Search is on for Pride of Oldham

A welcoming handshake from Evening Chronicle managing editor David Whaley (right) for Anthony Dillon, managing director of Willmott Dixon

CALLING all community champions and unsung heroes — tonight the search for the great and good of Oldham begins with the launch of the 2013 Pride in Oldham awards.

Now in its 12th year, Pride in Oldham celebrates the countless hours of hard work and selfless deeds carried out by Oldhamers from all walks of life.

More than 100 fantastic winners have walked the red carpet since the awards began in 2002; hundreds more have been honoured as finalists.

Now its time for YOU to get thinking of worthy individuals and groups who go above and beyond the call of duty, from charity stalwarts and groundbreaking groups to dedicated professionals and super schools.

Nominees can be put forward in a range of categories: Voluntary, Professional, Group, Business, Health Worker, Education Worker, Schools and Special Achievement.

Closer to the awards dinner (at the Queen Elizabeth Hall on November 1), there will be a chance for readers to vote for the Chronicle Readers’ Choice award across all the categories.

This year again features two new categories: Love Where You Live, which recognises those who have made a special effort under the council-inspired community project of that name; and Oldham Ambassador, for people promoting Oldham to the wider world.

An independent judging panel will assess all the nominations and draw up a shortlist of three finalists in each category.

This year the awards have the magnificent support of several local businesses.

Molnlycke have been Pride sponsors since the start and J W Lees brewery is also a stalwart supporter.

Pride in Oldham is now part of the “Oldham on the Map” series of events that include the business awards, sports awards and mayor’s ball.

Sponsors Mono Pumps, First Choice Homes and the Stoller Foundation have been supporters for some time. Last week Willmott Dixon was added to the list of Oldham on the Map sponsors.

MD Anthony Dillon said: “We are delighted to sponsor Pride in Oldham and the other events in the Oldham on the Map series. It gives businesses a clear approach to supporting events in the borough that is not always apparent elsewhere.”

David Whaley, managing editor of the Oldham Evening Chronicle, said: “We truly are indebted to the businesses for their financial backing to enable these events to take place.

“We all know a person, business or group doing an amazing job for Oldham and its residents, often in a voluntary capacity and for very little thanks. Make 2013 the year they are rewarded for their amazing work by nominating them for a prestigious Pride in Oldham award.”



To nominate someone, email us with this information:



The person or group’s name; a contact number for them (if you know one); their job title and place of work (if it’s relevant); your reason for nominating them, and YOUR name and contact details

Send the info to: editor@oldham-chronicle.co.uk by Sep 16, and we’ll do the rest!