Everest trek was tribute to brother
●●10 YEARS AGO:
IT WAS a poignant moment for Darryl Whelburn as he stepped onto he 18,000ft glacier.
The father-of-two, of Thrush Street, Spotland, had climbed to Mount Everest’s base camp in memory of his brother Derrek.
He was making the trek of a lifetime for the Christie Hospital, where his brother lost his battle against cancer aged just 48.
The 45-year-old young offenders team officer said: “When I arrived, there were concerns that the air pressure would be too low.
“I actually found it quite easy and wanted to go further, but I achieved my goal.
“I took a copy of an Observer story about Derrek and I buried it under a stone near base camp.
“It bought me to tears. God bless our Derrek.”
As well as making his brother proud, he was keen to raise as much cash as possible for the Withington hospital. THE MAGIC of Cinderella came to Ashfield Valley Primary School when the M&M theatre group put on a show for pupils and parents.
The performance was arranged by members of the Friends of Ashfield Valley, who thought it would be nice for families to get together and enjoy some festive entertainment.
One of the organisers, ●●The cast of Cinderella at Ashfield Valley Primary School with pupils Zainab and Majid Bi, twins who were celebrating their birthday Saima Asad, said: “This is the first time we have tried a family event like this and we are very pleased that everyone enjoyed it.”
The show also went down a storm with pupils, Zainab Bi, who was celebrating her birthday that day with her twin brother Majid, said: “It was the best. My whole family came to watch.” A WHITWORTH teenager was handed a prestigious trophy for her dog training efforts.
Emma Park was presented with a shield in memory of former councillor Peter Gill at Rossendale Valley Dog Training Club.
The 15-year-old has completed her bronze, silver and gold Good Citizen Dog Club awards and has been busy giving demonstrations to other pet owners.
Trainer Dave East said: “She is a good ambassador for the youth of Rossendale.”
Emma took her dog Bliss to the ceremony, where she was given the trophy by Councillor Gill’s widow, Christine and his daughter, Andrea Fletcher.
The trophy was dedicated to the memory of the former deputy mayor of Rossendale - a keen supporter of the club. BUSINESS-MINDED pupils at Royton and Crompton School, used their Christmas fair to put their marketing skills to the test - and raise money for Age Concern.
For the last few months the students’ career lessons have involved creative thinking, team work, market research, preparation of business plans and finally producing goods and services to sell at a profit.
The result of their mini enterprise project was on show at the Christmas fair when other pupils were able to buy home made cakes, sweets and savouries and take part in games, a penalty shoot-out and a donkey derby.
There was also a tombola stall and a raffle.
The staff got involved in running and taking part in a general knowledge quiz.
The fair also featured a store selling fruit juice bottles topped by bobble hats knitted by two local pensioners.
Over the years the mini enterprise has raised thousands of pounds for charity, including Barnardo’s, the RNIB, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and the BBC Children in Need Appeal.
In 2007 £1,400 was given to the St John Ambulance Association. CROMPTON Swimming Pool was re-opened after a £14,000 face lift.
The pool had to be closed for six weeks while work, which included improved security, heating and ventilation, as well as repairs to the roof and windows, was underway.
The official reopening, carried out by Councillor Phil Harrison, Oldham’s cabinet member in charge of leisure activities, also featured a presentation to Valerie Nutter, a bookings administrator, who had worked at the pool for 25 years and Linda Whitehead who had completed 25 years’ service at Saddleworth pool. A DEDICATED leisure centre attendant who helped to ensure the safety of swimmers in Rochdale since the 1960s called it a day.
Allan Brierley had worked at the Entwisle Road swimming baths for 40 years.
Lisa Ollerenshaw, the receptionist at the baths, said: “He first started here at the age of 20 as a lifeguard and it’s remarkable that he’s stayed here for so long.
“He’s carried out a number of roles and we’re very lucky to have worked with him for so long.”
When he broke the news that he was due to retire, his workmates decided to wish him a fond farewell and arranged a surprise party at the pool.
They brought him a selection of gifts and expressed their gratitude for his help over the years.
And it’s certain that the swimming baths won’t be the same without him. ●●Linda Whitehead and Valerie Nutter were rewarded for 25 years’ service at the re-opening of Crompton baths by Coun Phil Harrison and Mike Tait