People take pride in Pride

Guests and dignitaries expressed their delight at the awards night:

“I am so impressed with the sheer quality of nominations for these awards. “We are a co-operative council, so it is about everybody doing their bit day in day out.

“I just wish I could have been there on the night. Can’t wait for the 2013 event in December.”

— Leader of the Council Jim McMahon speaking via a video link from a Local Government Conference in Nottingham


“I want to thank the finalists for being you. You are what makes Pride in Oldham so special. The Chronicle is very proud of what this event stands for. You are all winners and your friends and relatives are very proud of you, and I have to say, we all are.”

— Chronicle Editor DAVID WHALEY from his address


“This is always a fantastic night, celebrating the very best of what Oldham has to offer in a range of different achievements. It really makes you so proud. It shows what can be done.”

— Debbie Abrahams MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth


“The Council is proud to sponsor an event like Pride, because it has become a long-established part of Oldham.

“The winners are what make the place what it is. Everybody here tonight is a winner. They should all be very proud of their achievements.”

— Howard Sykes, Leader of the Oldham Lib-Dems


“An evening showcasing local unsung heroes. There is a lot of drive and activity and drive in Oldham and we are proud to be a part of it.”

— Bill Lovat, Director at Pride sponsors Regenda


“The reason why we are focused on something like this is because we have pride in Oldham. When you are able to focus on the good things — and Oldham has a lot of good things going for it now in particularly with our young people — you are giving people a sense of purpose.

“People in Oldham have always risen to the top. And when they do, how nice it is to be a part of their success and to show them how important their success is.”

— Norman Stoller MBE, whose Stoller Charitable Trust is a sponsor of the event