Local wildlife given hope at Mossley SOUP #23

A project to protect local wildlife from a controversial housing development gained a big boost at our latest Mossley SOUP community crowdfunding event.

On Thursday 22 October, we welcomed attendees to our 23^rd event, hosted once again at Emmaus Mossley. More than 180 diners were in attendance, with each person donating £5 in return for soup, entertainment, presentations and a vote.

After enjoying delicious soup, bread and cakes, attendees heard four, four-minute presentations from local groups and projects, with each followed by four questions from the audience.

The four projects presented on the night were 2nd Mossley St Georges Brownies, Mossley Community Centre – You Have Arrived, Protect Mossley, Protect our Wildlife and Tameside Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group.

After the presentations, diners cast their votes, the raffle was drawn and then the winning project was announced. Protect Mossley, Protect our Wildlife, a campaign group seeking support to undertake wildlife surveys, secured the most votes and received £1,910 raised on the night.

Linda Barnsley, Protect Mossley, Protect our Wildlife volunteer and project presenter, said: “We were thrilled to have been allowed to pitch at Mossley SOUP. This has been a 10-year battle which has worn the majority of people down, but the last few standing were overjoyed to be allowed to give Mossley’s wildlife and nature concerns a voice.

“It was very moving to hear the reception we got, which made this presentation feel valid and important to the wider Mossley community. The sum raised was phenomenal and we are seeing the results already, which we hope to be able to share at the next SOUP event.”

The funds raised and secured for the winning project came from donations on the door, a raffle, £100 from event sponsor Premier Kia and £333 donated by Mossley Town Council. The three runners-up also received £100 each towards their projects from Premier Kia.

Four freshly made soups were prepared by local volunteers Callum, Dave, Neil and Sarah. Soup ingredients and bread was donated by Tesco Greenfield and A Taylor & Son Family Butchers. Homemade cakes were donated by event attendees.

Raffle prizes were kindly donated by Anthony Barton Independent Family Funeral Service, local artist Chris Cyprus, Garratt’s Wine Vault, Suki’s Wardrobe, The Gillery, The Vale and The White Hart.

Project ideas with a Mossley connection are being sought from individuals, artists, community groups, charities and businesses for our next event, taking place in February 2027.