Samaritans mark 50th anniversary

ROCHDALE, Oldham and District Samaritans, Rochdale office celebrate Golden Anniversary. Mayor of Rochdale Cllr Ray Dutton (centre) with (left front) Samaritans director Janet Murphy and (right front) Samaritans deputy director Jean Casey and other volunteers and guests

SAMARITANS threw open their doors to kick of a year of celebrations marking their golden anniversary.

The Rochdale, Oldham and district branch staged an open day on Saturday attended by local dignitaries and past and present volunteers.

Oldham's deputy mayor, Councillor Shadab Qumer, was among the guests along with Rochdale mayor, Councillor Raymond Dutton, MP Simon Danczuk and Rochdale Council leader, Richard Farnell.

Samaritans director Janet Murphy spoke of the history of the branch, based in Caton Street, Rochdale, and of the valuable work it has carried out over the last 50 years.

Publicity officer James McCready said: "It was a fun and informative event and we got a lot of good feedback from it.

"People were amazed at the things we do in this little office in a back street in Rochdale and did not realise how much influence just one volunteer can have."