Theatre access all areas for JD stalwarts

Three long serving staff members at JD Williamssee behind the scenes at the Coliseum - and (rear, l-r), Janet Kenyon, Philip Andrews and Frederick Poole met Maggie Fox (left) and Sue Ryding from Lip Service.

A TRIO of loyal JD Williams employees with almost 100 years service between them have been rewarded for their dedication.

Philip Andrews, who has clocked up 38 years, Frederick Poole, who has 27 years under his belt, and Janet Kenyon, who’s done 26 years, were treated to a backstage tour at the Oldham Coliseum.

The Shaw-based firm has a longstanding relationship with the theatre and the trio got the chance to visit the costume department and see a sneak peek at this year’s Christmas pantomime costumes.

They also met Maggie Fox and Sue Ryding from Lip Service, the theatre duo responsible for “The Picture of Doreen Gray” - which JD Williams is sponsoring. The trio were given tickets to the opening night on Thursday.

Kevin Shaw, chief executive and artistic director from Oldham Coliseum, said: “We rely on the support from local organisations such as JD Williams to help us continue to keep the people of Oldham thoroughly entertained, so we were more than happy to give some of the JD Williams team a VIP behind the scenes tour.”