Rochdale born and educated Sir Peter Ogden supports NSPCC

Tony Ballard-Smith (left) of the Ogden Trust being presented with the painting of Sir Cyril Smith by John Kay

A new Rochdale and Oldham Business Group formed to focus the support of local business for the NSPCC - the money  it raises is used to help children in the North West - was recently launched by the Mayor of Rochdale at a silent auction of paintings. A painting of Sir Cyril Smith by local artist Paul Temple was acquired by Sir Peter Ogden’s Charitable Trust. They donated £1,000 to the NSPCC.

The painting was handed over on the 9 May 2007 to Tony Bannard-Smith of the Ogden Trust by John Kay, Chairman of the Business Group, at the offices of Molesworths Bright Clegg, Solicitors in Rochdale.  John Kay is the Treasurer of the Rochdale Branch of NSPCC and a Director of Rochdale Online Ltd.
 
Tim Simmons, Chief Executive of the Ogden Trust said: "The  Ogden Trust is very pleased to have acquired this painting of Sir Cyril Smith by Paul Temple, which will hang in Hughes Hall, Cambridge University, where the Trust is based.  Having been born and raised in Rochdale, Sir Peter Ogden is a great admirer of Sir Cyril and his achievements and retains a special interest in the town.  He credits the foundation of his success to the education that he received at the Grammar School in the 1960's, where Sir Cyril was also a pupil.   Since they both became patrons of Balderstone Technology College in 2000,  Sir Cyril has been a very active supporter of The Ogden Trust and has made significant contributions to its educational programmes in Rochdale, the North West, and nationally.  This has led to Sir Peter making a £1m pledge to support the new Sixth Form College in Rochdale.   He also supports  the Bury Grammar Schools and 32 other state and independent schools across the North West." 
 
The next event which the Business Group has planned is a talent competition in Oldham on a “Stars in Your Eyes” theme.

Further information is available from jkay@molesworths.co.uk