Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman
Date published: 16 November 2018
Mayor Mohammed Zaman at Rochdale Remembrance Sunday 2018
A huge thank you to the people of Rochdale for attending the various Remembrance Day services held throughout the borough on Sunday. I was glad to see residents from all townships turn up despite the bad weather, showing we care about the sacrifices our heroes made.
Thank you to all representatives from the armed forces for attending and making the day special for all of us.
Week commencing Monday 5 November – Sunday 11 November
Monday, I visited Heywood Court Care Home to see their ‘Chicken Project’. Loneliness and isolation effects everyone, but it can have a serious effect on the health and wellbeing of elderly people.
I visited the project to witness the residents spending time with the chickens, feeding and holding them in the care home garden. Crossroads Together initially thought of the idea to make sure the residents in homes are kept busy and involved in something.
Thank you to Neelum Mehmood, the Carers Locality Lead at Crossroads Together, and the rest of the Crossroads team for keeping our senior citizens engaged and helping their health and wellbeing.
I had a photoshoot with the Rochdale Ale Trail group at the town hall. The Ale Trail 2018 will replace Rochdale Beer Festival and sees eight venues in the town centre serving over 100 ales and ciders throughout the 15, 16 and 17 November.
Thank you to Paul Ambrose, the town centre manager, for organising this event.
In the evening, the ex-Mayor’s dinner was hosted in one of the reception rooms at the town hall. This dinner is organised by an ex-mayor every year, who invites other fellow ex-mayors to join them and catch up over a meal and drinks. Over 26 ex-mayors and mayoresses attended the delicious dinner this year.
Thanks to all who attended, it was wonderful to connect, network and learn something from the ex-mayors. I hope we all keep in touch with one another.
On Wednesday, I attended Rochdale Lifeboat Guild’s coffee morning. The guild is an active group who organise regular coffee mornings and other fundraising events.
The coffee morning was well attended and provided an opportunity for previous members, current members and their family and friends to celebrate the centenary of WWI, whilst paying tribute to those who saved lives at sea during the war.
Thanks to Christine Clough, secretary of Rochdale Ladies Lifeboat Guild, and all the members and volunteers who support the group.
On Thursday, a special service was organised by town centre chaplain, Margaret Smith, for schools in the borough to come together and pay tribute as we continued to remember the soldiers who gave their lives for our future.
It is always good to raise awareness and educate young people as we involve them in learning of the sacrifices made during the war battles. Thank you to Margaret and all the schools who attended this event.
I went to Queen Elizabeth Hall with the Mayor of Oldham, councillor Javid Iqbal, for Oldham Hulme Grammar School’s annual speech night. This night celebrates the achievements of the students, as parents and teachers appreciate their strenuous efforts to do their best. The hall was packed with attendees as we enjoyed a band performance before a presentation of awards.
The guest of honour this year was Mr Craig Dean, Chief Executive of Web Applications UK and ex-student of the school. He spoke of his successful journey and shared his learning experience; motivating the students to continue to achieve.
Thank you to the principal of Oldham Hulme and the team of staff for inviting me to this inspirational event. It was a learning experience and I have definitely picked up some useful tips on discipline and management.
On Friday, I was invited to Oulder Hill Community School for a memorial service and the unveiling of their WWI map display.
The map that the students created commemorated the soldiers from Rochdale who fought in the war and is a wonderful way of remembering those local heroes that live in our hearts. They will always be remembered for everything they did for their community and country.
A copy of this map is currently on display at Rochdale Town Hall.
Friday night saw the return of the annual Rochdale Business Awards as the town hall was packed with local businesses, joining together in smart attire.
The night provided me with the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and businesses. We reflected on Rochdale’s success as the business community continues to improve and support the local economy.
Huge thanks to RDA, Rochdale Council, local businesses who attended and the award sponsors for making this such an exciting event. Congratulations to all the finalists and winners.
Saturday, I was invited to South Manchester Synagogue for their annual Civic and Remembrance Service, along with other mayors and dignitaries from across Greater Manchester.
Rabbi Dovid and President Alan Berg provided us with the opportunity to share our backgrounds with one another and join in solidarity. The service was conducted in both Hebrew and English.
The event offered community cohesion, respect for all and the freedom to practise faiths and lifestyles whilst paying respects to those who fought for our country. It was a fine example of bringing faiths together and remembering our past in order to create a future. I was glad I could be a part of it. Thanks to all at the synagogue for the invitation and hospitality.
I went to St Andrews Church in Littleborough for ‘Conflict and Consequences – A journey through WWI’. This was a presentation on WWI that incorporated drama, a choir, film, poetry and speeches to run alongside the slides.
Those who attended very much enjoyed the presentation as they learnt more of the war and the consequences faced after the armistice. Thank you to Robin Parker, Ann Jones and all members of the Multi-Faith Partnership who took part and supported the event.
Saturday evening, I went to Middleton Arena to see the production of ‘The Doctor and The Lord of Time’ by Kids Praise Theatre Workshop. A number of young people took part in this show which involved singing, dancing and acting to reflect on different life scenarios and how they affect people.
I went backstage to meet all those involved and witnessed the groups teamwork as they all made extra efforts to help one another and show off their talents. The group are very enthusiastic, and I appreciate them taking their time to invite me.
John Ronan, the team co-ordinator, said: “On behalf of the Kids Praise Theatre Workshop I would like to offer our most sincere thanks to the Mayor for his attendance at our production.
“Our children were pleased to learn that Councillor Zaman enjoyed the production and were most grateful for the praise he offered to them for their efforts on the night during a backstage greeting.”
Thank you to John, the parents and all those that took part to make this a success. I hope you go far in your future ventures and continue to develop your talents.
Sunday, I, along with Mayoress Naaira Zaman, Deputy Mayor Billy Sheerin and other dignitaries attended various remembrance services held across the borough. All services had an amazing turn out in Rochdale.
The Rochdale remembrance day began with a remembrance service for African soldiers outside of the town hall where there is a plaque to commemorate these soldiers. I laid a wreath to honour their memory.
The main service followed at the cenotaph where many wreaths were laid, prayers were said by reverends and town centre chaplain, Margaret Smith conducted hymns. We gathered in the town hall later for refreshments after a touching ceremony.
I also attended the remembrance service at Wardle Memorial in the afternoon.
Again, the service had a very good turnout with young people leading the parade to the cenotaph, where prayers were said, and wreaths were laid. Rochdale MP Tony Lloyd and local councillors also joined me. Thank you to everyone for all that they did to pay respect to the heroes of the war and for making this day as commemorative and as special as it could be.
In the evening, a beacon was lit on Gracie Island by Andrew Harrison, Chairman of Rochdale branch of The Royal British Legion.
Margaret Smith conducted a brief service and councillor Janet Emsley said a few words. This was a moving ceremony to end the day with.
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