Goodbye to an ‘English Rose’

Dorothy Greaves

Dorothy Greaves was known by many across the borough for her work in the community since her move to the town in 1975.

Sadly on 3 July 2010 Mrs Greaves lost her battle to cancer.

Mrs Greaves worked in many aspects of the community including being Chairman and Secretary of the Civic Society, member of the Rochdale Music Society, the Community Arts Committee, the Friends of Rochdale Art Gallery, the Culture Committee and, organiser of the Heritage Weekends, negotiating the opening of buildings not normally open to the public.

In 1997 Mrs Greaves was awarded ‘Woman of the Year’ and tonight (Wednesday 21 July 2010) the council paid tribute to her and her remarkable work.

Councillor Keith Swift described Mrs Greaves as an ‘English Rose.’

He explained why: “Dorothy was always very smartly dressed and conducted herself in a proper manner, a person passionate about the Arts and cultural life of the town and history of the Co-op, Dorothy wanted the best for the town and could be, like a rose, both beautiful and a little prickly, if she was not getting the best for the town.”

Councillor Swift continued: “Dorothy was not born in Rochdale but adopted Rochdale and became an outstanding ambassador for Rochdale as a warden for the Co-op museum and guide in the town centre and at the town hall.

“I’m told that Dorothy knew more than anyone else about the history of this magnificent building.

“I will never forget my first meeting with Dorothy, when she held my arm and looked me straight in the eye whilst she spoke to me; to make sure I was listening and giving her my full attention. When Dorothy asked she made sure she got the reply that she wanted.”

Councillor Swift concluded: “Dorothy will always be fondly remembered for her enthusiasm and energy in promoting Arts and Culture of the town and will be sadly sadly missed.”