Local heroes honour for dinner ladies

LOCAL heroes: from left, FCHO employee Charmaine Hylton, Steph Wilde, Labour leader Ed Miliband, Mariea Maguire and Debbie Abrahams

A PAIR of popular Alt dinner ladies were star guests at a Local Heroes reception at the Houses of Parliament.

Labour leader Ed Miliband heaped praise on Mariea Maguire and Steph Wilde for their contribution to their community by starting an allotment at Alt Academy and creating Cafe Alt.

Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Debbie Abrahams, who nominated the pair after seeing their work, said: “It was a fabulous reception hosted by Ed Miliband, and it was a pleasure to introduce him to our very own local heroes - truly amazing women.”

Steph presented Ed Miliband with two pots of jam made with fruit from their orchard.

She said: “It was an honour and privilege to attend, something we will remember forever. I think Ed was a bit surprised to get two pots of jam from us, but he seemed very pleased with them. Maybe he will like them enough to pop in and see us in Cafe Alt for some more!”

Cafe Alt offers a free breakfast club for local residents in school holidays and has a started a Funky Fitness class.

Steph and Mariea, who are hoping to offer educational courses from the building, have also built a community garden outside the cafe.