Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman

Date published: 26 October 2018

October is Black History Month and I have attended many events and activities across Greater Manchester that raise awareness on black history. Remembering the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout the world, I have been taken aback hearing more of their struggles and difficult times faced in the past.

I think it is good for young people to look into the history, learn from it and not forget what the month is all about.

Week commencing Monday 15 – Sunday 21 October

Monday, I had a meeting with Peter Hurley from Limes Housing based in Castleton.

The Limes Housing Supported Living was founded in 2015 and aims to help the most vulnerable people in Rochdale’s society, ranging from individuals who have been subjected to drug and alcohol abuse, as well as those who have found themselves in unfortunate situations and fallen homeless. They are very keen to develop working relationships with the police and social services.

Thank you to Limes Housing for the help and support they continue to provide for the community.

Tuesday, I led the British Citizenship Registrars presentation at the Town Hall Registrar’s Office. This is a monthly ceremony where citizens from many different countries, with different faiths, cultures and backgrounds are officially welcomed to Rochdale. Aileen Bollard, chief registrar, joined me to conduct the formal ceremony.

Receiving British citizenship is a lengthy and expensive process. I always enjoy the ceremony as it makes me happy seeing the citizens smiles of relief once the process is over.

Wednesday, I attended the funeral of Alderman and former Heywood Mayor, Anthony Ryan. Death is imminent, but when someone’s life is fulfilled with huge achievements and their community service speaks for itself - the legacy they leave behind can turn a sad time into a celebration.

I attended the funeral along with ex mayor’s Councillor Peter Rush and Ray Dutton, as well as other councillors. It was a wonderful ceremony, conducted by Father Paul Daly, reflecting on Anthony’s life and his achievements. A large number of residents, family and friends attended the service and it was lovely to see the tributes paid by everyone to the late former mayor.

I had a full council meeting Wednesday evening with a very long agenda, but many members of the public attended which was good to see their interest.

Thursday, I attended Stannycliffe Social Centre in Middleton for Boarshaw Luncheon Club’s launch. This lunch is a weekly event for residents who wish to share information, socialise, tell stories and make new friends whilst participating in a number of activities like bingo. Representatives from the Ring and Ride service attended to give information and show their support.

Big thank you to Councillor Donna Williams and Councillor Susan Smith for attending and assuring your support to the residents. A special thanks also to Lauren Mason who organised the launch. It was nice to see something organised in Middleton where people can meet, eat and have an enjoyable time.

In the evening I watched Popstars The 90’s Musical at Heywood Civic Centre, presented by Heywood Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (HAODS) and produced by Joanne Marshall.

The digital stage set was beautiful and looked fabulous as performers entertained the audience through a variety of 90’s material such as the Spice Girls and Backstreet Boys, plus many more. Performers were aged eight onwards and made their parents very proud as they demonstrated their musical talents with confidence.

Thank you to Keith Greenwood, president of the society, for his hospitality and support for the society.

Friday, I had a meeting with faith leaders from across the borough, and representatives from Rochdale Multi-Faith Partnership, to discuss an Interfaith Conference we are holding at the town hall on Thursday 15 November.

This is being organised to promote interfaith partnership work within Rochdale and to develop sound understanding between different faith groups and communities. I am very grateful to Reverend Mark Coleman, Imam Hassanat of Bilal Mosque, Samara Jabeen from Near Neighbours and Anne from the Multi-Faith Partnership group for their continued support.

I went to Castlemere Community Centre for a stroke awareness evening. This was another event in a series of health seminars, organised by Asian Medical Professionals Support Organisation (AMPSO).

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/123203/successful-session-on-stroke-awareness-at-castlemere-community

A number of professionals delivered talks on strokes and how to reduce the risks of them by having a balanced diet and increasing physical activity. Some of the local residents shared personal stories of fighting strokes and their journeys to recovery.

Friday evening, I was a VIP guest at British artist Rachel Kneebone’s Dance Project in the town hall – a performance organised by Touchstones and Link4Life as part of Rochdale’s Literature and Ideas Festival with choreographer TC Howard. The dance started in the great hall before making it’s way over to Touchstones.

A number of female volunteers from across the borough took part and had been practising for some time. The performance had a beautiful rural theme (my interpretation) demonstrating daily tasks and chores and enjoying life with incorporated dance. It was something special and one of a kind.

Thank you to all involved for an excellent performance, Mark Doyle and the Link4Life team.

Saturday, I joined the Lancashire and Cheshire Woodcarvers at Spotland Methodist Church. The community hall was packed with woodcarvers exhibiting their beautifully finished products and demonstrating live carving skills. I was very impressed with their enthusiasm and the pride they take in their work.

Woodcarving is a talent to admire and I feel that we need to promote this activity more in young people, so they can inherit the skills either as a hobby or profession and keep the activity alive. Thank you to Phil Palmer, Gillian Smith and all the members for their hospitality.

I went to Littleborough with my daughter, Mayoress Naaira Zaman for the Little’PINK’borough window judging. This has been organised by the Three Amigos fundraising group for the last 11 years to raise awareness of cancer and funds for Cancer Research UK.

The event is very popular among local businesses as they take pride in competing for a good cause. Along with councillors Ann Stott and John Taylor and organiser Kath O’Donnell from Three Amigos, we visited a number of businesses and judged the competition. It was a tough decision and I wish we could have chosen more than one winner, but the lucky winner was Reuse Littleborough.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/123212/reuse-littleborough-has-best-littlepinkborough-window-display-for-2018

I applaud all the retailer’s efforts put in to decorate their shops, to me you are all winners.

Sunday, I joined Heywood Rotary Club at Queen’s Park, Heywood to celebrate World Polio Day by planting purple crocuses. Councillor Peter Rush took the lead in planting and was very pleased to see a number of people attend, including young people, despite the cold weather.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/123223/thousands-of-purple-crocuses-planted-in-queen%E2%80%99s-park

I was really pleased to meet Heywood residents who gave their time for this worthy cause; showing solidarity to end polio in the world and working together. I hope to go back when the crocuses are blooming.

Lastly, I attended the licensing ceremony of Reverend Gill Barnett at Christ Church, Healey. The church was filled with guests from as far as Manchester, Bury and Rossendale.

I enjoyed observing the ceremony and witnessing how a reverend becomes formally licensed through Bishops to take on their new role, lead ceremonies at the church and work with local communities. A number of other reverends joined from around the borough, as well as MP Tony Lloyd.

Through a brief speech, Gill showed everyone that she will work in the community to promote peace, harmony, prosperity and unity.