Charity ‘Gems’ danced their way to £6,000
●●10 YEARS AGO:
ASPECTACULAR evening of dining and dancing raised £6,000 for the Gem Appeal.
The charity’s annual summer ball at the Town Hall had a 70s theme.
The evening opened with a traditional drinks reception, followed by dinner and dancing, with musical entertainment provided by group Planet Pop.
The raffle and auction, which included prizes such as memorabilia such as from the film Rocky and a signed Christiano Ronaldo picture, bought out the ever generous side of the charity’s supporters.
More than 180 people turned out for the evening, including Waterloo Road stars Lauren Drummond and Denise Welch, who is also a patron of the Gem Appeal.
Karen Hoather, 18, was named Gem Fundraiser of the Year in recognition of her tireless work to promote the charity, which was founded by her mother, Karen Johnson.
Gem fundraiser Garry Whitworth said: “This was one of the best balls we’ve done. The evening went extremely well. The money raised will definitely help fund the next items on the wish list.” A ROCHDALE man has spoken of his experiences from an emotional trip to Africa.
Amar Shah, 30, returned from Zambia after completing a charity assignment with Street Child Africa, a UK-based charity working with street children.
He spent two weeks working with deprived youngsters and presented them with a brand new football strip thanks to the generosity of Wardleworth FC.
Mr Shah, who works as an operational development manager for Barclaycard International, is studying for the FA Level Two Certificate in football coaching and put his skills to good use during the trip.
He said: “The children were amazed and delighted with the kit.
“I was told that they’d been hoping for a new strip since January so you can imagine how pleased they were when I arrived with the gifts. I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who supported the trip and it’s something I hope to build on in the future.” A COMMUNITY fun day and employment fair for Falinge residents was hailed a success.
Dozens attended the event, which aimed to offer support to adults following the revelation that Falinge has the highest concentration in the country.
The fun day, at Hebron Pentecostal Church, was attended by representatives of organisations, including Jobcentre Plus, the Kingsway Partnership, Rochdale Federation of Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (Roftra) and Employment Links Partnership.
Visitors took part in CV workshops and could sign up to free training courses. IT may have been raining outside but inside Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre it was decidedly sunny, thanks to Yellow Day events.
Store and market staff dressed in yellow to promote the day, aimed at raising money for Springhill Hospice.
Draws, competitions and raffles saw more than 30 prizes donated, from a yellow bouquet provided by Harrison’s florist to a yellow-ice-celebration cake among them.
There were live music performances from Nigel Pickering, Des Friel and Rick Cigna
Springhill Crafts ran a stall and tombola and, as usual, were very popular with local shoppers.
There was also the opportunity to give direct to the hospice – among those shaking the collection buckets were members of the Shamrocks hospice staff and volunteers – and an Elvis lookalike. A COMPETITION launched in the Observer to select pictures for the Springhill Hospice 2009 calender saw a bumper response – a total of 257 entries were submitted.
The judges selected 12 winners.
The front cover was chosen by public vote while the photographs were on display at the Weatsheaf Shopping Centre.
The panel consisted of Springhill Hospice chairman Margaret Geoghegan, chief executive Christine Webb, administration manager Julie Perry and hospice trustees Norman Frisby and Ray Jones, along with community fundraiser Dean Connaughton.
Also there to cast his expert eye was Tim Bradley, the Observer’s chief photographer. COMMUNITY spirit was brought back to Rochdale during a fun day for older people at Falinge Park – despite the rain threatening to spoil the event.
Pensioners in the Park, organised by Rochdale Rotary Club with Rochdale council, encouraged residents to enjoy a stroll in the company of like-minded people at the popular attraction.
They were able to see what the park has to offer, reminisce about good times and make new friends during the afternoon event.
David Acton, president of the club, said: “Every cloud has a silver lining, and the cafe was very busy when the rain arrived.
“Everyone had a brilliant time. People talked to each other and really enjoyed the day, despite the rain.”