Cheerful Charlie was real class act
●●10 years ago:
CHEERFUL Charlie Gibbons summed up the ideal pupil, helpful and hardworking, good support and a loyal friend.
So it was a delight to everyone at St Andrew’s CE Primary School to see her receive the Rochdale Childer Award.
School secretary Jenny Ashworth said the 10-year-old was a popular choice.
“She’s always cheerful, polite and helpful and has a positive attitude to everything asked of her,” said Mrs Ashworth.
“Charlie always has a smile on her face and she thoroughly deserves this award, she’s a popular choice and a worthy winner.”
The Dearnley schoolgirlthe eldest of five- was also a big support at home, helping her younger siblings with her homework.
The family watched with pride as they saw Charlie awarded the Childer trophy YOUNGSTERS were going potty over the chance to get creative with clay.
Frank Mottram arrived at Alice Ingham RC Primary School in Smallbridge to give the children from years four and five a lesson in pottery-making.
They came away with a range of creations after using the potter’s wheels, including bowls and plaques which will be made into token of friendship.
Teacher Louise Ratcliffe said: “The children learn so much better when they are doing practical activities. So Thursday’s class was a great success.” THE Parish Church Mother’s Union raised £122 for church coffers with a market sale.
The ladies pitched up at Rochdale flea market in the Exchange to sell their wares, including glassware, accessories and pottery.
The stage generated so much interest that the ladies were planning to hold another one later in the year, especially as the forthcoming launch of the church organ £100,000 campaign meant that funds were now more essential than ever at St Chad’s.
Norman Frisby from the church said: “This is the first time the Mother’s union has done this and they were all very excited.
“They really enjoyed themselves.” A team of staff and volunteers from Springhill Hospice donned their running shoes again for the Bupa Great Manchester Run.
Showing hospice chaplain Martin McGonigle the ropes, in his first run for the hospice, was veteran Majory HawkerBond, aged 89, who had run the event several times previously.
Day sister Pat Harding said: “There is a team of 12 of us this year. Since the inception of the Bupa Great Manchester Run our supporters, staff and volunteers have raised thousands of pounds and we thank them for their wonderful support.
“We are also joined this year with runners and sponsors from Spa Naturel at the Norton Grange Hotel.” AN arty nonagenarian was quickly becoming the star pupil of a painting class.
Edith Schofield was singled out for her talent and enthusiasm for creating beautiful works of art using a pioneering system invented by art enthusiast John Whyman.
Mr Whyman and his wife met 92-year-old Edith on a visit to Springfield Park nursing home, where she lives.
The couple, along with a small collection of volunteers, visited care homes, hospices and hospitals making painting accessible to people who might not otherwise be able to enjoy it.
They used a system Mr Whyman invented 17 years previously, whereby a template is placed over a piece of paper and the gaps painted in.
He said: “Even though Edith’s eyesight is not too good she has made more than a dozen pictures using the system.
“I know her family are very proud of her.” MODEL students at Heybrook Primary School were rewarded after sweeping the board in their English exams.
On one of her last visits as mayor, Councillor Jean Hornby visited the school to give out the certificates.
All the pupils passed the exam, most with a distinction or a merit.
Mrs Wheatley said: “English is a second language for many of the children so the fact that they passed the exam is phenomenal.
“Their hard work and high level of commitment have paid off.”