Rotary joy as sports stars struck gold
●●10 YEARS AGO:
TWO youngsters were celebrating after putting in winning performances at a prestigious disabled sports contest.
Hannah Coulthurst and Jack Hunter Spivey won gold medals in table tennis at the North West Rotary Sports for the Disabled day.
Hannah and Jack were part of a team of seven youngsters representing Rochdale Rotary Club, which was held at the Sutton Leisure Centre, St Helens.
Accompanied by their coach Joy Greber, the team also bought home a collection of medals, including a gold medal for boccia, a silver medal for weighlifting and two silver medals for boule.
Sheila Acton, whose husband David is a keen Rotarian, said: “What a successful day they had.
“How proud they made the Rotarians and the carers and parents who accompanied them.” ROCHDALE Canal Society’s annual boat rally celebrated its 30th birthday.
Canal enthusiasts from far and wide, including the mayor, Councillor Peter Evans, descended on the Summit lock, Littleborough, to take barge trips, enjoy a concert from Ashworth Brass Band and browse charity stalls.
Society chairman Brian Holden said: “When we set up the society more than 30 years ago the aim was to see boats in Rochdale.
“I didn’t think we would see it in my lifetime but here we are.
“This year’s rally was very successful.
“The boat trips were fun all day and for once it didn’t rain.” THERE was something for all to enjoy at a coffee morning at Shawforth Methodist Church.
More than £250 was raised for church funds and visitors tucked into a range of tasty homemade cakes and other delicious goodies which were on sale during the event.
Andrew Clegg, Parishioner, said: “Quite a lot of people turned up and we were pleased that the morning was well supported.
“We sold toys, books and tinned goods on our stalls, which did very well and everyone seemed to enjoy the cakes.
“We were pleased to raise so much money for the church and all proceeds are going towards a very good cause.”
Guests were also given the opportunity to enjoy a sit-down meal and sampled a variety of different foods. WHEN it comes to crooning, Laurie Ash is one of the best.
The Frank Sinatra soundalike handed over cash he raised for Cancer Research UK during a charity gig at the Smithy Bridge pub.
The concert, held in memory of Laurie’s brother’s wife, raised a fantastic £560. DEDICATED members of the Meals on Wheels team were honoured for their achievements at a presentation ceremony at the Masonic Hall.
The volunteers, who deliver meals across Rochdale and Middleton, were presented with certificates and medals by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Warren Smith, in recognition of their longstanding service.
Wendy Smith, project manager, had worked with the group for the previous 15 years and she was delighted that the volunteers received commendations for their commitment.
She said: “Everyone who was presented with a certificate or a medal has spent between five and 15 years as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels.
“We worked out that in total these workers have given 330 years to Meals on Wheels, which is remarkable.
“Volunteering is extremely rewarding and we are always looking for new members to help in the Rochdale area.”
The mayor, Councillor Peter Evans and the mayoress, Mrs Helen Evans also attended the presentation, which was followed by a buffet at the hall. A coffee and cake morning at Whitworth Day Care Centre raised £110 to Springhill Hospice.
The event was organised by a group of kind-hearted women from Whitworth who hold regular coffee mornings to raise money for local charities.
Dorothy Shepard from the group said: “It was a very pleasant and enjoyable morning with a good turnout.
“Our cake stall was very popular as was our white elephant stall.
“We served lots of scones with cream and jam.
“There was also a bring and buy sale and raffle.” All proceeds from the coffee morning, went to the hospice.