Unsung heroes honoured at Town Hall celebration for the Queen’s 90th birthday

Celebration for the Queen’s 90th birthday at Rochdale Town Hall
Unsung hero - Elaine Stott of Link4Life with Mayor Ray Dutton

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Mayor Ray Dutton, Mayoress Elaine Dutton and Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes were joined by the borough's 'unsung heroes' for a special celebration held at Rochdale Town Hall to honour the heroes and celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday.

The 'deserving local residents' were nominated by members of the public and chosen by a panel of representatives covering all four townships.

Those honoured and thanked included:

• Michael and Marilyn Holt, who have fostered local children for the last 40 years.
• Jean Fletcher, recently retired as a poppy seller after fundraising for the Royal British Legion for 60 years.
• Norma Sharkey, a scout leader who has been volunteering, helping charities and her local community for over 35 years.
• Reverend Barbara Harrison, a community volunteer on the Kirkholt Estate.
• 89-year-old Alan Wilson, who has volunteered for 11 years as a tour guide and organist at the Town Hall.
• Linda Taylor, a carer from Middleton.

Mrs Taylor said: “I have been nursing my husband for the last 19 years. He suffers from Motor Neurone Disease.

"On my 70th birthday we managed to raise £2,500 for charity which was fantastic.

"I am very honoured to be nominated.”

The guests enjoyed a patron’s afternoon tea, and performances by local groups, including Hopwood Hall College drama students, Backstep Boogie Club and Langley Theatre Workshop.

Council leader Richard Farnell, along with Conservative leader Ashley Dearnley and other ward councillors were in attendance and helped serve food and drink to the guests.

Mayor Dutton said the stories of the nominated guests are heart-warming: “Not only are we celebrating the birthday of Her Majesty, we are also celebrating something that I think is just as important, and that is the achievements, hard work, dedication and spirit of local residents. Unsung heroes who get on with doing their job, whatever it is, not looking for praise, accolades or recognition.”

Prior to the special ceremony, a determined crowd huddled under umbrellas in a torrential downpour to witness Mayor Dutton raise the Union flag to mark the Queen's 90th birthday following his speech on the Town Hall steps.

Mayor Dutton said: “Today we celebrate the 90th birthday of our country’s longest-reigning monarch, together with the achievements of some of the borough's true unsung heroes.

“Her Majesty the Queen – our Queen – has lived an extraordinary life of public service.

“It is truly humbling to comprehend the scale of service that Her Majesty has given to our country over so many years.

“Today, we all share in this special milestone with this event at Rochdale Town Hall, and I am pleased that you could all be here to join us.”

He added: “On behalf of the residents of this borough I am proud to raise the Union Jack flag and wish Her Majesty the Queen health, happiness and above all a very special 90th birthday.”