Historic painting restored to glory
●●10 YEARS AGO:
AHISTORIC painting of Jacob Bright, the first mayor of Rochdale, was restored to its former glory thanks to £1,800 raised by Friends of Rochdale Town Hall.
Jacob Bright was also elected as MP of Manchester in 1876 and was regarded as a radical-liberal member of parliament, who represented the women’s suffrage movement.
The painting was made by artist W Percy and donated to the town by the Bright family in 1856.
The detailed restoration work, by the County Museum Service in Preston, took almost a year to complete.
The work involved making slight repairs to the original frame, removing layers of surface dirt and securing flaking paint.
Dorothy Johnston, events manager for the town hall, said: “This took intensive work and painstaking labour to complete.
“The results were absolutely fantastic and we’re considering moving the painting to a more prominent position in the exchange area, where visitors can compare the difference.” A DARING Milnrow duo were preparing to take on the challenge of a lifetime by walking the Great Wall of China.
Friends Helen O’Donnell and Kathleen Gibson were planning their training regimes, even though the challenge, in aid of the charity Breakthrough Breast Cancer, wasn’t for months.
They were given the daunting task of raising the money needed to cover the flights and accommodation during their eight-day trip.
They appealed for sponsorship from members of the community to make their trek a reality.
Kathleen’s husband, David Gibson, said: “It’s a lot of money to raise and a very difficult challenge, but I’m sure they’ll do it.
“They’re very determined to succeed and are looking forward to it.
“They’ve spoken to someone who visited the Great Wall last year and were told how difficult the challenge is but I don’t think you can ever fully know what to expect.”
Mr Gibson helped to organise a Chinese New Year dinner at Milnrow Conservative Club and was pleased with the support received from residents.
The event raised £260 and proceeds were donated to their fund. A TASTE of Bollywood arrived at Spotland Primary School.
Pupils from Year 4 were busy learning the latest routines with the help of a visiting dance tutor, Zubin Surty.
It was hoped that they would display their newly acquired skills during a dance extravaganza at Falinge Park High School at Easter.
Alisa Metcalfe, deputy headteacher, said: “It’s the third time that we’ve taken part and the children absolutely loved the classes.
“Dancing provides great exercise for them and it also gives the pupils the chance to do something different.” YOUNGSTERS made their own recycled paper at the Fisherfield Farm Holiday Club in Norden.
Artist Alison Goodwin, who hosts various recycling workshops, helped children to make sheets of pink, purple and blue paper during the half-term break.
The children, aged four to 11, waited for the paper to dry before taking it home.
Play leader Nadia Salim said: “They all really enjoyed the workshop as it was something really different for them. They all wanted a second go at making the paper and they couldn’t wait to take it home and draw on it.” BUDDING stars at St Gabriels Primary School stunned audiences with terrific performances of classic panto Babes in the Wood.
Charlotte Hilton, aged nine and eight-year-old Jack Holt were centre stage playing babes, Danny and Dolly.
Pupils, friends of St Gabriel’s and thespians from St Gabriel’s ADMS put together the show for four consecutive nights with a matinee and evening performance.
Billy Sheerin, who helped organise the show said: “These two stars follow a long line of St Gabriel’s children who have used the pantomimes as a platform for making show business a rewarding and enjoyable pastime.
“They both worked hard learning lots of dialogue, stage movements, dancing and singing and it paid off in abundance.
“They have been a delight to work with and deserve their success.” THE perfect Valentine’s Day was enjoyed by a Norden couple, thanks to the Observer.
Donna and Sheridan Idiens, of Downley Close, were treated to the ultimate pampering session at Fitness First and John Peers hair salon after winning the Valentine’s Day competition.
The romantic day offered the couple much-needed relaxation and the chance to spend some quality time together.
Sheridan said: “It was a great day and the perfect way to celebrate Valentine’s Day.”