A VOLUNTARY pie maker has been praised by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester for helping the vulnerable and isolated in Tameside.
Sir Warren Smith, the Queen’s representative in the metropolitan borough, wrote a letter congratulating the efforts of Councillor Denise Ward.
The representative for Denton North East has been the driving force behind the luncheon club at Victoria Park Community Centre.
Since its doors were shut through Covid-19, Cllr Ward has baked 3376 dinner plate-sized meat and potato and cheese and onion pies, which she has delivered to the vulnerable and isolated.
“It has not only been to people in Denton North East but to other parts of the borough,” she explained.
“The pies have been a little gesture, though they cannot replace the camaraderie of visits to the luncheon club.”
Sir Warren wrote: “As Lord Lieutenant, I am Her Majesty’s representative in Greater Manchester and would like to take the opportunity to thank you for what you have achieved during the coronavirus outbreak.
“Around the world, we have seen heart-warming stories of people coming together to help others, be it through delivering food parcels and medicines, checking on neighbours, raising money in imaginative and innovative ways or converting businesses to help the relief effort.
“You have selflessly been at the heart of that effort and have rightly been brought to my attention.
“What you have achieved by considering others less fortunate than yourself and going out of your way to cook pies for local residents and delivering them has made a tremendous difference to the recovery in Greater Manchester.
“The moments when the United Kingdom came together to applaud its care and essential workers will be remembered as an expression of our national spirit, but your contribution will not be forgotten either.
“On behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, may I thank you for everything you have done.”