Saluting Diggle’s heroes

DELIGHT: Winners Mike Hall (left) and Olwyn Smith with Nigel Shaw, chairman of the Diggle Community Association.

TWO proud villagers have become ‘Diggle Heroes’ in a new scheme to celebrate vital personal contributions made to the local community.

Mike Hall and Olwyn Smith won the prestigious awards in an initiative spearheaded by Diggle Community Association to spotlight people who have been of significant value or provide a service to the area.

Mr Hall was praised for his tireless work as chairman of the Diggle Diamonds, an old folks committee which organises annual trips for more than 75 members and a Christmas dinner and party.

An active member of Saddleworth Rotary Club, he is also in charge of arranging fund-raising events and coffee mornings. In addition, he is chairman of Kilngreen Supporters Club, which is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the village/church hall at Kilngreen.

Mr Hall said: “I am stunned and honoured to receive this accolade. There are so many more people than me doing so much for the community.

“But I am thrilled. I feel a real sense of achievement and I will continue to do my very best for our village and its people.”

He shared top honours with Mrs Smith who, together with her late husband, Michael, was steward of Diggle Band Club for more than 33 years.

Mrs Smith, mother of two, and her husband organised Christmas parties, Whit Friday and other key events. She was a mid-day supervisor at Diggle Primary School and later became cook before retiring.

She said: “I was overwhelmed to receive the award. I am honoured to receive it in my husband’s memory.

“I have always believed in mucking in and helping people out — and I will continue to do just that.”

The awards were presented at the Diggle Band Christmas concert at Kilngreen, and Duncan Rhodes, a senior member of the Diggle Community Association Executive, added: “We have collected nominations for awards over the last three months.

“The association are pleased with the results and plan to extend the scheme next year to include categories for children and young people.”