Mayor Mohammed Zaman's column

Over the past few weeks, I have attended a number of events and met with so many people from different faiths and cultural backgrounds. It is nice to see that so much good work is going on in Rochdale. People maintain mutual respect, appreciate and celebrate their achievements and contributions to promote a stronger and healthier community network.

On Saturday (26 May) I was invited to a cricket match and family fun day. This was a charity event organised by Neil Ashworth and Duncan Hannant at Milnrow Cricket Club to raise funds for the RKT Trust charity.

The event was packed with families, having a good time with fun activities that included rides, a variety of stalls which sold things like food and plants and there was a raffle. There was also a low fly pass over by a Royal Navy jet, three times, over the cricket ground.

Sunday, I attended the Taste of Ramadhan event, organised by Madina Masjid. The purpose was to bring people together, develop greater understanding between multi-faith communities and encourage networking. A group of young people gave a short presentation on Ramadhan and president of the UK Islamic Mission, Sikander Mirza, Tony Lloyd MP and councillors attended.

Iftar and prayers were observed by visitors, followed by a nice iftar meal that was enjoyed by everyone.

On Tuesday (29 May) I was invited to an open day at Kingsway Practice to raise money for Springhill Hospice. Some of the professionals, like Dr. Yaser Javed, were available to check blood pressure, give advice on diabetes and offer good tips on health and wellbeing.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/119383/

Wednesday, whilst I was in London to attend the Queen’s garden party, I was invited along with the Mayor of Oldham to visit the Islamic Cultural Centre in Regent’s Park where we had a tour of the mosque and exhibition centre.

There was a large marquee in the yard of the central mosque, which gives out hundreds of iftar meal packs to poor people throughout Ramadhan, regardless of their faith and cultural background, where we had a delicious meal.

On Thursday, I attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with the Mayoress. I met with councillor Peter Winkler and his wife at the party and understand that Councillor Janet Emsley and her husband attended the garden party as well.

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On Friday (1 June) I was invited to the Community Volunteer Festival as part of volunteer’s week celebrations. This event, organised by Link4Life, was attended by hundreds of people.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/119316/

Friday evening, I turned on the Eid lights along Milkstone Road, which usually happens at the start of Ramadan but was late this year. Only a few people from the area joined us as the weather wasn’t the best, but I was accompanied by the leader of the council, Councillor Allen Brett. It is good to have these lights as it’s something the people within the community can identify with.

Saturday, I went to Rochdale Thai Boxing Club for a Thai Boxing Iftar. Over 100 students and parents came to see what fasting is and why we do it. The club was spoken highly of with parents saying it helps to keep their children off the streets whilst boosting their self-confidence and self-esteem as they interact with other young people. It provides good community cohesion.

Sunday (3 June) I attended the one-year celebration of the 2k circuit run at Queen’s Park in Heywood. Councillors from Norden and Bamford also attended to celebrate this milestone. This was a good event for young people to recognise the important of maintaining their health and staying in shape.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/119404/

Monday (4 June) morning, I went to St John’s RC Primary School (where a total of 23 different languages are spoken) for the official opening of their new athletic track. I was privileged and honoured to cut the ribbon as the children couldn’t contain their excitement. It was a nice experience to see their smiles and display true diversity as they spoke in different languages. It proved good multi-faith as they teach one another and provide an understanding of other faiths.

Tuesday evening, I joined the Rochdale, Oldham and District Samaritans annual general meeting with the Mayoress of Whitworh, Janet Neal. I learnt that there are 61 volunteers in Rochdale and that they are launching a new listening scheme in prisons, where you go to talk and listen to people’s troubles and issues. The director gave a report on the Samaritans next focus, which is eliminating emotional distress and suicidal feelings/behaviour. They have specialist workers who have professional skills to help these people and advise them and I praise them for saving lives every day by getting people back on their feet and really making a difference.

Wednesday (6 June) I went to the Monastery, Manchester with other Mayors and Mayoresses in Greater Manchester. This was an information event about the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, where community leaders were asked to think of any unsung heroes that complete good work within their community and deserve recognition.

I then went to the soup kitchen where volunteers feed over 100 people. I wanted to thank the volunteers for providing their service, especially during Ramadan when you need strong will to serve. I also want to thank the dentist who volunteered to attend and gave free check-ups.

In the evening I had a short slot on Crescent Radio about Eid and the Mayor’s Charity Appeal. I mentioned all six of my charities and why I chose them. I want to thank all the volunteers who stood outside Worldwide Cash and Carry with buckets and collected £500 in just one hour.

Wednesday was very busy – after the radio slot I went to Castlemere Community Centre with my wife and other relatives as Rochdale Council of Mosques held an Iftar. There was a presentation on Islam and Ramadan, which was very brief and to the point which most people liked! We then gave blessings on giving more to charity this month; during Ramadan we give 2.5% of savings and millions of pounds are given to charities from Muslim organisations during this month alone.

I enjoyed this event as over 300 people attended to from the area observe fast breaking and prayers. I want to say a big thank you to the Chairman of Rochdale Council of Mosques, Tahir Mahmood, and Hafiz Malik, the manager at Castlemere Community Centre.

Thursday morning, I enjoyed the veterans breakfast in the Town Hall. I went around all the tables to speak to the veterans about their experiences, which they happily shared. It was nice to talk about one another’s memories and where they had been in the world.

We then travelled to Shawclough Primary School for a war veterans memorial service and plaque unveiling. 120 children came into the assembly hall and sang a beautiful song about diversity – it was a very emotional performance and I would love for them to sing in the town hall. I send thanks to the music who prepared them very well.

We then moved on to Mountside Care Home where names of veterans who stayed at the care home but are sadly no longer with us were read out, followed by prayers and a remembrance service. We unveiled plaques at the care home to remember the veterans and unveiled a remembrance bench designed with red poppies.

This was a special unveiling for me as I think it is very important to remember the roles and services of veterans as they saved our future.

Thursday evening I went to Rochdale Connections Trust on Drake Street for a volunteer’s week celebration. Around 60 people attended as we said thanks to all the volunteers. The organisation is extremely good at dealing with people’s drug issues, helping young people decide on their future and offer counselling for people to deal with domestic violence issues. The volunteers here really get to the root of people’s problems by working together. They really are like a big family and work hard for the people of Rochdale.

Friday (8 June) I had no engagements.

I would like to encourage people to email the mayoral office (not my personal contact details) if they would like me to attend any future events. I would love to attend all events that are sent to me but by emailing the mayor’s office we can more efficiently arrange transportation to events.

The mayoral office email is mayoral@rochdale.gov.uk