Tributes to 'chair' of Ashton Operatic Society

Tributes have been paid to the former chairperson of Ashton Operatic Society, Mary Maden, who only announced she was retiring from the role earlier this month.

She had been in the role at the society for the past 25 years.

“She worked tirelessly for the society and always gave 100 per cent,” said the society, others stating she had left an incredible legacy to the society.

She had joined in the 1960s as a member of the dancers and chorus. It was during this time that she married Neville who was already a performing member of the society.

Mary (pictured) became one of the first women to join the committee, a rare feat as previously it was an all male affair. 

Her leadership as chairman brought new ideas and her enthusiasm was an inspiration to everyone. This was evident in the society’s centenary celebrations in 1999. 

Mary and Neville were both inducted into the Association of Community Theatre Hall of Fame and received a lifetime achievement award for their services to ‘am dram’ in 2019.

She was devastated when Tameside Hippodrome closed and fought the battle to preserve it. 

Covid meant no production this year and again that has been a huge blow. She was always thinking of ways to fundraise and keep the passion alive.

ON CALL: Long before she worked as a government press officer, Mary was bombarded with phone calls from MPs and council officials, trying to get through to the Home Office in London. Although the area code was different, the other digits were very similar to Mary and husband Neville’s phone number at their home in Dukinfield. The Post Office - then in charge of telephone services - promised to investigate after the story made the headlines in the Reporter in 1973.

Numerous tributes have been paid to Mary on the AOS Facebook page, stating that Mary will be remembered as ‘a lovely, warm, kind hearted and talented lady’ while family and friends ‘loved her energy and drive.’

“Mary always liked to look her best and enjoyed seeking out the latest fashions with her best friend Carol Woodcock,” one said.

“She had the sparkliest, fluffiest most brightly coloured wardrobe and brought many smiles to others with her clothes and accessories.”

Mary lived in Dukinfield and had worked for the Reporter Group in advertising when the publishing group was based at Waterside Mill, Whitelands Road, and became the telesales supervisor.

In 1984, she seized the opportunity to re-train as a reporter, joining the editorial team at the Old Street office covering Ashton and Audenshaw.

The news editor then was Brian Walker whom she had known for many years through Ashton Operatic Society and Brian’s other role as the Reporter’s Amateur Stage writer. 

Tameside Radio presenter Mike Wallbank, who worked as a reporter alongside Mary, remembers a much-loved colleague with a warm, outgoing personality and a zest for life.

“Mary cared about people and always had a smile for everyone. From the moment you met her, you immediately felt at ease,” said Mike.

In the early 1990s, Mary was ready for a new challenge when she joined the Civil Service as a government press officer with the Central Office of Information, based in Manchester.

Glossop Chronicle editor David Jones also remembers Mary from her Reporter days.

He said: “Mary was a popular member of staff and a friend to everyone.

“I never heard anyone say a bad word about her and Mary never said a bad word about anyone either. She always went around with a smile on her face and if she thought you were looking a bit sad she would put an arm around your shoulder and try to cheer you up.

“What I remember most about Mary was her immense zest for life, every day for her was a good day.”