Bakers, games and a runaway gazebo mark Mayor’s Charity Fun Day as a hit with families.
Falinge Park’s first ever Vintage Apple Fair drew crowds from across Rochdale today, Sunday 17 August, with families turning out for an afternoon of food, fun and fundraising, all in support of the Mayor’s chosen charities.
The event was organised by long-time community champion Tracie Powers, who has spent nearly two decades helping keep the park open, welcoming and full of life. She regularly works with Rochdale Council and local charities to run events that raise vital funds for the park’s upkeep and community garden.
“This was just something different to attract a mix of people,” said Tracie, who already has ideas for next year.
The centrepiece was a lively apple pie bake-off, featuring 15 homemade entries. Judging was done blind, but in a surprise twist, the winning pie was baked by Tracie herself: an apple and lemon sponge topped with thick icing.
“They were all very nice, it was a difficult choice,” said Mayor Janet Emsley, who took part in the judging.
The Mayor didn’t just judge pies, she threw herself into the games too, taking a go at the Apple Toss, where Yorkshire puddings were balanced on scaffolding and aimed at with a flying crocheted apple. She also tried her hand at the Apple Shot, a target game involving a bow and arrow.
Proceeds from food stalls and activities will go to Springhill Hospice, Jolly Josh, Papyrus, Awakening Minds and the Women’s Housing Action Group.
Groundwork Greater Manchester were also on hand, inviting residents to write down their hopes for the area. Common themes included cleaner streets, more events like this one, and a stronger police presence, but also a lot of love for Falinge Park’s scenery and community spirit.
That spirit was on full display when a sudden gust of wind blew the tombola stall’s gazebo clean off the field. Visitors rushed after it and hauled it back, tying it down tightly to stop any further drama.
Tracie says she’ll continue coming up with ideas to keep the park busy and inclusive: “It’s not just about raising money, it’s about keeping the park somewhere people want to come.”
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
- Vintage Apple Fair & Mayor’s Charity Fun Day August 2025
The town with a solution to their traffic problem
Local Elections 2026: What every party in Rochdale has to offer ahead of local elections
Family secures £16200 key worker support to move into new home in Bury
Four men charged after incident at Rochdale AFC match against York City
KYP Easter programme brings creative activities and healthy meals to Rochdale children
Middleton widow appeals for answers after husband dies from asbestos related cancer
Man in his 20s fighting for life after Royton crash as police urge witnesses to come forward
Fun five-days in Spain boosted the confidence of high school students ahead of their Spanish exams
Rochdale Mayfield Tryz squad marks milestone with first outdoor session
Prestwich man jailed for seven years for rape and sexual assault
Man armed with knife arrested after chasing officers in Heywood
Comments
Add a comment