Rochdale ‘Woman of the Year’ 2015 nominations invited

Joy Whitworth and Wendy Mills - Woman of Rochdale joint winners 2014

Nominations are now invited for Rochdale’s ‘Woman of the Year’ for 2015, the winner of which will be announced at the ‘Women of Rochdale’ Luncheon which will take place in the Main Hall of Rochdale Town Hall on Friday 24 April.

The Luncheon, held annually for Springhill Hospice in celebration of Rochdale’s ‘Woman of the Year’, honours the lady who, initially through public nominations and then by final analysis by the ‘Women of Rochdale’ Committee, is considered to have contributed the most to the community of Rochdale.

To make your nomination for this year’s ‘Woman of the Year’, please complete the form and return it to the address contained, along with a cover letter outlining your reasons for choosing your nominee. The criteria for choosing your nominee are as follows:

• She is an ‘unsung’ hero in the community
• She must work or live in the Borough of Rochdale
• She must be on the electoral roll
• She has not already received a Royal award

In order for the Committee to consider nominations in detail, your cover letter should be of at least 200 words, but no more than 500 words, and the closing date for nominations to be received is Friday 27 March.

Previous holders of the ‘Woman of Rochdale’ title are, Charlotte Kiszko, Karen Hilton MBE, Maureen Cooper MBE, Karen Hoather, Dorothy Greaves, Nancy Todd MBE, Yvonne Noble, Gladys Emerson, Jill Hamnett, Marjory Hawker-Bond MBE, Sheila Acton, Freda Dixon, Vivien Carter MBE, Carol Cadwallader, Sue Rothwell, Pauline Fardon, Anne Needham, Carol Hartley and Doreen Stott.

Last year the title of Rochdale ‘Woman of the Year’ was shared by joint winners Wendy Mills and Joy Whitworth. The pair have worked together raising money mainly for The GEM Appeal which funds research into genetic disorders, founded in 1994 by Karen Johnson. 

Melanie Caffrey, fundraiser at Springhill Hospice, said: “We will be having a number of local businesses setting up stall in the Exchange so ladies can have a browse whilst enjoying a reception drink, and there will be professional photographers snapping pictures of our glamorous guests.

“This is one of our most popular events, so I would ask ladies to get in touch as soon as possible.”

Tickets for the ‘Women of Rochdale’ Luncheon can be purchased, at a cost of £37 per person, from the Springhill Hospice Fundraising Office, Broad Lane, Rochdale OL16 4PZ.

Further details of the event can be obtained by contacting the Fundraising Office on 01706 641790.