HARD-WORKING volunteers took a night off as they were honoured at the annual glittering Volunteer of Saddleworth Awards.
Outgoing Saddleworth Parish Council chairmanCouncillor Graham Sheldon and his wife Diane hosted the event at Greenfield Conservative Club to recognise dedicated volunteers and fundraisers across the community.
Glass engraved trophies were awarded to an adult and youth who have gone above and beyond expectations in their work and commitment to help others.
Cllr Pat Lord was crowned adult winner for her dedication to numerous charities and organisations while Dovestone Youth Rangers received the youth award for their project at the Greenfield reservoir.
Pat, who launched the first ever volunteer awards six years ago when husband Brian was Saddleworth Parish Council Chairman, has raised more than £35,000 over the years with Chairman’s Charity Committees.
This year she has also worked with the Mayor of Oldham’s Appeal, as well as continuing her fundraising with Saddleworth Ladies’ Lifeboats Guild and Macmillan Cancer Support.
An active member in community life, Pat also captains two ladies bowling teams and has just retired as a governor of St Anne’s Lydgate after 17 years, with six as chair.
Surprised Pat said: “It is the last thing I expected but I am delighted.
“I have been involved with things for years and years and I’ll be carrying on like that as I love it. But I have had to give up a few things though as I don’t have time to do everything!”
Meanwhile, the Youth Volunteer award was presented to Dovestone Youth Rangers, who have been helping to protect the reservoir’s wildlife and environment.
Their project started 18 months ago with around six volunteers but has blossomed into a group of 20 who have been digging frog ponds, tree felling and watching wildlife with camera traps.
They also starred in the BBC’s hit programme Countryfile with presenter Ellie Harrison after being singled out by the channel’s presenters to share their conservation success with the nation.
Greg Cookson, from Oldham Youth Services and leading the project, collected the award with two Dovestone Youth Rangers, Eve Douglas and Bronagh McKeown, and staff member Vicki Halstead.
Proud Greg commented: “It is amazing and the achievement of the young people has been fantastic.
“In the last 18 months we have seen the group grow and develop and now they are ready to give something back to the public. I am very proud and they have done so well.
“It is going from strength to strength. We have had so much community support, such as donations and uniforms, to help make it possible for the young people to do this project.”
This summer, the Dovestone Youth Rangers will be giving history and nature tours at the reservoir and future plans include dam building and creating bat and bird boxes.
To book onto the Dovestone Youth Rangers tours or join their team, please email Greg Cookson at greg.cookson@oldham.gov.uk or call: 0161 770 3115.
You must be logged in to post a comment.