‘from lifesaving instructor to freemason philanthropist, Rochdale’s Ian Madeley proves you can insure success’
Rochdale’s very own community Swiss Army knife, Ian Madeley, has been appointed as one of Greater Manchester’s newest Deputy Lieutenants, an elite squad handpicked to uphold royal dignity, present medals, and presumably test tea temperatures at civic ceremonies.
Madeley, 61, said the news was “unexpected” but his résumé suggests otherwise. From teaching lifesaving at 13, founding Rotaserv for 30-somethings in the 90s, to joining Freemasonry for the fellowship (and maybe a few secret handshakes), Ian has done everything short of knight a corgi.
Appointed by the Lord-Lieutenant Diane Hawkins (aka The King’s Mancunian Envoy), Ian now joins a league of extraordinary civilians including a paediatrician for asylum-seeking children, a physics prodigy from Bolton, and a woman who somehow made communications leadership sound heroic.
Local reaction has been glowing. One resident said: “I don’t know what a Deputy Lieutenant does, but if Ian’s involved, I’m sure it involves biscuits and being extremely well-organised.”
Asked if the title comes with a sword or a sash, Ian said: “I haven’t been issued either, but I did get a lapel badge, which is basically the same thing, just harder to duel with.”
His insurance firm released a statement reading: “We are proud of Ian’s appointment. We assume the Deputy Lieutenant role is fully covered under his professional indemnity policy.”
In related news, Rochdale’s posties are bracing for delays, royal letters now come with extra ceremonial flourish and may require a brass band to deliver.
So what’s next for Ian Madeley? Sources say he’ll continue “giving what time he can”, though with all this volunteering, we suspect he’s secretly cloned. Either way, Rochdale’s odds of getting a royal visit just went up.
