Lifestyle

Mothers Club chairlady passes on the mantle after 17 years

Aimee Belmore May 18, 2017

A STALWART Chairlady is passing over the reins of Saddleworth’s Mothers Club after 17 years.

Margaret Hardy, from Delph, was one of the founding members of the group which was set up 55 years ago when her eldest daughter Karen was little.

Eileen Skinner, Pam Holt, Margaret Hardy, Steph Larkin from The Alzheimer’s Society and Phyllis Cooper

She took on the role of Chairlady nearly two decades ago and since then has organised an interesting and varied array of events, talks and dinners to raise funds for local causes.

But her spell in charge came to an end at the Mothers Club AGM in April, with member of 30 years Eileen Skinner set to take over at their next meeting on May 24.

Margaret said: “I have been Chairlady for just over 17 years and I think it is time I give someone else a go!

“I am very pleased Eileen will be taking on the role and that Pam will carry on as treasurer. Of course I’ll be on hand to help out. I’m not going anywhere!”

New chairlady Eileen with outgoing chairlady Margaret Hardy

Eileen, who lives in Uppermill, said: “I am pleased to take over from Margaret. She has done such a wonderful job – and planned our speakers for the next year so I’ve not much to do!”

Phyllis Cooper presented Margaret with bouquet of flowers as a thank you and added: “Margaret has done a marvellous job and been a great Chairlady.”

Around 30 members attended the AGM, enjoying a pie supper provided by Greenwoods of Oldham as well as presenting a cheque for £300 to The Alzheimer’s Society.

Steph Larkin, the charity’s community fundraiser for the North West, said: “Thank you so much for this generous cheque. This will go a long way to helping us continue local services and groups to help local people affected by dementia.”

The Club also nominated their chosen charity for the coming year – Maggie’s Oldham, which provides free support to people with cancer and their family and friends.

They also decided that funds raised from their raffles this year will be donated to St Chads Church’s ‘Seeing is Believing’ project for their extensive stained glass window restoration.

Saddleworth Mothers Club meet monthly at the St Chad’s Parish Centre in Uppermill at 8pm.

Their next meeting is on Wednesday, May 24 and will include a ‘Beehive Power’ talk and demonstration. For further information call Eileen Skinner: 01457 870078.