Jenny awarded volunteer prize

AWARD winner . . . Jenny Begley

A Saddleworth woman’s commitment to helping others has been recognised at a prestigious award ceremony.

Jenny Begley (70) hadn’t planned to attend Saddleworth Parish Council’s Volunteer of the Year event but was persuaded by her husband, Keith - who secretly knew she was to be announced as the winner for her work for the community over almost 20 years.

She said: “I am amazed and delighted to win this and had no idea. Keith got a call a few weeks ago, but he didn’t let on it was me.”

Jenny began volunteering in 1997 after finishing full-time work as a PE teacher, and has been involved in different aspects of life in Saddleworth.

She is a founder member of Wake Up Delph, current treasurer of Delph Senior Citizens and Delph Wives, runs a keep fit class for the elderly and organises fundraisers for Saddleworth Museum. She is also heavily involved with Saddleworth Players, Delph OAP Lunch Club and Delph library.

Jenny was presented with the trophy by Bill Cullen, standing in for indisposed outgoing parish council chairman Enid Firth.

Mr Cullen said: “There was a long list of candidates but one person really stood out from the others. The award for Jenny is very well deserved and the nominations she received were glowing.”

Proud husband Keith said: “Jenny believes that if something needs to be done she does it, she doesn’t automatically turn to others to do it.”

email: kd_bennett@yahoo.co.uk