First hospice donor was back again and thanks from Pakistan
●●10 Years Ago:
WHEN the appeal to build a hospice in Rochdale was launched in June 1983, Birch Hill ward sister Jude Law got the ball rolling by giving the first £5 donation to the fundraising.
A quarter of a century on, Mrs Law, who lives in Littleborough, displayed the same generosity of spirit to the Observer appeal for the hospice by donating £60.
Mrs Law was back at the hospital to see the results of a £750,000 scheme of improvements unveiled during a visit to Springhill Hospice – the facility she helped to create all those years ago.
As Christine Webb, chief executive of the hospice, reminded the guests at the unveiling ceremony: “Five pounds was a lot of money in those days,” - to which Mrs Law quipped: “Especially when you’re bringing up six children.”
The modest mum was keen to emphasise that her support for the original fundraising was not unique.
She said: “Everyone at the hospital wanted to help. We thought it was a wonderful idea.
“People did a lot of stuff and it was combined effort by everyone.” THE mayor of Sahiwal, Rochdale’s twin town in Pakistan, publicly thanked people for helping to improve the quality of life for his community.
Mohammed Omar Ishaq visited Rochdale to attend the mayor making ceremony when Councillor Robin Parker was sworn in as the town’s first citizen.
During the visit he thanked the town, Rochdale Council and members of the Sahiwal Working Party for a number of projects they have been involved in over the past 20 years, which have improved the quality of life of the people of Sahiwal.
One such scheme is the Eye Camp, which sees a team of local practitioners travel to the city for two weeks a year to give free eye assessments and treatments to residents.
Mr Ishaq described the two towns as pioneers, as Sahiwal was the first Pakistani city to become twinned in England. A ROCHDALE based construction company scooped two prestigious awards for its good practice.
The Casey Group has been honoured for its achievements at the third annual DWF Employer Awards, which were held at the Manchester Hilton.
The company, whose head office is based in Rydings Road, Wardle, won two prestigious awards in the Excellence in Risk Management and Best Practice in Diversity and Equal Opportunities categories.
The group identified a need for a holistic approach to risk management which in turn developed to form a strong safety culture.
The Casey Group’s health, safety and risk management director Paul Turner was highly commended in the Inspiring Leadership category.
He said: “This has been an excellent achievement right across the board.
“The Casey Group and its entire staff and employees should feel extremely proud of their contribution to this great result.” A BUSINESSMAN from Shawforth was attempting to prove he’s the best in the field by winning a prestigious competition.
Fran Barker, 28, owner of the SprayWorks autobody repair centre, based at Peel Mill, reached the semi finals of the Thatcham Craft Awards.
He was competing in the painter-of-the-year category and hoped to convince the judges that he had got the talent to scoop the title.
He said: “It’s described as the Oscars of the paint spraying industry.
“It’s a really good achievement to get this far and it proves that I’m committed to quality.
“I just hope I can get through to the final.” IT was a day of highs and even more highs for young people with disabilities who took part in a rock climbing taster day.
Youngsters with disabilities from all over the borough were invited to take part in scaling the nine metre wall at School Lanebased Climb Rochdale.
Graeme Hill, the disabilities sports officer for Rochdale, said: “The purpose of this event was to get people interested in an activity that they wouldn’t normally take part in.”
The event, funded by the Disability Sports and Leisure forum, was also supported by the British Mountaineering Council and Mountain Leader Training Association.
One of the participants, 11-year-old Aiden Lindrige, who has cerebral palsy, said: “Climbing is totally wicked!”
His mum, Carole, from Passmonds Way, Passmonds, said: “We came along today to see what climbing would be like and it’s been brilliant.
“The support network here is fantastic.
“It’s difficult sometimes when you have a child with a disability to find activities that you can participate in, but this has been great.
“Everyone has been able to take part and we’ll definitely be coming again.” TEN-YEAR-OLD Ashleigh Holt received a Childer Award for selflessly giving up her time to help other children.
Ashleigh, a Year 11 pupil at St Vincent’s Primary School, was honoured for being a true friend to her fellow pupils and an excellent example to other children.
In particular she has helped a blind child to access all parts of school life.
The friends class.
Ashleigh received her award from Sue Verity, lady captain of Rochdale Golf Club, and Maureen Cooper, who organises the Childer Award.
Watched by her proud parents, Nicola and Jason, she was clapped and cheered by staff and pupils in a special assembly.
A school spokeswoman said: “Ashleigh is a fully deserving recipient of this award.
“She has been a true friend to many and is an excellent example to the rest of our children at St Vincent’s.
“We are certainly very proud of her.” pair have been since reception