancestral Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire, The Duke is the brother in law of the late Kathleen Kennedy.

Saturday - Brunch and a stroll in the village. Time for last minute shopping. Evening farewell party.

Sunday - Guests leave Saddleworth.

P.S. Why not fly into Manchester International Airport. Our parish is only 30 minutes away by car and don’t worry if your flight arrives in the early morning.