Ogden Trust honours Sir Cyril

The portrait of Sir Cyril Smith

5 More Image(s) In Gallery

Sir Peter Ogden of the Ogden Trust today (Tuesday 11 November) officially handed over a portrait of Sir Cyril Smith by artist Paul Temple.

The event, at the National Liberal Club, was attended by Lib Dem President Simon Hughes MP, Chief Executive of the Lib Dems Lord Chris Rennard and Rochdale MP Paul Rowen amongst a host of guests including many current MPs.

Sir Cyril recorded a short speech that was played at the event.

Sir Cyril said: “I am very touched and feel very honoured that people have gone to all this effort. There seems to be a lot of trouble being taken and I am very grateful.

"The National Liberal Club was my home when I used to stay in London as an MP. As a former Chairman of the club in the eighties, it’s nice to leave my mark and I thank the Ogden Trust and the National Liberal Club for this recognition.”

Paul Rowen MP said: “This is a deserved honour for someone who strived to get the best for Rochdale. Cyril, being Cyril doesn’t know what all the fuss is about. The fact that so many people are travelling from across the country to mark Sir Cyril’s portrait shows that his achievements are appreciated across our country. The portrait by Paul Temple is excellent and definitely shows Cyril in his prime.”

The Ogden Trust have donated the painting of Sir Cyril Smith MBE, a patron of the Trust, to mark his 80th Birthday celebrations.

The Painting was donated to the Rochdale Branch of the NSPCC by the artist and purchased from them by The Odgen Trust for £1,000. This money has all gone to helping children in the North West.

John F Kay, who is also a director of Rochdale Online, attended the event to represent the Rochdale Branch of the NSPCC.

Rochdale is the home town of Ogden Trust chairman and founder Sir Peter Ogden. Both he and Sir Cyril attended Rochdale Grammar School for Boys.

Sir Peter Ogden and Trust Chief Executive Tim Simmons decided to present one the two portraits of Sir Cyril to the club in recognition of Sir Cyril's long service to Liberalism.