Summer 2018Woman Of Rochdale 2018

Marilyn Jones

Marilyn Jones was announced as the Woman of Rochdale 2018 at the Women of Rochdale Luncheon at Rochdale Town Hall.

Five years ago, Marilyn began to help the homeless in Rochdale when she made a large pan of soup, took some bread, and parked outside Rochdale Town Hall with her car boot open. From serving a few people on the streets, the beginnings of today’s soup kitchen was established.

Enlisting help from Rochdale Parish Church of St Chad’s – moving the soup kitchen into a warmer environment - Marilyn and a group of volunteers began to help the homeless weekly, producing homemade soups and cake on a rota basis, four nights a week.

During the winter months, Marilyn also opens a weekend soup kitchen. With the help from volunteers, she provides Rochdale hostel with a Saturday lunchtime hot meal.

Feeding up to 50 people in one evening, Marilyn also takes refugees and people in hostel care under her wing, providing them with fresh food each day.

Marilyn said: “I was overwhelmed when I received the nomination letter two weeks ago, but I am absolutely gobsmacked now. I really didn’t expect this, and I thank you all very much. I really don’t know what to say.”