Get your nominations in for 'Man of the Year'

The people of Rochdale are being urged to make their nominations for this year’s ‘Man of the Year’ award.

One of Rochdale’s most distinguished occasions, the ‘Men of Rochdale’ Luncheon, will take place on Friday 21 November, and the deadline for nominations is Monday 3 November.

Since it’s inception fifteen years ago, the luncheon has been held annually in aid of Springhill Hospice. As well as raising vital funds for the Hospice, the Luncheon also honours the man who, through public nominations and then final analysis by the ‘Man of Rochdale’ Committee, is considered to have contributed the most to the community of Rochdale.

Ian Jenkins, Fundraising manager at Springhill Hospice and organiser of the Luncheon, said: “Since the Luncheon was launched it has raised many £10,000s for Springhill Hospice and brought just recognition to some of the town’s most worthy gentlemen. It is always a fabulous occasion and I know that this year we foresee it as being one of the best as our speaker is TV comic Mick Miller, one of the best - and funniest – in the business. I urge any gentlemen interested in attending to book their tickets early as we fully anticipate a sell-out.”

The current holder of the ‘Man of the Year’ title is Father Arthur Neary who was awarded the title last year in recognition of his efforts, as Chairman of the Friends of Our Hospital, in trying to keep accident and emergency, children’s and maternity services in Rochdale.

Previous holders of the title are Ken Davies, Steve Cohen, David Grime, Brian Beal, Fred Bowker, Jack Hammill, Dr. Jack Taylor, Gerry Sullivan, Frank Lever, Jim Rowbotham, Joe Salt, Marcus Hilton MBE and the very first recipient, former Mayor of Rochdale, Arnold Bagnall.

To make your nomination for this year’s ‘Man of the Year’ award, download the form below and return it to the address contained, along with a cover letter outlining your reasons for choosing your nominee.

Alternatively, you can email your nomination and letter to ian.jenkins@springhillhospice.nhs.uk.

Your cover letter/ email should be of no more than 500 words and the closing date for nominations to be received is Monday 3 November.

Please note that your nominee must work or live in Rochdale, must not already have received a Royal award and he must be an’ unsung’ member of the general public having voluntarily given of his time and efforts to improve the lives of others within Rochdale.

Tickets to attend the event, which takes place on Friday 21 November, commencing with a beer reception at 1:00pm, are priced at £32 and can be purchased from Springhill Hospice Fundraising Office, Broad Lane, Rochdale OL16 4PZ, or by calling 01706 649920.

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