Cake and flowers mark Ellen’s 96th

The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillors Jim McArdle and Kay Knox, help Miss Brierley slice her birthday cake

ONE of Oldham’s best known and popular public figures celebrated her 96th birthday yesterday.

Ellen Brierley shared her special day with the borough’s civic leaders and the 37 residents of Millfield residential home in Waterhead — they all tucked into a cream tea party.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Oldham, Councillors Jim McArdle and Kay Knox hand-delivered a stunning bouquet of flowers and enjoyed a cup of tea and a slice of cake with the birthday girl, who lived independently in College Avenue before moving to Millfield 12 months ago, where she has made many friends.

Oldham-born Miss Brierley, the first Mayor of Oldham when it became a metropolitan borough in 1974, said: “Oldham has been very good to me and has given me much success, which has been a great joy.

“You don’t notice time is passing, there is so much to be done in such a short time, but I always had a big interest in bringing education to the children of Oldham.”

Miss Brierley, who never married and has no children of her own, was a teacher and dedicated her life to furthering opportunities for local children.

She said: “I always believed a school should be like home. It is where children spend a large part of their day and it should feel like home.”

Miss Brierley was made an Honorary Alderman in 1994 and was named as an Honorary Freeman of the Borough in 2004 — the 21st recipient of the prestigious award.

She is a former councillor and magistrate, served as a Labour councillor for 44 years, and was involved in many political causes.

The 2001 Woman of Oldham, she worked with numerous charities over the years and set up the Children’s Holiday Home Charity.

In 2005 she was awarded an MBE for services to the community.

The Mayor and Mayoress have known Miss Brierley for many years through local politics.

Councillor Knox, who is cabinet member for children, young people and families, recalled: “She had a passion for education and children and is a past-chairman of the education committee.

“When I was first elected she gave me a lot of support.”