Fantastic!

Pride in Oldham V

OLDHAM dignitaries are an important aspect of making Pride in Oldham awards a special event and they were unanimous in their praise of the winners and the ceremony

Oldham West and Royton MP Michael Meacher: “This is a very important event. It’s staged extremely well — it’s dramatic, it’s exciting — but the real point about it, which is the aim of the Oldham Chronicle, is to instil a pride in Oldham.

“I do not think I am being flattering. There has been a significant change in Oldham, in people feeling more confident in themselves, having higher aspirations and feeling good in themselves.

“ I really do think Pride in Oldham has played a big part in that.

“It is wonderful that the community newspaper here is not resting on its laurels.

“It has really put its finger on the weakness in Oldham in the previous 10/20 years and has found a way to let Oldham flower.”

Mayor of Oldham Councillor Jim McArdle: “It’s a fabulous, excellent event which goes from strength to strength.

“I am glad I am not one of the judges because it’s so difficult. Every person here deserves to be a winner.”

Council leader Howard Sykes: “It’s a great event and I am pleased to be here again.

“There is a great turn out and it is Oldham at its best — some first-class people getting commended for the work they get on and quietly do in their community.”

Oldham Labour leader Councillor Jim McMahon: “It is the first time I have been to Pride in Oldham and I am surprised at quite how wide a spread we have got from the wider Oldham community.

“It almost feels as if you are among friends because we are all in it for the same thing: to move the place forward.

“If I would do anything, I would encourage people to look at those in the community and nominate them for a Pride in Oldham Award.”

NHS Oldham chief executive Gail Richards: “I just think it is really important we take time out to recognise the fabulous commitment of individuals and groups who beaver away, day in day out, doing amazing things in our community.

“I find it really heart warming. It’s a real privilege to be here to celebrate with all the winners.”

NHS Oldham chairman Riaz Ahmad: “I am a proud Oldhamer. Anything that can promote Oldham, I am always for it.

“This event goes a long way to showcase what is best in Oldham: the community spirit, the willingness to move forward despite all the difficulties.

“It is a fantastic function and I always look forward to coming. Well done to the Oldham Chronicle and all the people of Oldham. I am just happy to play my part in moving the borough forward.”

Roughyeds chairman Chris Hamilton: “I have been fortunate enough to come to every event.

“I always find it a very humbling experience — the quality and the number of people in Oldham that go to great extents to not only improve their lives, but more importantly, other people’s lives.

“You find so many heroes. It’s a fantastic occasion and it just gets better every year.”

Roughyeds coach Tony Benson: “It was fantastic to be up there with the people receiving the awards, to see how much they mean to them.

“I can see how significant it is.

“There are a lot of people working very hard for the community and it is good to see them getting the recognition they deserve.”

Oldham Youth Mayor Mohammed Adil: “I do not think Hollywood had got anything on this!

“Oldham leads and everyone else follows. Other towns are looking at us and saying ‘why can’t we have Pride as well?”