Family fun day packs out Stoneyfield Park

Hundreds of families turned out for a fun-packed day at Stoneyfield Park on Saturday (25 August).

Mayor Mohammed Zaman opened the Deeplish Community Centre event welcoming everyone, along with Councillors Janet Emsley and Daalat Ali.

Children enjoyed face painting, henna paint, bouncy castle, circus and sporting activities, and bungee jumps whilst a variety of local stalls could be perused by parents.

Local activist, Dr Shakoor MBE performed cultural songs with children.

He said: “This is one of the best organised events which everyone can enjoy with peace of mind, knowing it is looked after by staff and volunteers

“My children enjoyed activities.”

Greater Manchester Police officers, cadets and officers also organised activities with children such as sitting in police cars, wearing police uniforms and hats. They also recruited and provided opportunity for volunteers to become cadets and a range of police force roles as volunteers.

Rochdale Council recycling team and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service were present to provide support and information, and Rochdale Football Club were on hand supporting activities.

A Kabadi match – a popualr cultural sport – took place. Organised by teams from Rochdale and Manchester, the match was won by Rochdale Kabadi Team. 

Spectators and participants enjoyed the sport and all players were welcomed and congratulated by the Mayor Zaman.

Jean Hall, a local resident and park neighbour,  said: “I enjoyed Dhool (drum) and its interesting sound and how it has been performed. We need positive activities like this more often to reduce anti-social behaviour in this park.”

Volunteer Nasrine Akhtar said: “This was an absolutely safe and peaceful event organised where everyone enjoyed being part of the fun. This was exactly what we wanted to see in Stoneyfield.”

Sohail Ahmad, operations Manager from Deeplish Community Centre, said: “We continue to encourage children and young people to participate in positive activities, and our aim is to promote a safer and cleaner park with more facilities for local residents, children and young people.

“The event organiser committee and Friends of Stoneyfield would like to say a big thank you to all organisations, individuals and teams for their participation and for being part of this family fun day.”

The family fun day was supported by Rochdale Township and Link4Life.