Victoria was well versed in cup dreams
●●10 years ago:
WHEN Victoria Taylor heard the roar of the crowd at the new Wembley Stadium she knew that, sometimes, dreams really do come true.
For the lucky Norden schoolgirl won the honour of leading out Manchester United as their mascot for the FA Cup final against Chelsea.
A poem written by the 10-year-old, entitled ‘My Wembley Dream,’ won her the coveted prize in a competition run by the BBC North West Tonight programme.
Out of thousands of entries it was Victoria’s verse about leading her heroes out of the tunnel and hearing the crowd cheer – topped by Ronaldo shouting her name – which was chosen as the winner.
Viewers of the programme heard her overjoyed response as she learned of her success live on air.
The Norden Community School pupil was still buzzing the next day.
Unfortunately the dream did not have a happy ending as Chelsea won 1-0 in front of a crowd of 90,000 and a global TV audience of millions. A culture fan credited with inspiring a whole new generation of women in the arts was honoured with a prestigious award.
Rochdale-based Cilla Baynes was one of just four people to receive an Inspiring Women Award at a sellout luncheon at Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Nominations had been sought for women who excelled in the public sector, arts, business and community, who were special in that they made a difference to their lives and the lives of others.
After judging, three finalists in each category were invited to attend the lunch and explain why they felt they had been nominated.
Mrs Baynes had been involved with Community Arts North West for almost 30 years, the last six as director and was a pioneer for developing participatory arts work with cultural communities in Manchester – and her home town.
Her special talent, the judges heard, was building the capacity and confidence of others, so enabling them to blossom artistically and professionally.
Working across all art forms, Mrs Baynes was described as an amazing role model who never tired of passing on her experiences.
Although originally from London, the mother-of-two had lived in Rochdale since 1980.
She said: “I didn’t know I’d won until it was announced at the event.
“It’s good to see women being honoured and everyone there was very deserving. It’s nice to win this award, but even nicer to have been nominated in the first place.” A COLOURFUL creation won Rebecca Swaine a top accolade.
The Year 6 pupil at Meanwood Primary School was given first prize for her parrot-themed entry in a poster making competition.
A school spokesman said: “Rebecca had to design a poster to tell people why Fair Trade was important and her entry was obviously very impressive. She came first in a competition that was open to schools across the borough”. THE mayor, Coun Jean Hornby, joined forces with Castleton’s Loft Hair Studio in a ladies’ charity event raising money for her charities – Mind and Scope.
Around 100 women packed out Woolworth Social Club, enjoying a night of catwalk entertainment and then makeover sessions after the break.
The Loft hair studio raised more than £400 for the charities.
Nicky Kershaw from the studio said: “It was really successful and such a good turnout. We could have gone on all night but we had to stop at some point.”
Propetier Rebecca Whittaker and staff Jenny Bell, Alex Pollard and Nicky Kershaw were all involved in the event.
Junior employee Leanne Butterworth provided the music entertainment. FAMILY and friends gathered at Richmond Hall on May 5, 2007, to celebrate the 40th birthday of Gail Roberts.
Gail, who lived in Carpenters Way, works for Rochdale council’s adult care service.
She said “Family came up from Kent to attend and past work colleagues also attended. It was a grand gathering, getting together with family and old friends.
“Work colleagues attended and had a ball dancing the night away to the DJ.
“I had a lovely evening dancing with my friends and family.” PUPILS at St Edward’s Primary School had stars in their eyes when Rochdale Hornet’s Ryan Benjafield dropped by to say hello.
The visit was part of a five-week scheme between the Hornets and local schools to promote the game of rugby league and encourage the participation of youngsters.
Darren Rogers, the community development officer for Hornets, has been putting the St Edward’s Year 5 pupils through their paces.
He said: “The course is there to introduce the children to the game, but really it is all about having fun.
“The children were very easy to teach and they all showed a great deal of promise.
“Even the teachers have learned a lot.”
A school spokeswoman said: “Darren has been great with the children.”