They’re so proud of Oldham

This year’s Pride in Oldham awards, were warmly welcomed by presenters and award winners alike. Here’s a few of the things guests said:


“There was a vacuum in this town. People in Oldham didn’t believe in themselves. They did not seek out the best — now that’s gone, there is a true vibrancy again. There is new found ambition and drive in this town and it is all down to these awards and we have a lot to thank the Oldham Chronicle for.”

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher


“I was leader of the council when the first Pride in Oldham awards took place and I’ve not been to one since. It’s nice to come back and see how the event has grown.”

Mayor of Oldham Councillor Richard Knowles


“The Pride in Oldham awards are a wonderful way to celebrate all that Oldham is capable of and to recognise all the wonderful achievements by a range of people.”

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams


It has been a nice end to a lousy day. I have just been to Gary Speed’s funeral and I am just about getting round to a smile because of coming here. It is lovely to be here and back in Oldham and nice seeing old faces. To see young people with talent and ambition is great.”

Joe Royle


“Its been 44 years since I worked for the Oldham Chronicle, where I was there for three years and I am honoured to be here, showcasing remarkable achievements by unsung heroes. It’s nice that they are acknowledged.”

John Stapleton


“Wherever home is and whatever community you are part of, the awards are a celebration of the good things about our locality which makes us all better and stronger.”

Oldham MEP Chris Davies


“The council is a great believer in celebrating success — when we do it is a whole raft of residents and businesses that operate out of Oldham celebrating great achievements — and we don’t do enough of it. I am privileged to represent the council this evening as we have got a lot of success in this town.”

Council chief exec Charlie Parker


“It was an excellent evening and glamorous as usual. I enjoyed seeing people get recognition for hard work they do in the community.”

Deputy Council Leader Councillor Shoab Aktar


“It is a delight to be behind an event which recognises local people’s efforts and achievements.”

First Choice Homes Oldham director Steve Yorke


“We have been involved since the start, with different company names, but we are still as keen to support such a great event as we were ten years ago.”

Molnlycke Healthcare finance manager, Les Knibbs


“It has been great to see so many people being congratulated in this way and we are pleased to be a part of the awards.”

Guinness Northern Counties Director John Cockerham


“It’s a joy to be a part of a tremendous event like Pride in Oldham, as we have been for the past seven years. We have been represented on the judging panel this year and it’s great to hear the achievements of local people.”

Rotary Club of Oldham Metro’s Brian Fort


“Pride in Oldham really highlights the hard work that people put into the town and to see local unsung heroes recognised in this way.”

Balfour Beatty senior manager, Malcolm Robertson


“We have been rooting for all the candidates on an occasion that is becoming a brilliant fixture in the Oldham calendar.”

Oldham Coliseum’s David Martin





Tonight’s paper edition and the eChron have full reports and pictures from the glittering event, plus a 12 page special on the winners and their achievements.


You can see all our pictures from the night by clicking on the “buy a photo” tab above