Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman

Date published: 04 February 2019

It was Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday 27 January, marking the 74th anniversary of the Holocaust. For the occasion, I attended various events that took place around Greater Manchester and each one gave me more insight and in-depth information on the Holocaust. Attending these events raised my awareness, as well as awareness in young people, as we remember these important historical events and the millions who were killed, starved and tortured.

I once heard that the secret to happiness in life is to have a heart free from hatred, a mind free from worries and to make your life about loving, living, giving and forgiving. Give generously and forgive sincerely and then you can build a good community.

Week commencing Monday 21 – Sunday 27 January

Tuesday, I had a meeting with Link4Life in the Mayor’s Parlour to discuss the Dippy Project.

Dippy is a Diplodocus dinosaur in London’s Natural History Museum who will be coming to Rochdale’s Number One Riverside from February 2020 to June 2020. During this time, Rochdale council and Link4Life are hoping to organise various activities to involve different communities and schools with the project.

During the meeting, we went through what will be happening whilst Dippy is in Rochdale so we can make sure we are planning well ahead. It looks like it is going to be a very successful exhibition, with local schools having an opportunity to learn more about science, our past and future

It was an interesting meeting and I’m very pleased that the council and the community can be a part of the project. I’m sure the good publicity will put Rochdale back on track.

Wednesday, I had a visit from the Islamic Academy of Rochdale, as 16 girls visited Rochdale Town Hall. This was a follow up from my visit to the academy, where I invited them to have a tour of the Grade I listed building.

It was nice to have a catch up and learn what the students wanted to do in the future; most wanted to go into professional fields of medicine, science and chemistry. They are all working hard at their studies and should be extremely proud. The principal takes keen interest in achieving the best for the students. I wish them all the best for the future and thank you all for visiting the Town Hall.

Thursday, I was invited to a Holocaust Memorial event organised by the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, at Manchester Cathedral. A variety of mayors from across Greater Manchester, police, fire and multi-faith partnership groups were also invited, sending a message of love and how we can all work together.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/125649/greater-manchester-holds-first-cityregion-wide-holocaust-memorial-day-commemoration

Very touching and emotional stories were told by survivors of the Holocaust, bringing the whole room to tears. Everyone felt the strong messages of working together for peace and harmony.

I also went to Falinge Park High School for the Youth Speaks District Heat competition. This is organised by Falinge Park High School and the Rotary Club of Rochdale and I attended last year too as the Deputy Mayor.

So many took part in the speech competition, with six intermediate teams and two senior teams who were all equally excellent. Imam Kazmi and her team from Falinge Park were the winners.

I was very pleased to attend and meet all the teams. They have great enthusiasm to work hard and always achieve. Thank you to John Kay and Ravi Sharma from the Rotary Club for attending, to the assessors and timekeepers for judging and to the teachers and young people who made the event a success and worked hard on the project.

Friday, I attended a music night at Castlemere Community Centre in aid of the Mayor’s Charity. This was a fundraising event organised by the Pakeeza Women’s Group, who have a history of doing amazing work for the community.

The group organised music, a nice meal, a raffle and good networking opportunities for families to come together. It was a well attended night with over 100 people who had a really enjoyable evening. Over £3,000 was raised for the Mayor’s Charity, with all the money going to local good causes.

It is always encouraging to see so many individuals and organisations supporting my charity. A big thank you goes to Razea Shamin MBE for, despite her ill health, made the event possible with her group of volunteers. Thank you also to the community centre for providing the venue and to all those who came to support the musical evening.

Sunday, I was invited to Rochdale Ukrainian Club for a Christmas meal with Rochdale’s MP, Tony Lloyd. Ukrainians traditionally celebrate Christmas in the first week of January and this annual meal is always very well attended with Ukrainian people from Rochdale, Stockport and other boroughs.

A local choir sang beautiful hymns in Ukrainian and Ukrainian music, dancing and songs entertained attendees. A big thank you to Olga Kurtianyk, the chairperson of the Ukrainian Club, the committee members and everyone who volunteered to serve refreshments. It is always a pleasure to visit the club and once again, I want to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.