Hopwood’s International Students welcomed by Mayor

Date published: 18/10/2005

Earlier this month (5 October) a group of International students from Hopwood Hall College were invited to the Town Hall by Mayor of Rochdale, Cllr Ashley Dearnley and Mayoress Cllr Beryl Wright, to attend a reception officially welcoming them to the Borough. 

The majority of the students are studying A Levels and have chosen Rochdale as a second home for the next two years until they complete their courses. Most of the students come from China with the exception of a few, such as Jean David Uppiah who has travelled to study in Rochdale from Mauritius.  

The students were delighted to meet the Mayor and Mayoress over tea and cakes and asked them lots of questions about their impressive jewelled chains before being whisked off for a tour of the Town Hall.   

The Mayoress took the opportunity to ask the students a favour – to translate a document given to her during the Beijing Football Association’s visit to the town last month, during which sporting links were made with Hopwood Hall. The students examined the bamboo scroll with a magnifying glass and were able to explain its ancient origins that documented Chinese history through the ages.  

Student Jean David Uppiah said: “It was an honour to have my photograph taken with the Mayor, my family back at home will be so impressed when they see it.”

Yvonne Farrand, Hopwood Hall’s International Business Officer, said: “We are delighted that our students have been given such a warm reception again this year. The Town Hall is always a great place to visit and the students really showed an interest in our local history and the architecture of the building. By choosing to come and study in Rochdale the students are investing in our town and we are pleased that local people are being so hospitable.”