Rochdale ‘Woman of the Year’ nominations

Photo: Howard Wilkinson Photography

Doreen Stott - Rochdale Woman of the Year 2013

The ‘Woman of the Year’ title 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. The closing date for entries is the 11 April.

Additionally this year, there will be a Junior Woman of the Year category, for young ladies under the age of 25. Alison McGuigan, Fundraising Lead said: “This is an exciting new category for our Silver Anniversary Year, to recognize the contributions made by our younger generation.”

Guest Speaker at this year’s luncheon will be Hospice Patron Dame Mary Peters DBE, a fitting speaker for an event within the 25th Anniversary of Springhill Hospice. The luncheon will take place on Friday 9 May at Rochdale Town Hall, where the two winners will be announced.

Alison McGuigan added: “There will be 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.”

Additionally, this year there will be a Fashion Show by Denis Hope, so the 2014 Woman of Rochdale will be a lovely lunch and a great way to catch up with friends.

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

To make your last minute nomination you can email Alison at alison.mcguigan@nhs.net. 

The criteria for the Woman of the Year award is that:

• 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

The criteria for the Young Woman of the Year is completely open, apart from the maximum age of 25.

In order for the Committee to consider nominations in detail, your nomination must be no less than 500 words, and received by Monday 14 April.

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 and Carol Hartley.

Last year the title of Rochdale ‘Woman of the Year’ was bestowed upon Doreen Stott. Doreen was nominated for her work as Chairperson of the Rochdale Branch of Parkinsons, in addition to her charity work for numerous other local causes. Doreen was a popular and inspirational recipient of the title.

Further details of the event can be obtained by contacting the Fundraising Office on 01706 649920 or alison.mcguigan@nhs.net