Nominate your 'Man of Rochdale' 2009

Colin Fielding recieves his Man of Rochdale 2008 award from Councillor Robert Clegg

People can now make their nominations for Rochdale's 'Man of the Year' award 2009.

The ‘Men of Rochdale’ Luncheon, has, since it’s inception sixteen years ago, been held annually to raise funds for Springhill Hospice. The Luncheon honours the man who, through public nominations and then final analysis by the ‘Men of Rochdale’ Committee, is considered to have made a significant contribution to the community of Rochdale.

The current holder of the ‘Rochdale Man of the Year’ title is Colin Fielding who was awarded the title in recognition of his efforts over the last decade raising thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation through the ‘Over the Edge’ bike ride and other causes such as the Steve Rothwell Wish Fund, Springhill Hospice and Petrus.

Previous holders of the title are Father Arthur Nearey, 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 that is attached to this news story, fill it in 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 fundraising@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 9 November.

Nominees must pass the following criteria:

He must work or live in the Borough of Rochdale.
He must not already have received a Royal award.
He must be an 'unsung' member of the general public having voluntarily given up his time and efforts to improve the lives of others within the Rochdale Borough.

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. I urge any gentlemen interested in attending to book their tickets early as we fully anticipate a sell-out. I am particularly delighted that we have been able to obtain the services of Jim ‘Bullseye’ Bowen as our guest speaker.”

Tickets to attend the event, which takes place on Friday 27 November, commencing with a beer reception at 1:00pm, are priced at £35 and can be purchased from Springhill Hospice Fundraising Office, Broad Lane, Rochdale OL16 4PZ, or by calling 01706 649920.

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