Parade caps a proud day
Reporter: Karen Doherty
Date published: 23 July 2010
HOLD on to your hats . . . Students contend with the blustery conditions To see or order all our pictures from this event, click the “Buy a Photo” link at the top of the page
OLDHAM showed just how proud it was of its graduates with a cap and gown parade.
Around 160 students hung on to their mortar boards in blustery conditions when they took part in University Campus Oldham’s (UCO) first procession.
They were led from High Street to the Queen Elizabeth Hall by Dobcross Youth Band which kicked-off the celebration with a rousing rendition of “Congratulations”.
Friends and family lining the route yesterday included excited children and staff from Beever Children’s Centre, Oldham, who cheered and took photographs as manager Lisa Ingham passed.
The 31-year-old received a foundation degree in early years day care.
Saeed Ullah and Janhanara Khan turned out to support friends and business management graduates Johorul Islam and Yasmin Sultana.
They think the procession will inspire more people to study.
Janhanara added: “We are really proud of both of them.”
The day started with graduates being handed their robes and mortar boards as they posed for official photographs.
Mayor of Oldham, Councillor David Jones, was among the the dignitaries who congregated at UCO before leading the parade.
The graduation ceremony then took place at the Queen Elizabeth Hall where students received their degrees in a ceremony packed with loved ones, including young children in their smartest dresses and suits.
Banker Chris Wilson (52), from Diggle, was awarded an honorary fellowship in recognition of his key role in UCO’s success.
The former Chadderton Grammar School for Boys pupil is national head of real estate and public sector at The Co-operative Bank.
When the campus was established by Huddersfield University in 2005, he became independent chairman of the partnership board, forging strong links with the colleges and council.
Chris followed in the footsteps of “Coronation Street” actresses Sarah Lancashire and Shobna Gulati who have both been honoured by UCO.
Wife Anne and daughter Rachel (22) watched the father-of-two collect his award and he said: “It’s nerve-wracking in some ways but highly memorable.
“It is just such an honour. It is not until you get into the middle of it that you realise how big it is.
“I am really proud to be part of it all. The parade was such a great advert for the university.
“I am sure there are a lot of people in Oldham who probably do not even realise there is a university here.
“The fact that we can get such pomp and ceremony is just great for the borough.
“I am sure it will open a lot of people’s eyes and encourage more people to come to university.”
Battling the odds to make the grade
INSPIRATIONAL Gillian Chester was determined not to let multiple sclerosis rule her life.
The former North Chadderton School pupil was diagnosed with the neurological condition six years ago at the age of 24.
But the quantity surveyor juggled studying with working and received a degree in construction and project management from University Campus Oldham yesterday.
Husband Lee (38) and mum Lorna Hardaker were among proud family members who watched her graduate.
Gillian said: “I have got MS but it doesn’t affect me too much. Every now and then I get a relapse, but most of the time it’s not too bad.
“You just have to change the way you do things. I read four pages and I am tired. I have to limit myself and Lee does all the housework when I am working, then I have a nap and carry on.”
Gillian (30), of Middleton Road, Chadderton, attended Oldham College and was studying for a foundation degree at the University of Central Lancashire when she was diagnosed with MS.
But she continued her studies at UCO, despite having to take a year out when she suffered a relapse which makes her condition progressively worse.
She paid tribute to the support of her boss at Johnson Construction, Diggle, and her tutor Andy Sharman, adding: “Andy is one of those people you want to do proud.”
Meanwhile, bride-to-be Sara Bell has got plenty to smile about with not one, but two big days. The former Blue Coat School pupil graduated with a degree in humanities and history with sociology yesterday — only 48 hours before she ties the knot.
Sara (28), from Lees, marries fiancé Daniel Hopper (29) at St George’s Church, Mossley, tomorrow afternoon. She said: “To be honest, I planned the wedding and then realised it was the same weekend as the graduation a week after,” laughed the mother-of-two.
The former British Gas worker has a seven-year-old daughter, Nyah, and a son, Reece, who is four.
She decided to do a degree when the company relocated from Higginshaw. “With two children, a house, working for some of the time and arranging the wedding, it’s been hard.”
