90-year-old Ella is honoured for going Above and Beyond

A kind-hearted 90-year-old Delph woman has joined the elite band of Above and Beyond community award winners.

The awards, backed by Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership and Saddleworth Parish Council, are presented to unsung locals who go the extra mile to help others.

Phillida Shipp, chair of Delph Community Association, presented winner Ella Wellman with a plaque and certificate at a special celebration by Delph Senior Citizens at the village’s Methodist Church Hall.

A citation praising Ella outlined her deeds of kindness and generous spirit: “For the last seven years Ella has held an annual coffee morning at her home to raise money towards various local causes.

“Previously she provided a lavish annual afternoon tea and in all, for more than 20 years, she has organised an annual event to benefit Delph causes.

“She has donated money to the Methodist Church, the car park fund, and Delph Senior Citizens as well as many others.

“Along with her husband Ted, they started holding a new year party for older residents who live alone, Ella still does this.

“Ella is a volunteer with Delph Lunch Club, and she makes scones every week for the Saturday coffee morning. Ella always volunteers to bake for local events.

“Whenever Ella is complimented on her fundraising she always says ‘I couldn’t have achieved anything on my own and all my friends deserve the award too’.”

Meanwhile, the hunt is on for candidates for the 2018 Above and Beyond Awards.

The awards have be widened to include individual entrants plus churches, groups, societies and voluntary organisations from across Saddleworth.

The new scheme will see candidates drawn from across the whole community.

Do you want to recognise someone worthy or recognition? Simply send your choice of winner, in confidence, accompanied by a written citation (350 words) by email to: kd_bennett@yahoo.co.uk

Or write, with your name and contact details, to: A&B Awards, Upperhouse, Oldham Road, Dobcross, Saddleworth OL3 5RD. The closing date is Wednesday February 28, 2018.