Tireless helpers

VOLUNTEERS at the Terence 0’Grady Social Club. Picture: Anthony Miller

TIRELESS volunteers who run a thriving social club for adults with learning disabilities have been nominated for a Pride in Oldham Award.

The Terence O’Grady Social Clubcurrently has around 28 helpers who give up hours of their time to run weekly activities, special events and residential holidays.

More than 100 people attend the club which meets at the Egerton Rooms, Oldham, and leader Gwen Postlethwaite said: “Some of the members have been coming for 30 years and we have people in their 60s and 70s.

“The club has been a constant for them and for many it is the highlight of their week.

“The helpers really enable the members to socialise in a safe environment and at the same time it gives respite to parents and carers. That was one of the original intentions of the club.”

The group was originally set up in 1961 and named after its founder, a divisional medical officer. It was originally a youth club but members enjoyed it so much that they continued attending as they got older.

Tribute

Gwen paid tribute to the volunteers who keep the valuable service going. Around 14 of them have chalked up more than 15 years’ service.

Gwen added: “However much money we have doesn’t matter. It is the voluntary helpers who enable us to put on the activities we do. There is a very special magic to the place and the reward you get form being part of the club, whether as a member of a helper.”

The volunteers were nominated by Doreen Kelly, whose son attends.

She said: “There people work tirelessly for the benefit of the social club every week, no wages.”

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