Mayoral Appreciation Awards

It was wonderful to see and hear the incredible stories from these remarkable individuals. It’s always inspiring to meet such great people in our borough, who tirelessly support one another and contribute to making our community stronger and kinder.

Todays recipient are :

Zahid Malik – who has done a lot of charity work for community groups in Oldham and financially supported them for decades.

Arif Chodhry – Works with several charities and groups in Oldham and helps promote their activities through his media outlet.

Gemma Carter and her husband Gary Carter – GGC Media, owners of the Saddleworth Independent newspaper, reporting and supporting the Mayor, his appeal and covering local issues and spreading the message of kindness.

Mrs Lilian Day – from Royton, has held a concert every year at the Trinity Methodist Church in Royton for the BBC’s Children in Need since it started (34 years ago), She’s raised £1000’s for McMillian Nurses through coffee mornings and does regular cake bakes for Dr Kershaws etc and other charities and individuals.

Mr John Marshall – community work including forming the Oldham’s International Choir. A concert is being held with the famous musical family all coming together, is being held on Sept 1st at Oldham Parish Church

Jonathan Griffiths Barnes and Stephanie Griffiths- Barnes Ambitions organisation provide social activities such as Discos, Karaoke, outings & a Social Cub to young adults with learning & Physical disabilities.

Sarah Tate is a member of the mayoral appeal Committee and has done several fundraising events for various local groups and has just completed another walk for charity.

Najma Khalid MBE – has been awarded and MBE for her services in engaging, developing and empowering communities in Oldham. For over 25 years, Najma has worked with some of the most disadvantaged communities in Oldham. Through her long-standing commitment, she has raised awareness locally, nationally and internationally. In 2011 she founded the renowned Women’s CHAI Project -Care, Help and Inspire; a widespread wellbeing project which has developed and empowered thousands of women locally, nationally and internationally over the years.

#LoveOldham #OldhamCommunity #MayoralAppreciation #CommunityHeroes

I know number of other recipients could not attend due to availability and hopefully we will see them soon including :

Mick Bowskill – started walks during the pandemic helping people with mental health issues, loneliness, and health issues. The walks have now grown and he has over 100 walkers follow him as he raises funds for Maggies doing challenges like Ben Nevis. Mick is also an ex-service man who raises funds to help all veterans. He is also a carer for his wife Billie who has MS. Mick is very community minded and raises funds for various charities.

Marcus Emms and his wife Michaela Emms – Marcus is the Shaw and Crompton town crier and does proclamtions all over the borough and the wider area across GM. He also does 100’s of Santa appearances per year supported by his wife all for no financial reward.

Major Eddy Hardaker – supporting the RBL and other uniformed groups including working with children especially in the Royton area. Recently hosting a visit to the North West by a group of 15 Chelsea pensioners who played here in the parlour a few weeks ago.

Glyn Potts MBE DL – works tirelessly for the Children at Newman College where is the headteacher, campaigns on national education and school matters and is regularly in the national media highlight concerns. He is part of the DL community acting as one of the Kings representatives in Manchester and also supports the young military cadets of Oldham.