TWO Tameside residents who have supported charities and the voluntary sector have been honoured by becoming Deputy Lieutenants of Greater Manchester.
Mark Llewellin and Sadia Din are two of six new Deputy Lieutenants from across the city-region.
They have been appointed by the Lord Lieutenant, Diane Hawkins, who is effectively the King’s personal representative in Greater Manchester.
The pair have been recognised for their endeavours over many years. As well as making a valuable contribution to the community in the past, they have also agreed to voluntarily help and work within Greater Manchester for at least the next five years or until the age of 75.
Born and raised in the West Country, Mark first came to Tameside 30 years ago and was appointed the Oldham Coliseum Theatre’s Marketing and Business Development Director. He wrote the first of his two books – They Started Here – about the history of the venue.
Mark continues to be a keen supporter of Greater Manchester theatres, performing arts and heritage. He gives talks on a variety of topics, often in aid of local charities, while he also looks after Canadian Coronation Street fans who visit Manchester every year.
His late partner, actor Roy Barraclough MBE, became the first patron of Willow Wood Hospice and Mark continued this involvement by serving as a fundraiser, patron, trustee and is currently Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.
He is also a director and trustee of Your MCR, which offers work experience and mentoring to media students whilst making a weekly online magazine programme and podcast focusing on Manchester’s arts and charity sectors.
Mark is a supporter of The British Music Hall Society and co-owner of Daisy Nook Garden Centre, on the Tameside-Oldham border.
Meanwhile, Sadia – who originally hails from Bolton – has taught Law, Religious Education and Philosophy since 2005 as an educator, as well as being a registered examiner and governor for a high school.
Beyond her professional roles, she engages in community service, volunteering in local primary schools and offering tutoring to struggling students.
Sadia, who was raised in a diverse community, actively promotes a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, particularly for women and youth throughout her involvement with local charities and mentoring initiatives.
Within each of Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs, Deputy Lieutenants are “the eyes and ears” of the Lord Lieutenant and formally represent her at events if she is unavailable.
They also work closely with local authorities and are able to assist and advise voluntary groups with any challenges they may face.