Vital funding up for grabs

Photo: Darren Robinson

ROSEBOWL winner: Joan Halkyard’s selfless fund-raising efforts saw her clinch the coveted Woman of Oldham title.

THE Woman of Oldham Committee is seeking a worthy cause to support during 2016.

This year the group’s fundraising efforts saw £8,000 presented to Oldham dementia carers group Springboard.

Margaret Chadderton, chairman of the committee for 2016-17, said: “We want to encourage local charities and organisations to come forward and tell us about their work.

“If you have asked to be considered in the past and not been successful, then please ask again or if your group or organisation has benefited from our fundraising previously, you may ask to be considered again.

‘We have just handed over a cheque for £8,000 to Springboard and now look forward to finding another worthy cause to donate funds to in 2016, so please don’t delay in requesting an application form.

“Several fundraising events are planned for 2016 and we look forward to seeing familiar faces as well as welcoming new guests. If you are interested in joining us at events such as a tapas evening, silent auction and the annual ladies luncheon, then please get in touch.

Coveted

“Our final event this year is to be held on Saturday, from 2 to 4pm, at The Pavilion, Station Road, in Grotton, and promises to be a ‘Christmas cracker’ with a flower arranging demonstration by Kathleen Williams. Tickets are available at the door for £7.50.”

Now in its 23rd year, the Woman of Oldham award has raised more than £100,000 for charity.

This year’s winner of the coveted title was Joan Halkyard, from Greenfield, who accepted the Oldham Chronicle Rosebowl and bouquet of flowers in front of more than 200 women at the White Hart Inn, Lydgate.

Mrs Halkyard is a devoted fundraiser who has been a member of Saddleworth Ladies Lifeboat Guild since 1993, and chairman since 2008, and has helped Oldham Deaf Society and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

For an application form to apply for funds, and information on fundraising events, contact Janet Larton, secretary of the Woman of Oldham Committee, on 0161-652 8878.