Let’s hear it for our super staff

Oldham Council TOP Awards winners with chief executive Carolyn Wilkins (right)

CELEBRATIONS were in order for Oldham Council’s TOP employees at a glittering gongs ceremony.

Staff were recognised for their hard work at the annual Trust Oldham People (TOP) Awards.

Hundreds flocked to the Queen Elizabeth Hall to see awards handed out across eight categories.

The Bloom and Grow team won the Outstanding Achievement Award after Oldham scooped both the North-West in Bloom and Britain in Bloom prizes earlier this year.

Business relationships service manager Gerri Barry won the Ambassador for Oldham Award for her efforts to champion the town and promote the co-operative agenda.

The Volunteer of the Year Award went to Chris Whiteman, an Outdoor Pursuits volunteer. Chris overcame his own health issues to become a role model for the borough’s young people.

Clarksfield community caretaker Audra Bickerdyke scooped the Co-operative Achievement Award for her efforts to encourage Oldhamers to take pride in their neighbourhoods.

Apprentice marketing officer Jake Wharton took home the Young Employee of the Year Award for his creativity and his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty.

Joanne Betts, senior transportation officer, was named Employee of the Year for her 20 years of dedicated service during which she has helped secure funding for regeneration in Oldham.

The First Response Control Room Team won the Team of the Year Award for their round-the-clock efforts to keep Oldham safe.

Long service awards were handed out to Jeanette Booth, Margaret Cooper and Anne Fitton.

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