Award of Commendation presented to Rochdale Council of Mosques

An Award of Commendation certificate was presented to Rochdale Council of Mosques by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Robina Shah

The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Robina Shah, presented Rochdale Council of Mosques (RCM) with an Award of Commendation yesterday (Monday 8 April).

Presented at Rochdale Town Hall in the Mayor’s Parlour, those in attendance included the Mayor of Rochdale, councillor Mohammed Zaman, council leader Allen Brett, councillor Janet Emsley and representatives from mosques involved with RCM.

Dr Robina Shah said: “This commendation is different to other High Sheriff certificates presented. An Award of Commendation is presented on very few occasions by a High Sheriff.

“They are given to demonstrate excellence in its highest level for those individuals and organisations who have really done a tremendous job for their community. A job in this sense, is that Rochdale Council of Mosques have reached out to people of their own background but extended their work to benefit all residents.

“This award is presented on behalf of Her Majesty, the Queen, in collaboration with the High Sheriff, but also on behalf of the residents to show appreciation for the hard work put in from certain groups.

“The role RCM have in Rochdale is not just for the local community, but for all of humanity and society.”  

Tahir Mahmood, chair of Rochdale Council of Mosques, said: “It is a real pleasure and honour for me to receive this certificate today. It is very rare you get recognised nationally for good work, so this gives us even more motivation to work hard in Rochdale for a positive outcome.”

Mayor Zaman said: “We must always promote, support and show appreciation to local community groups who go the extra mile. I am glad to hear this happy news for the borough.

“Thank you to the High Sheriff for visiting Rochdale today, she has carried out so much incredible work over the last 12 months, and I am honoured that she presented this local award as one of her last engagements.”

Rochdale Council of Mosques was established in 2003 to work with all the communities of Rochdale to promote peace, harmony and unity whilst addressing issues affecting local Muslim people through effective partnership working.