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rochdale WOMAN OF ROCHDALE 2018

town MARILYN JONES

hall Marilyn Jones was announced as the Woman of During the winter months, Marilyn also opens a
Rochdale 2018 at the Women of Rochdale Lunch-
weekend soup kitchen. With the help from volun-
eon at Rochdale Town Hall.
teers, she provides Rochdale hostel with a Satur-
day lunchtime hot meal.
Five years ago, Marilyn began to help the homeless
in Rochdale when she made a large pan of soup, Feeding up to 50 people in one evening, Marilyn
Despite being one of the most stained glass representations of The Clock Tower Dining Room
instantly recognisable buildings in England’s monarchs, stretching within Rochdale Town Hall now took some bread and parked outside Rochdale also takes refugees and people in hostel care un-
der her wing, providing them with fresh food each
Town Hall with her car boot open. From serving a
England, the full potential of Roch- back to William the Conqueror and provides attentive and efficient few people on the streets, the beginnings of to- day.
dale Town Hall for use as a venue culminating with frescos of Queen table service by an outstanding day’s soup kitchen was established.
for weddings and other private Victoria and Prince Albert. team of welcoming professionals. Marilyn said: “I was overwhelmed when I received
celebrations - or corporate events With everything from exquisite,
- is one of the region’s best-kept At capacity, the Great Hall can beautifully presented afternoon Enlisting help from Rochdale Parish Church of St the nomination letter two weeks ago, but I am
Chad’s – moving the soup kitchen into a warmer
absolutely gobsmacked now. I really didn’t expect
secrets. Look inside this breath- accommodate 350 seated guests tea selections (champagne option- environment - Marilyn and a group of volunteers this, and I thank you all very much. I really don’t
taking example of Gothic Revival (a capacity reduced to 250 to al) to fabulously traditional fresh began to help the homeless weekly, producing know what to say.”
architecture and you will find a incorporate dance floor space), all meals available at superb prices, homemade soups and cake on a rota basis, four
staggering array of rooms and overseen by a chorus of oak-carved the restaurant and cafe is more
facilities suitable for any occasion, angels. popular than ever. Whether you’re nights a week.
the grandest of them all being the enjoying a catch-up with friends,
fabled Great Hall. Couples interested in booking the a pre-tour lunch or post-shopping
venue can look forward to a com- refreshments, the Clock Tower’s
The Great Hall represents one of prehensive and bespoke service. expansive, relaxing environment
the North-West’s most prestigious A dedicated wedding coordinator balances Victorian splendour with
and sought-after wedding venues. will meet with you, provide an ex- contemporary style.
Its vaulted space is flanked on tensive tour, and discuss a possible
either side by the very finest structure and itinerary for the day.

For all enquiries please contact the event office on CLOCK TOWER DINING ROOM
01706 924797 or email townhall.bookings@rochdale.gov.uk Monday to Friday 10.00am – 2.30pm
Saturdays 9.00am – 1.30pm

Marilyn and her daughter Morgan