Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman
Date published: 03 September 2018
Stoneyfield Park
Now the school holidays are over, I hope that all the young people are ready to go back to school, or join their new school, and have enjoyed this well-deserved time off. We were lucky to have such a nice Summer in the UK and I hope everyone can now settle back into education.
It was a pleasure to see all the events and activities hosted by various organisations for children throughout these holidays, showing that we are a thriving community willing to help others.
Week commencing Monday 20 August – Sunday 26 August
Monday, I invited 11-year-old Allana Shaw to the Mayor’s Parlour, along with her family, to celebrate her winning England’s National School Boxing Championship title. I presented her with a certificate of recognition.
Allana’s grandfather said it is important to encourage and guide young people to take part in activities where you can explore your natural talents, build confidence and improve skills. She has a huge amount of family and public support and I hope she continues to pursue a career in boxing, alongside her studies.
I thank her family, her coach at Hamer Boxing Club and everyone else who has supported Allana in becoming a champion. Rochdale is very proud.
Tuesday, I was joined by Vivien Carter MBE (chairwoman of the Deputy Lieutenants) at the town hall as I led the British Citizenship Registrars presentation. This is a monthly ceremony in Rochdale, where citizens from many different countries, with different faiths, cultures and backgrounds can officially settle in Rochdale.
The citizens at this ceremony took an oath to remain faithful to the monarchy and pledged loyalty to the UK. I am fascinated each time to learn what these citizens are bringing to the borough in terms of skills and qualifications.
Vivien Carter presented me with a cheque of £500 for the Mayor’s Charities. This donation is made every year for the Mayor’s Charity from the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund.
Wednesday was the official opening of the new Toolstation Distribution Centre, located at Stakehill Industrial Estate in Middleton. I am always glad to see new businesses venturing into Rochdale and improving the town’s economy.
Later I was joined by Mayoress Naaira Zaman at the Town Hall for the Police Constable’s Attestation Ceremony. This was to celebrate new police officers who had recently been recruited by Greater Manchester Police (GMP).
A presentation was given on how the force have been tackling crimes through different operations, and facts and figures were provided to demonstrate how the police prioritise and tackle certain situations.
A total of 80 new officers were sworn in and it is to my understanding that GMP are one of the largest police forces in the UK (outside the Metropolitan Police Service) and are still continuing to recruit. There is such a huge demand for the police force and hopefully these new teams will continue to serve the local communities, reduce crime and protect townships.
Thank you to Wendy Docker from GMP for holding this at the Town Hall and for inviting me along.
Thursday was the launch of Springhill Hospice’s hospital calendar. Unfortunately, I could not make it to this event, but I would like to thank my Deputy, Councillor Billy Sheerin, for filling in at such short notice.
Friday, I was at Broadfield Park for ‘Prince’s in the Park’ to promote the Prince’s Trust Team achievements over the past 12 weeks.
Prince’s Trust is a 12-week programme for young people that provides training through Groundwork Trust and opens new opportunities as attendees boost their confidence and build up self-esteem.
Those who took part gained experience in volunteer work; working with various organisations throughout the borough to really make a difference and unlock their future potential. I hope those who took part continue this work as volunteer work is so valuable and offers so much life experience.
I am really proud the group shared their achievements with me and I wish them all the best for the future. Thank you to the team leader, Mark Pearson, for his commitment to this programme and for always supporting the young people.
Saturday, I attended a Summer Fair at Stoneyfield Park. This event had a good turn out due to the nice weather for all to enjoy.
Thank you to all the organisers, Sohail Ahmed, Mohammed Sheraz, the Link4Life team, the volunteers who attended planning meetings for this in their own time to make it a success and to the stakeholders who came along on the day. A1 TV also provided coverage of this event as well as Rochdale Online, so thank you to both of them.
Sunday, I had no engagements.
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