Shirley is our Woman of the Year

WOMAN of Oldham winner Shirley Heather, whose support for good causes is legendary.

A STANDING ovation accompanied Royton’s Shirley Heather as she made the walk through 200 wellwishers to collect the coveted title of Woman of Oldham 2012.

The retired cookery teacher uses her expert culinary skills and reputation to host fundraising demonstrations that have raked in thousands of pounds for charities.

Accepting the Oldham Evening Chronicle rosebowl, the unassuming Shirley said: “For once I am lost for words. If I had a mixing bowl in front of me I would have had plenty to say, but all I can say is thank-you all very much.”

Three times president of Crompton and Royton Inner Wheel Club, the mother-of-two celebrated her golden wedding anniversary on Saturday, after half a century of marriage to Rotarian husband David.

Together they have organised, run, and taken part in countless fundraising events.

“I did most of my charity work after I retired in 1990,” she said, “and I just want to say thank-you to everyone who considers me capable of being Woman of Oldham.”

Shirley was described as “a true ambassador for Oldham,” quickly jumping to the challenge of holding a fundraising demonstration for any charity which asked her.

Shirley took the title at yesterday’s Woman of Oldham fundraising luncheon at the White Hart Hotel, Lydgate, in the organisation’s 20th year. The guest speaker was David Mitchell, town crier of Chester.

The total amount raised for good causes by the Woman of Oldham committee over two decades is above the £100,000 mark.



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