Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman

Date published: 28 July 2018

I would like to start by saying congratulations to all the people who have recently graduated and achieved another milestone in their lives. There are so many young people from Rochdale embarking on a new era in their life; I wish them all success and good luck as they continue to invest in their future.

It is now the school holidays and I want to remind people that there are lots of activities happening across the borough, especially in our beautiful parks which we are lucky to have. I hope all children stay safe over the upcoming weeks and go easy on their parents.

Week commencing Monday 16 – Sunday 22 July

Monday
I attended St Andrew’s Church for the Dementia Dekh Bhaal Project Launch.

Dementia can attack anybody at any time and this event was held to raise awareness of the illness whilst offering help and advice. The project especially focuses on South Asian communities where language is also a barrier.

It was good to see this positive initiative launched in Rochdale, both involving and helping local people. I hope it can be successful in offering services to those who need them.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/120784/

I attended a Sahiwal link group meeting at Rochdale Town Hall. The link between Sahiwal, Pakistan and Rochdale was established in 1991, when they became twin towns. Since then, a lot of work has been carried out in Sahiwal thanks to Rochdale and Sahiwal residents have maintained regular interaction with our town, like the Mayor of Sahiwal attending my Mayor Making Ceremony in May.

A report was given on past projects taken out with Sahiwal and we spoke of our willingness to stay connected. I hope we can make this a regular meeting.

Tuesday
I had a meeting with Councillor Susan Smith and charity members from J.E.M's Place in Middleton. This was to discuss publishing Julia McClay’s poetry, who sadly died at the age of 42 after a battle with leukaemia.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/120670/

Julia’s work reflects on daily life, social interactions and the environment and we are aiming for the first poetry book to be published in January 2019.

I want to thank Councillor Susan Smith and Julia’s friends and family who are keen to make this happen and I hope I can make their wishes come true. There is something for all of us to learn in her poetry.

I attended Home Instead’s Coffee Rockers event at Horse Carrs, Rochdale.

This was organised by Jackie Howarth, staff coordinator of Home Instead, who provided a venue for the elderly to spend time together, discuss their issues and give feedback on the care they are given. Entertainment was also provided to help them reminisce their past years.

I enjoyed the attendees sharing their stories and happy memories of the past, telling me of the history of Rochdale and how the town has changed since the 1940’s, 50’s and 60’s. I really praise these people who have done a lot for our community over the years.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/120741/

I led the British Citizenship Registrars presentation at the town hall which I have led numerous times now as it is a monthly ceremony. The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Robina Shah, also attended and spoke of her role that is appointed by the Queen.

These citizens venture here from many different countries, all with different faiths, cultures and backgrounds and I am glad to say we have this diversity in Rochdale.

The citizens took an oath to remain faithful to the monarchy and pledged loyalty to the UK. We finished the ceremony with the national anthem.

Wednesday
This was my first time as chairman of a full council meeting. I was very nervous but looked forward to it. I feel it went really well and I will be comfortable in the position of chair from now on.

I want to thank our town chaplains Reverend Mark Coleman and Imam Hassanat who came together to lead prayers and bless the meeting.

Friday
I had afternoon tea with the Samaritans group in the Mayor’s Parlour. I gave the group a tour of the town hall as members spoke of their experiences as Samaritans and informed me of the groups history.

The Rochdale Samaritans are currently providing a listening scheme in prisons and focusing on preventing suicide within the community. They give so much back to the community and I am proud that Rochdale Samaritans are part of a larger network group across the country. Every volunteer does a brilliant job.

I went to Castlemere Community Centre for a health awareness event on the topic of drugs and alcohol. This was organised by the Asian Medical Professional Support Organisation (AMPSO) and was well attended by professional doctors - Dr Sarwar, Dr Rahoja, Dr Maqbool, Dr Babar and Dr Saeed - who discussed the topic and gave an interactive presentation.

The event was aimed at raising general awareness among the Black, Asian, and minority ethnic community who were educated on prevention, effects of drug abuse and alcohol, signs and symptoms and how to tackle and refer addicts to professionals.

I praise and appreciate the work being undertaken by AMPSO.

Weekend
I attended an excellent two-day event at Platt Fields organised by Manchester City Council. Artists from all over the country entertained audiences on two different stages. There was a variety of performances including live music, dances and various exhibitions.

A variety of delicious food stalls, raffles, information stalls and a fun fair occupied the park. Mayors, MPs, MEPs and other dignitaries also attended and enjoyed themselves in the decent weather.

I went to a Qawwali evening and cultural event organised by Pakistan Counsel General at Gorton Monastery, Manchester. The idea of this was to bring faith communities together and nurture their relationships.

The monastery is an excellent venue cherished by Sufi music and was very much appreciated by all in attendance. The popular Qawwali group from Bradford is well known for eloquent singing of Sufi music and songs of praises. The Counsel General of Pakistan, Aftab Qureshi, gave a historical background to this music and its religious perspective and popularity in South Asia.

Special thanks to Gorton Monastery and all at Pakistan Counsel General’s office for inviting me.

Sunday
Was very busy.

First, I attended Middfest - an annual festival organised by Middleton Round Table at Limefields Park, Middleton.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/120704/

On enquiring its historical background, I was told that it has been going on for more than 25 years and gets busier every year. I met a local artist here who donated a beautiful portrait of Middleton Parish Church for the Mayor’s parlour.

I had the honour of officially opening the festival along with MP Liz McInnes and local ward councillors. Thanks to all organisers and volunteers for putting on such an excellent event every year.

I went to Littleborough Rushbearing which was attended by many residents, as Littleborough square was crowded with people of all ages of diverse backgrounds.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/120713/

Rushbearing is traditional event that started back in 10th century. It was revived in Littleborough in 1991 and since then has become a regular event, supported by many local businesses and individuals.

Finally, I went to for their ‘Around the World’ event, organised annually by the Falinge Community Hub.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/120723/

Several food stalls offered food samples from many different countries and a stage was set up for performances, singing and dancing in a talent show. I enjoyed an excellent performance by Footlights.

Donations were collected here for the Mayor’s charities and Tony Lloyd MP and Councillor Janet Emsley visited and appreciated the good work and momentum of volunteers.

Thanks to Tracie at the community hub and her colleagues, who worked very hard to organise this event.