Denise was leaping for joy at birthday
●●10 Years Ago:
A‘LEAPLING’ who celebrated her birthday was Denise Hartley.
Mrs Hartley, of Weston Avenue, Buersil, worked for Rochdale council’s planning department and turned 60 on February 29, 2008, although in leap year terms, she was only 15.
Even though her official birthday only comes around once every four years, she always tries to make the most of the situation by celebrating the day twice.
Despite being proud of her status, when she was younger she used to resent being a ‘leapling’.
Denise said: “There was another boy in my class called John McHale with the same birthday so I didn’t realise I was different until I was about 10 years old.
“I resented being a leap year baby until I was about 20 because until then I wanted to be older than my years not younger.
“Whenever I gave my date of birth people would say ‘Oh you’re one of those funny people’, but now I am quite proud to be different.
“I don’t mind ageing four times slower than the rest of the population.” RESIDENTS in Turf Hill were celebrating after becoming qualified first aiders.
The Turf Hill Neighbourhood Renewal Steering Group and other local people gained qualifications in first aid and food safety after taking part in funded courses.
They were presented with certificates by Geraldine Meagher; the health connections team manager and Cheryl Nield, a health improvement practitioner, from the community health development team at a presentation evening at the Turf Hill Initiative Centre.
The community regeneration officer for Rochdale Township, Kath Jackson, also attended the presentation.
Marlene Johnson, Rachel Johnson, Jacci Stewart, Susan Thompson, Geoffrey Thomson, Lynne Brosnan, Joyce Felstead, Karen Partington, Christine Fielding and Amy Hallisey were all presented with certificates for their hard work.
Geraldine Meagher said: “As part of the celebration, Cheryl, arranged for complimentary therapists to be available to give hand and back massages to the group.
“A community health trainer also came to give health advice, and the residents group prepared a wonderful healthy buffet which was enjoyed by all.” MILNROW Parish Primary School had a special visitor at their Monday morning assembly.
Beryl Statham, secretary of Christie’s hospital, visited the school to accept a cheque for £130.
The money was raised as a result of a bring and buy sale organised by 10-year-old twin sisters, Laura and Chloe Hayes, with the help of friend Leah Partt, 11.
The girls asked other pupils to donate books, games and CDs which they sold from their stall during break time.
Teresa Cowan, the school administrator, said: “We were all really proud of the girls initiative.”
During the assembly the children sang ‘Sunny Days’ before presenting the cheque to Mrs Statham.
She said: “It’s brilliant for children to raise that sort of money.
“The money will be going towards the young oncology unit, so it’s children working for children.
“I asked them to keep up the good work.” A NEW diversity project in Castleton got off to a kicking start with five-a-side football organised to keep youngsters off the street.
Rochdale Youth Service introduced the project in Castleton due to the extent of anti-social problems in the area.
Believing boredom and lack of facilities lay at the heart of some of the trouble, youth workers were trying to engage with as many young people as possible.
Youth worker Joe Pih said: “The diversionary project is going really well with over 60 young people now registered to take part.” A PRIMARY school was celebrating after scooping a prestigious award.
Fisherfield Farm out-ofschool club, based at Caldershaw Primary School, was delighted to receive the Rochdale Children Deserve Quality award.
The accolade was collected by Nadia Salim on behalf of the group at a special ceremony.
The award aimed to recognise excellence and recipients are expected to provide outstanding childcare. The staff had to provide evidence that they were delivering a quality service over and above the requirements of the Ofsted National Day Care expectations.
They also had to prove the quality of the provision and range of activities on offer for children.
Matthew Peluch, assistant training and quality manager, said: “They produced a really high standard of portfolios and received fantastic reports from their assessment visits.” THE search for a new lollipop man at St Andrew’s Primary School, Dearnley was over.
Retired taxi driver Leslie Wallwork took up the role following an appeal in the Observer.
The 66-year-old said: “I had been taxi driving for 40 years and I wanted to retire, but still keep busy, so when I saw the story in the Observer I thought, why not?”
School Governor, Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: “It is great news for the school and we are very pleased that Mr Wallwork has agreed to take up the role.
“It was important for the safety of the children not to go too long without a lollipop man in place.
“Thanks to the Observer for helping the school in its search.”