Dr. Eileen Bentley

Director of Music Service, Oldham MBC

Born and bred in the borough, Eileen has dedicated her career to enriching the lives of Oldham's children and young people through music. Since joining the Council's Music Service as its Director of Music in 1978, she has pioneered the development of music education, being awarded a doctorate in this area by Manchester University in 1989. Eileen has established herself a countrywide reputation for excellence in youth music. She is the founder of the nationally renowned and award-winning Oldham Youth Choir and is an adjudicator for the British and International Federation of Festivals. Her hard work and enthusiasm has created opportunities for more than 6,000 children in Oldham schools, and another 900 students at the Music Centre, to learn instruments and take part in extra-curricular activities. She was awarded a MBE for her services to education in 2006. Eileen Bentley is an inspiration to the people of Oldham.