“Like a Dream” for the Rochdale Man of the Year

Date published: 26/11/2004

There are many men in Rochdale who deserve recognition for their efforts, and this year’s winner is no exception. On Friday 26 November, the annual Springhill Hospice ‘Rochdale Man of the Year’ ceremony was held at Rochdale Town Hall.

The winner of this years ‘Rochdale Man of the Year’, Mr. David Grime accepted his award with modesty. He said, “It’s the people here around me that helped to make it possible really. Even still, it feels like I’m living in a dream; I never once had the impression that I was going to win over these men. There are some very hard working men in here, and a lot of competition. I just can’t believe it.”

Councillors Paul Rowen, Jim Dobbin, Ashley Dearnley, and other well-known men of Rochdale were there to lend their support. The others guests were in no doubt that the award had gone to the right man, which became clear when the crowd gave a thunderous round of applause. The Chairman of the Committee, Councillor Robert Clegg, read out the 25 nominations, and handed over to winner of the 2002 Man of the Year Award, Fred Bowker, who presented Mr. Grime with his silver plate.

Mr. Clegg said, “This Man of the Year has worked exceptionally hard over the years, and has a heartfelt commitment to the community. At an age of 61 the award is overdue.”

The ‘Man of Rochdale Luncheon’ was in aid of the Springhill Hospice organisation, and has raised hundreds of pounds with tickets, tombola and an auction. Please visit the Springhill Hospice web page for a more in-depth view of the Hospice and to see how you can support them via their fund raising appeals and lottery. For further details please contact the Hospice on 01706 649920.