It has been another extremely busy few weeks, with a packed diary of events, visits, and concerts.
Combined with my busy Mayoral diary, I am proud to be the council’s lead member for the Armed Forces, which involves attending ceremonies, flag raising events, the council’s pioneering Armed Forces Breakfast Club and playing a key role in supporting the work of our veterans. In that capacity, I was very proud to attend Victory of Japan services across the borough, which marked the 80th anniversary of the guns falling silent and peace breaking out across the world. The events had considerable reach across the council’s social media channels, with the video of the Last Post being played at Rochdale Cenotaph getting considerable reach. The VJ services in Castleton, Heywood, Middleton, and Rochdale were really moving occasions, attended by members of our Armed Forces community, residents, and councillors.
Continuing the Armed Forces theme, I also spoke at flag raising ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall to mark the 85th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. The Armed Forces events are really moving, poignant and well attended events on our calendar. We remember our brave women and men who did so much to protect and safeguard our freedoms, values and liberty. Lest we forget.
I also attended other important events, marking Pakistani Independence Day and Nigerian Independence day. These are significant cultural events for our borough, underlining our residents’ links with other countries and reinforcing the message that we are a rich and diverse borough, coming together as one united community. Long may that continue to be the case.
Another cultural highlight was attending the Merhaba Halal Food Festival at Rochdale Town Hall Square. The day was very well attended and I had a really lovely few hours, embracing the diverse food, live music and artisan crafts.
Rochdale’s Champness Hall marked its 100th anniversary with a special community event. This iconic building has been at the heart of borough life since it was inaugurated on 8 September 1925, by the then Mayor of Rochdale. A century on I was extremely honoured to mark the anniversary as the current Mayor of Rochdale. The hall has combined religious functions, social meetings, community events for a hundred years. Long may it continue to thrive and be at the heart of community life.
In a packed month of events, the Side by Side Festival, organised by Touchstones, was a fabulous week of art and culture. Organised by residents and community groups, the week-long festival involved playing games, sharing stories. Side by Side forms part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live performances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of culture for 2025-26. Throughout my mayoral year I really want to showcase our rich cultural offer and these events are ensuring our arts and culture are promoted and supported across the north and beyond.
Another enjoyable occasion was an evening at Bamford Film Club, which is a really vibrant community based organisation, based at Bamford Church. I would like to thank the group for their invite to watch Paddington and for providing me and my consort with a warm welcome. Long may the club continue to thrive as a small, independent organisation, where people gather to socialise, watch films and enjoy a good night out.
It was a proud moment to welcome the Friends of Bielefeld group to the borough. The group from one of our twin towns had a wonderful visit, including a day out in Chester. Long way the group continue to thrive and enjoy visits to Rochdale, underlining our strong and lasting links with our twin towns across Europe.
It is always heartening to attend events in my Littleborough Ward which, over the last few weeks, have included a lovely visit to the Littleborough Townswoman Guild and a splendid morning with the Littleborough chill and chat group. The chill and chat group brings people together to socialise, reduce social isolation, and boost mental wellbeing. I would also like to mention the Littleborough Cake Shed, which is a really popular community initiative, where people can pop in for last minute cakes for events and gatherings. Many thanks to Vicky at Last Minute Cakes for the invite. I can confirm the cakes are delicious.
Other important events I have supported over recent weeks include the community sleep out at Rochdale AFC, a really enjoyable few hours at the Vintage Apple Festival at Falinge Park, and the licensing of the Revd Anne Gilbert as Dean of Rochdale. Many congratulations to Anne.
In addition, I attended the Paws in the Park dog show at Queen’s Park, Heywood, and visited Clare Mount Care Home in Middleton. It was also a real pleasure to attend and support the 2025 BASA Rochdale football championship tournament held at Kingsway Park High School. Well done to everyone who organised such a special day, which underlined the importance of sport to bring people together to showcase an important community event.
I want to say a huge and personal thanks to my dedicated charities. Throughout the year my Mayoral work continues to raise funds for Springhill Hospice, Jolly Josh, Awakening Minds, Papyrus, Women’s Housing Action Group and the Johnny Alfred Musical Memorial.
All these organisations do amazing work, supported by wonderful teams of staff and volunteers. Donations to my charities can be sent to:
Comments
Add a comment