‘Auntie’ to hundreds always there to help

Photo: CHRIS SUNDERLAND

PRAISED . . . Anne Collier

A SCOUTER who has been the backbone of local groups for more than 40 years has been nominated for a Pride in Oldham award.

Anne Collier, of Grains Bar, Oldham, received two nominations for her exceptional voluntary work and commitment to scouting groups for many years.

The 51-year-old began by assisting the 5th Oldham Scouts at St Ambrose Church, Watersheddings, before training to become the group’s leader, a post she held until it closed in 1999.

She loved the role so much, she later became an assistant district commissioner for beavers in Oldham Scouting on a voluntary basis.

Her role involves providing help and support to beaver leaders and making sure they are properly trained. The retired business support assistant for a utility company has also been a school governor at Littlemoor Primary for 35 years.

She said: “I love helping and working with children. We try to do activities they would not normally do in a school, some include Christmas fun days and various craft activities.

On her Pride in Oldham nomination, she said: “I could not believe it. It was a big surprise.”

Miss Collier was nominated by Julie Taylor, beaver leader in Oldham and special needs classroom assistant at the Littlemoor Primary.

She was also nominated by Barry Ratcliffe, also an assistant district commissioner for beavers in Oldham Scouting, who said: “Anne has dedicated over 40 years of her time to scouting.

“She is known by beavers, cubs and now adults as Auntie Anne due to the love and affection she shows for everyone with whom she comes into contact. Anne is always there to help other people travelling to all parts of the borough on a daily basis, helping with all age groups.

“She supports Oldham district beavers, cubs and scouts and the Greater Manchester north by providing catering on courses for new leaders. She always puts others before herself.”