Stories to lift the heart

Pride in Oldham 2010

Unsung heroes honoured

FROM tackling extremism to mystery repairs, from a united stand against violence to stoic efforts to keep the borough moving — the “Pride of Oldham” gathered yesterday to celebrate all that is good in the town.

More than 200 people braved the wintry weather and icy roads to attend a glittering ceremony at Oldham’s Queen Elizabeth Hall to honour some of the unsung heroes which make Oldham proud.

Launched in 2002 by the Oldham Evening Chronicle after the riots which blackened the name of the borough the previous year, the annual awards caught the imagination of the public — and continue to do so.

Nominations flood in throughout the year from people who know someone who consistently goes beyond the call of duty to make a difference to others.

Without Pride in Oldham, many of those people who work long and selflessly for the benefit of others would remain hidden.

But yesterday, some of those people, the real gems in the crown of Oldham, got the recognition they deserve, with the red carpet treatment and a big thank-you from the Oldham Chronicle and the sponsors behind the event for making Oldham a special place to live.

The ceremony celebrated the efforts made by people of all ages and from all walks of life, with awards given out by Oldham Chronicle editor David Whaley, the Mayor, Councillor David Jones, Oldham Council leader, Councillor Howard Sykes, interim chief executive of NHS Oldham, Shauna Dixon, and Paul Dickov, manager of Oldham Athletic Football Club.

Trailblazer Angela Cosgrove was twice honoured on the Pride stage, first as secretary of the Friends of Stoneleigh Park, then as the proud winner of the voluntary section. Her unstinting voluntary work, always finding a reason to help others, made her one of the day’s shining lights.

And hers was just one of the many stories to lift the heart, and which take place every single day in some part of the borough.

Oldham Council chief executive Charlie Parker cheered loudly as Oldham’s gritting team came out on top in their section, congratulating each of the team as they left the stage with their trophy.

And veteran cricketer Mel Whittle also made it to the stage twice with his nominations in Sporting Achievement and as Readers’ Choice.

Failsworth Community Band set the scene for the start of the Oscar-style ceremony, as nominees, their family and friends enjoyed a three-course meal amid the tension of finding out who the 11 winners would be.

It was a true feelgood occasion, and one which brought compliments from many corners for an event which gives recognition to people who work long and hard for the benefit of others, often with very little thanks.

The three nominees in each section received a framed front-page story to mark the day, and the winners received a special trophy to take home.

Chronicle editor David Whaley hit the nail on the head when he took the stage and said: “Today is all about you. You have been fantastic.”

He commended former editor Jim Williams for founding Pride in Oldham, and also paid tribute to some of Oldham’s leading figures who died during the past year.

They included Ellen Brierley, Gloria Oates, Ken Holt, Patricia Dyson and Oldham Mountain Rescue’s John Beverley, all of whom, he said, were highly regarded, and had made a big difference in the town.

The Rotary Club of Oldham Metro added their own bit of magic by donating £200 each to the winners of the groups, the schools, and the voluntary sections.

The whole event ended with a sparkling firework display, and the promise that next year’s Pride in Oldham — the tenth anniversary of the awards — would give the town yet another chance to honour the legions of people who consistently go the extra mile to make Oldham great.