Oldham’s Pride and joy!

Search starts now for the local heroes for 2015

IF there is one event that showcases Oldham and its people to the very best it is the Pride in Oldham Awards.

For 14 years the Chronicle has delivered a spectacular event to honour those who go the extra mile for the borough and its people. Tonight we launch the search for the 2015 nominees, some of whom will walk the red carpet at the Queen Elizabeth Hall in November to be honoured with awards.

We are looking for the Oldhamers who are the stars of their local community, be it through their work or voluntary effort.

As in previous years, we will be making awards in a variety of areas:

Voluntary, Groups, Professional, Education Worker, Health Worker, Business, Schools and Special Achievement

In each category we’ll be looking for nominations from you, the Oldham public. Some nominees will be known to us but some will be unsung heroes who deserve their moment in the spotlight.

Throughout the year we will feature nominees and tell their stories in the Chronicle.

Oldham Council also plays a part in finding finalists for the “Love Where You Live” environmental category, and selects the recipient of the much-prized Oldham Ambassador award.

An independent group of judges will make their choices to bring us a top three in each category and, ultimately, the winners of a Pride in Oldham award. But readers also get a chance to choose their favourite for our equally coveted Readers’ Choice award.

The whole event would not be possible without the financial support of our sponsors.

Brook Street-based medical manufacturers Molnlycke have been backers from the very beginning while J W Lees Brewery, First Choice Homes Oldham and the Stoller Charitable Trust are other long-term supporters.

More recently, Willmott Dixon, at the heart of Oldham town centre’s regeneration, joined the team.

The most recent addition last year was O2 Mid Communication, based in Chadderton. Sales director Danny Simpson said of the event: “Last year was the first time I had been to a Pride in Oldham event and I was blown away. The stories the finalists had to tell were inspiring.”

Norman Stoller, still the only man to receive a Pride lifetime achievement award for his charitable efforts, added: “I attend every year and it fills me with pride to see such amazing people - ordinary Oldhamers who do extraordinary things for others. I only wish we could bottle the feelgood factor of the night and give it to everyone in Oldham.”

Do you know someone worthy of a nomination? Follow the instructions below:




NOMINATE SOMEONE:

Send an email to editor@oldham-chronicle.co.uk with these details:



The person or group being nominated

A contact number for the person, if you have one

The nominee’s job title or place of work (or both!)

The reason you are making the nomination - what makes them special?

Your own name and a daytime phone number



That’s all there is to it. Closing date for entries is September 30, 2015