Hattersley and Mottram Community Media

December 2009
If Christmas is for children we wanted to make this Christmas a very special one for three Hattersley children. Hattersley Forum Community Association, who organised this years Christmas lights switch on supported by Hattersley & Mottram Community Media (HMCM), contacted the estates primary schools and asked the head teachers to nominate a youngster from their school, who they felt had done particularly well in the past year or had overcome some obstacle, to turn the lights on.

Arundale School sent along year six pupil Ellis Bennet. Head teacher Mrs Connor explained: “Ellis is a perfect prefect and pupil. He is kind, considerate towards others and always sets the right example and he is well liked by all the pupils in the school. St James nominated year two pupil Ellie Gorst. Mrs Walker, St James’ head teacher told us: “Ellie has been chosen because she is always happy and willing to help without having to be the centre of attention. So we thought it was her turn to be in the limelight.” Mr Clark from Pinfold nominated year six pupil Kelsey Butterworth. “Kelsey is always keen to take part in everything, she tries really hard and is always positive – she’s like a breath of fresh air and she lights up the room.” explained Mr Clark.

A surprise special guest who turned up to help the youngsters turn on the lights was Coronation Street star Julie Hesmondalgh, who plays Haley Cropper. HMCM volunteer co-ordinator Clare Panter who co-ordinated the event said: “We want to thank Julie very much for taking time out to come along and help the youngsters turn on the lights we know this must be a very busy time for her. She was absolutely fabulous she signed lots of autographs and lots of youngsters and not so youngsters had their photograph taken with her.”

Image above courtesy of Tameside & Glossop Reporter left to right - Kelsey Butterworth, Julie Hesmondalgh, Ellie Gorst, Clare Panter, Ellis Bennet and Feelgood Theatre Productions Christmas fairy Mia.