Dukinfield and Stalybridge Rotary Club recently hosted a Local Community Hero Awards Ceremony at Ashton Golf Club to recognise the amazing acts of thoughtfulness and kindness being carried out by many local individuals and community groups.  Civic Mayor of Tameside (Councillor Janet Cooper) attended the event and joined Club President, Ian Cochrane, to present the awards to our local community heroes.

Ian explained: ‘Last year our Club presented Local Community Hero Awards to those who had stepped up and provided much needed support that would not otherwise have been available to them during the Covid pandemic.  We realised that there are many individuals and local organisations who go above and beyond on a regular basis, irrespective of Covid. This resonates well with the ethos of Rotary in terms of putting service above self. We therefore decided to host an awards ceremony this year to recognise this group of people who have gone the extra mile and continue to support our local communities in Dukinfield, Mossley and Stalybridge.

Congratulations to all our Local Community Heroes.  You are a credit to our local community, and we thank you for your dedication, passion and hard work.’

In all, 14 awards were presented as follows:

1. Carrbrook Hub and Community Garden – For all their hard work in providing a fantastic local facility in Carrbrook. This was formerly a children’s play area that had become overgrown and was a magnet for fly-tipping.  It has undergone a major transformation into a first-class community asset with a brilliant community allotment and workshop for volunteers.

2. Terry Drabble, Carrbrook – For being the mastermind behind the community garden at the Hub in Carrbrook.  Terry also distributes food parcels to local residents each week and has for a number of years distributed presents to local children.

3. Mossley Litter Bugs – For regularly carrying out community clean ups and litter picks in Mossley to help improve the appearance of their local community.  They have cleaned up a number of grot spots across Mossley and helped to transform overgrown and untidy sites in the town.

4. Volunteers – Stalybridge Getting Together Project – For providing a very successful weekly tea dance project at Stalybridge Labour Club to give people over the age of 50 in Stalybridge an opportunity to re-engage after Covid.

5. Elizabeth Hesketh, Mottram Rise Homewatch – In recognition of her role as Homewatch Organiser for the Stalyhill and Matley Scheme and much more.

She organisers regular litter picks on the country lanes around Mottram Rise. Pauline was the lead in the fantastic appeal for the provision and delivery of a Defibrillator Point in the area and is keen to set up other points.

6. Dukinfield Pantry – For providing food and selling it at a fraction of the cost to the most vulnerable and those who are struggling in the community.  It relies on a team of volunteers who give their time unselfishly to make this project the success it is.

7. Councillor Jacki Lane – For the tireless and passionate work she carries out under the radar for the Women’s Refuge.  As a frequent visitor to the centres, she buys out of her own pocket resources, materials and clothes for the children and women.  She provides a confidential counselling service to those in need, having gained the required qualifications, and uses her skills to the benefit of others. 

8. Jean Depledge, Yew Tree Singers – For running the Yew Tree Singers for over 50 years which attracts people from all over Tameside. She raises monies for Christies, Mayor’s Appeal and many more.  The Choir sings at the local Christmas Lights Switch On and many other local events

9. Together Centre – Loxley House, Dukinfield – For being a very active and important facility in Dukinfield which works closely with organisations such as Stroke Association, Noah’s A.R.T and SHED.

10. Baptist Church, Ridge Hill – In recognition of work volunteers have undertaken to help transform the space around the Church – with fencing having been installed and funded by The Big Local.  The garden was non-existent until volunteers created a haven which can now be utilised by the local community for outdoor activities and children’s play.

11. Andrew Stone, Carrbrook – In recognition of his role as a volunteer Community Responder who has worked tirelessly during the pandemic. He also volunteered during the lockdown with Stalybridge Covid Helpline to make deliveries of food and medicines to residents who were isolating and shielding. He is also a local Scout Leader helping to support young people in “his spare time.”

12. Ethel Clayton – For volunteering at the local Cancer Research Shop in Stalybridge for over 30 years. Many people just call in to chat with her as she is a real character with a fantastic personality making your visit to the Charity Shop an experience.  She recently received formal recognition for her services by Cancer Research.

13. Sue and Stephen Muir, Dukinfield – For their unselfish and tireless work in supporting the homeless and single parents and helping many local people in our neighbourhood. They both work closely with local Homeless Champion (Pauline Town from The Station Pub in Ashton) to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

14. Margaret Doherty, Big Local – For going way above the call of duty for the residents of Ridge Hill, Ambleside, Springs and the Hague estates in Stalybridge. She administers the Big Local and mediates with local schools, churches and groups on the estate to ensure families and individuals` needs are being met in a confidential and sensitive manner. Ridge Hill is a better place on account of her commitment and hard work.

Images courtesy Massimo Malacrino