Man of Rochdale 2021: Lieutenant Commander Lawrence Scholes

Date published: 26 November 2021

Lieutenant Commander Lawrence Scholes RNR has been named the Man of Rochdale 2021 at the annual Springhill Hospice Man of Rochdale luncheon today (Friday 26 November).

Hosted at Rochdale Golf Club, Mr Scholes was announced as the 27th Man of Rochdale this year since the event began in 1994.

For the past 68 years, Mr Scholes, of Milnrow, has been giving up two nights a week and most weekends to help children across the Rochdale borough.

Kieren McDonnell, interim chair of the Men of Rochdale committee, announced the Man of Rochdale 2021, saying: “He started with the sea cadets at 12-years-old in 1953 and progressed through the ranks to become a commanding officer, treasurer and more recently Rochdale Sea Cadets Life President.

“During his time, more than 4,000 of our young people have passed through his unit.

“Keeping the unit afloat takes around £10,000 every year, and during his time as treasurer Lawrence was responsible for raising an amount in excess of £300,000.”

Mr Scholes was presented with the plate bearing the names of all previous titleholders by one of the joint winners of the Man of Rochdale 2019 title - Paul Ellison.

 

 

 

On his win, Lieutenant Commander Lawrence Scholes RNR said: “Thank you very, very much. I now know what is meant by expect the unexpected.

“It is very much appreciated and I’m sure as far as the hospice is concerned all the hard work and dedication that all these gentleman put in to attending this event is very much appreciated as well.

“I have spent a long time with the units – 60 odd years – and I don’t regret one minute of it.

“Behind every good man is a very good woman, and my wife Margaret has supported me in everything that I have done over all the years. I owe it all to her. I shall now go home and tell my lady what’s happened.”

 

 

 

34 local men were nominated for the title this year, including Reuse Littleborough’s Michael Bamford, Mohammed Sheraz, postman Steven Kay, David Lyons, 86-year-old Gordon Aaron and Adam Trennery to name a few.

The event began this year with a touching tribute to the late Robert Clegg OBE. A long-time supporter of Springhill Hospice, Robert was actively involved with fundraising as the chairman of the board of trustees and as chairman of the Man of Rochdale committee – the luncheon being ‘one of his highlights of the year’.

After nominees and their guests were treated to a four-course meal at the Edenfield Road club, entertainment was provided by this year’s guest speaker - former Danish footballer and manager Jan Mølby - sponsored by Performance Doorset Solutions Ltd.

The night ended with an auction of items donated to Springhill Hospice including an authentic signed picture of former professional footballer Eric Cantona, a Geoff Butterworth print, and a J&D Alexander jewellery voucher worth £1,000.

The Man of Rochdale event was kindly sponsored by Jackson Jackson & Sons Ltd this year.

Toastmaster was Alan Calow, who has now been the toastmaster for the event for 25 years.

 

 

Retiring Man of Rochdale Paul said: "It's been an honour and pleasure to hold this post for the past two years throughout unexpected times, but Covid-19 didn’t slow any work down. Over the lockdown period, the Rochdale and Norden in Bloom initiatives thrived with lots of businesses and members of the public volunteering to help.

“We have also still been able to support Springhill Hospice and the borough of Rochdale by means of raising just short of £20,000 during this time for various charities.”

Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Aasim Rashid, said: “I was delighted to attend the Man of Rochdale luncheon as the mayor this year, sitting on the top table, it has been a wonderful event.

“It is wonderful that we can recognise the hard work of the men in our borough through events such as this, and I am proud to also see a few young entrepreneurs here today too networking.

“I hope the younger generation can be inspired and continue to set an example by accepting challenges towards a brighter future in Rochdale.”