Vicar salutes Colonel John

40 YEARS’ service with pride... John Corbishley

40 YEARS’ service with pride... John Corbishley

A FOUNDER member of the Church Lads and Girls’ Brigade at St Mark’s Church, Heyside, has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

John Corbishley (53), from Shaw Road, Royton, has been a member for 40 years.

The father-of-three has risen through the ranks, becoming an officer in 1989 and commander of the Oldham Battalion three years ago.

Mr Corbishley, recently promoted colonel, is set to take over the Manchester Regiment this year, and he is making it his mission to boost brigade membership.

The Rev Ray Morris, vicar of St Mark’s, nominated Mr Corbishley for his dedicated service to youth.

He said: “There are some people who work very hard and don’t get a lot of recognition. And working with young people is such a difficult thing. We do quite well at the church because of having the brigade but that success is down to the leaders. John has the ability to inspire others to help and volunteer.”

Mr Corbishley, a communications engineer, said: “It is a privilege to be nominated but I’m part of a team, so really it is everyone who helps me to do this job.

“I’ve been with the brigade since I was 13. My three children have passed through and it is a very worthwhile organisation as it gives young people a purpose.

“Nationally, the organisation is losing members but we’ve got more than 300 in Oldham and have maintained our strength.

“I’ve helped our national HQ to put together a pack to encourage churches to establish brigades.”



To nominate someone for a Pride in Oldham award, tell us:

The name of the person or group nominated

A contact number for them, if known

Their job title and place of work, if relevant

Your reason for the nomination

Your name

Your contact number

Send your info by email to editorial@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , marked “Pride in Oldham Awards, 2008




Pride in Oldham is supported by:

Innovative Technology

J W Lees Brewery

Molnlycke Health Care

Northern Counties Housing Association

Oldham Council

University Centre Oldham

Warburtons