BBC weatherman Owain Wyn Evans was surprised by being presented with a ‘Special Recognition Award’ live on air yesterday.
During an appearance on BBC North West Tonight, the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Diane Hawkins DL, spent most of her time on the show discussing with newsreader and presenter Roger Johnson her role getting to choose who is honoured with ‘Young Citizen Awards’ in our region each year.
The award was created to recognise young people who have done good things in their communities, and the High Sheriff explained how the search was currently on for this year’s winners.
But that wasn’t all she was there for.
The High Sheriff explained that she is also responsible for choosing who is awarded ‘Special Recognition Awards’, and so, just before she left, presenter Roger Johnson called over the show’s weatherman Owain Wyn Evans to join them on the red sofa, where the High Sheriff presented him with the honour.
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“That’s incredible, I am so honoured,” an emotional Owain said.
Owain was awarded the ‘Special Recognition Award’ for completing his 24-hour ‘drumathon’ for Children in Need last month, and also for LGBTQ Representation.
As well as being seen live on air as the show went out, the video of the presentation of the award has also been watched hundreds of thousands of times since being shared on BBC NWT’s social media pages, with many congratulating Owain on his achievements in the comments and sending their well-wishes.
In case you missed it, weatherman and resident drummer Owain smashed his fundraising target after completing his 24-hour ‘drumathon’ for Children In Need.
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Owain’s 24-hours of drumming officially began on BBC Breakfast on Friday 12 November at 8:35am, and was streamed live on BBC iPlayer for the full duration, before ending at the same time the following day on Saturday 13 November.
He managed to continue for the full 24 hours, and only paused for breaks, and to seek some medical attention for injuries that had developed from the persistent playing.
Throughout the 24-hours, Owain was was joined by musicians from around the UK in every genre of music, and one of the most memorable moments from the ‘drumathon’ had to be when Owain and 50 guest drummers recreated his viral rendition of the BBC News theme that took social media by storm during lockdown in 2020.
Owain said he believes his fundraising total could be nearing £3.8 million now.
So honoured to have received the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester’s Special Recognition Award for the Drumathon and LGBTQ Representation… live on air!! 💕 😭 😮 Just unbelievable ❤️ @BBCNWTpic.twitter.com/Yq2traHOr8
After completing the challenge at the studios in Salford, an emotional Owain said: “I’m feeling overwhelmed, people have been so generous [and] surprisingly, my hand held up OK but we had some problems with my arms because they’ve been moving for 24 hours.
“Thank you so much to everyone who has put your hands in your pocket and donated, BBC Children In Need helps causes which are really close to my heart.”
Owain spoke ahead of the challenge about what drumming has done for him growing up, explaining: “Over the years it’s helped me so much, it eases my anxiety and brings me so much joy [and] that’s why I’ve accepted this mammoth challenge [as] I want to help change the perception of who can be a drummer, and support all of the amazing charities and groups that BBC Children in Need helps.
“I’ve learned first hand how BBC Children in Need helps children and young people across the UK from a range of different backgrounds and identities.”
You can still donate to the BBC Breakfast Drumathon for Children In Need here.
Featured Image – BBC North West Tonight
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Glossop North End are set to take on a team of Manchester United Legends
Danny Jones
Nearby non-league football club Glossop North End are preparing for what is set to be one of their biggest games in years as they prepare to take a team of Manchester United Legends.
Founded back in 1886, the centuries-old side has a rich sporting heritage from early amateur friendlies to playing in the North Cheshire League, the Lancashire, Manchester and Cheshire combination division to the North West Counties League (NWCL) today.
Based at The Asgard Engineering Stadium on Surrey Street in the Derbyshire town, North End – or ‘The Hillmen’, as they’re colloquially known – bring in loyal local crowds without fail every week but are set for an even bigger attendance than usual this summer.
Announced at the end of last month, Glossop will be facing up against a team of Man United Legends players for years gone by in an exciting exhibition match in just a few months’ time.
Glossop take on some familiar Manchester United faces this July.
In collaboration with the Glossop Heritage Trust, the ‘Peakites’ are set to welcome Red Devils of old on Saturday, 12 July for an unforgettable fixture.
Although the full squad of retired pros is yet to be confirmed, the likes of 1999 Treble-winners Wes Brown and David May, as well as former midfielder and one-time Premier League winner Luke Chadwick.
To make things even more interesting, the club also offered supporters the chance to sign up for the Legends team and play alongside the ex-footballer, with the application fee going directly back into the club on what is already going to be a big day in terms of funding.
It goes without saying that Glossop natives jumped at the opportunity and the limited places were snapped up in a heartbeat.
As for who the lucky four chosen players will be, we’ll just have to wait and see.
⚪️𝑺𝑶𝑳𝑫 𝑶𝑼𝑻⚪️ We can now officially announce that ALL 4 places on the Man Utd legends side for our game on Sat 12th July are now SOLD OUT ! Thankyou to everyone who has sent enquiries & purchased the places.
Charity and exhibition matches like these are always a big win for grassroots football, regardless of the result after the full-time whistle and with both North End and United fans set to grab tickets, it’s sure to be a sell-out day at Surrey Street.
With coverage from ITV Granada, it’ll be a memorable day for the area, no doubt about that – special occasions like this remind us of how important the beautiful game is to local communities.
Tickets for Glossop vs Man United Legends will be available from 1 March and it goes without saying they won’t be on sale for long, so if you fancy coming along to the game you best be quick about it.
Flying Tiger is opening a new Greater Manchester store next week
Thomas Melia
Popular variety store Flying Tiger is set to open a new Manchester location, and it’s arriving later this month.
The genius of Scandinavian couple and entrepreneurs, Lennart and Suzanne Lajboschitz, Flying Tiger opened its flagship store in Copenhagen back in 1995, and nowadays, this shop has everything you could possibly need – and some things you never knew you did.
Flying Tiger has become a staple on Manchester’s high street, thanks to its ability to keep up with the trends and constantly reinvent its products.
You can always trust the Danes to come up with an innovative concept, and ironically, this Danish brand is opening up right next to another new site, LEGO.
Flying Tiger is opening a new Greater Manchester store next week / Credit: The Manc Group
This impressive 1,500 sq ft shop will open in the Upper Peel Avenue area of the Trafford Centre, and its big launch couldn’t be happening on a more fitting day.
Opening on 14 February, more widely-known as Valentine’s Day, anyone who’s left their present shopping until the last minute is now in luck, as they can nip in and pick up a selection of bits and bobs for their special someone.
Anyone thinking of popping down on its grand launch day definitely should, as the first 200 customers to visit the shop will receive an exclusive goody bag filled with items from the latest collection.
Emily Sergeant -
21st December 2021 
