Corrie star ‘left humbled’ by civic honour
CORRIE legend Julie Goodyear told how she was ‘truly humbled’ as she was awarded the freedom of Rochdale tonight.
Julie, who played Rovers Return barmaid and landlady Bet Lynch for 25 years, is a lifelong resident of Heywood and was recognised for her contribution to the arts and entertainment.
She was presented with the borough’s highest civic accolade at a special meeting at Rochdale town hall on Thursday night.
In an emotional speech she told how her ‘heart has always belonged to Heywood’ and praised the people of her home town as ‘the best there is’.
Julie, who left Coronation Street in 1995 but made a number of fleeting comebacks to the soap, said: “When I was first told that I had been proposed to receive the freedom of the borough of Rochdale, I of course accepted immediately.
“It is a wonderful feeling to know that you are loved and appreciated by the people of your home town.
“As someone who was born and bred in Heywood and as someone who never wanted to leave a place that is very special to me, this accolade means the world.
“When I think back to my early days in the Bay Horse pub with my mother and father I cannot help but wonder at the journey my life has taken.
“Although I have been to so many places and seen so many things, my heart has always belonged here.
“A big part of that has always been the people of Heywood.
“They are the best there is.
“They have never shown anything but love to me and I will always show love to them.
“They are kind, generous, have no airs and graces and more often than not they are willing to speak their minds. “Alright, cocker?” They say to me. “I’m alright, cocker”, I say back. You can’t buy that.
“But seriously. I was thrilled to know that my work – both as an actress and as a supporter of a number of different charities that are very close to my heart – is considered worthy of this prestigious accolade.
“After the news had sunk in I began to think about all the other recipients of the freedom of the borough of Rochdale.
“A famous government minister (former Chief Secretary to the Treasury Joel Barnett), courageous army regiments (The Lancashire Fusiliers) and of course – Dame Gracie Fields. To think I have been placed in our Gracie’s company is truly humbling.
“Thank you again from the bottom of my heart.”
Coun Peter Rush, who nominated Julie, had previously described her as ‘a brilliant ambassador’ for Heywood and said the honour was ‘welldeserved’.
Coun Ashley Dearnley said: “I am delighted to support Julie Goodyear MBE for freedom of the borough.
“She has always showed great passion and enthusiasm for the borough.
“She has always showed compassion to people in various circumstances and been a real support to people through her charity work and her gritty, northern role in Coronation Street. I am delighted to second the motion that sees Julie given freedom of the borough she cares so much about.”
“It’s wonderful to know you are loved and appreciated by the people of your home town”