Flags fly for Nellie

ONE of Oldham’s best known and popular public figures, Ellen Brierley, has died. She was 96.

Flags will fly at half mast at Oldham Civic Centre on the day of her funeral as a mark of respect to “Nellie,” — one of the borough’s staunchest campaigners who dedicated her life to the town and its people.

Miss Brierley had a long list of life-time achievements and accolades honouring her public service which spanned many decades.

A well-loved Oldham-born personality, she will go down in history as the first Mayor of Oldham after it became a metropolitan borough in 1974.

She was bestowed with the rare accolades of honorary freeman of the borough, in 2004, and honorary Alderman, in 1994, and was a Labour ward councillor for 44 years.

In 1995, she was awarded an MBE for services to the community, and in 2001 was named Woman of Oldham. Miss Brierley lived independently in College Avenue before moving to Millfield residential home, Waterhead, 18 months ago.

Miss Brierley never married, and her nephew, Bernard Brierley, of Frederick Street, Oldham, said: “She was married to Oldham, and was very well-known, particularly among the older generation.” A former magistrate and teacher, Miss Brierley was once described as “terrier-like” in her exceptional commitment to issues she believed in, evident when she set up the Oldham Children’s Holiday Home charity for underprivileged children.

She also served for many years as chairman on the council’s children’s and education committees. Miss Brierley died in Millfield on Thursday.

Charlie Parker, chief executive of Oldham Council, said: “Her place in history is assured. A great number of people have fond memories of her contribution to civic life.

Miss Brierley’s funeral is on Thursday at noon at St Mary’s with St Patrick’s Church, Union Street West, Oldham.

The family has asked for donations to the Oldham Children’s Holiday Home in her memory.