Record breaking numbers make their way to community fun day

Over 2,000 people flooded to Hopwood Hall College's 2019 community fun day on Saturday (18 May), a free event held for the surrounding and wider communities in aid of Springhill Hospice.

Families and friends from across Greater Manchester enjoyed the college's course-themed activities, including painting and construction activities in the college's technology centre, creating slime in the science labs, sports day at the Hopwood Sports Arena, sensory play with the childcare department and meeting the hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, insects, birds and fish – particularly the famous meerkats.

From public donations and fundraising activities, almost £800 was raised for Springhill Hospice.

Local organisations also contributed to the event with Link4Life, Rochdale Borough Council, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Valentines Vets and Blue Cross holding activities for attendees. There was even an appearance from one of Rochdale's newest businesses, Alternate States, a virtual reality gaming company with an experience centre in Castleton.

 

 

Jake Webster, from Blackley, said of the event: “My family have had a great day. We never knew how much was at the College, the facilities are really impressive and there’s so much that school kids could learn by coming here.

"It’s great that they have put on this huge event for free, as it means so many people in the community have access to a really good day out that is close by.”

The college’s principal & CEO, Julia Heap, echoed the attendees joy regarding the day: “What can I say, what a fantastic day. It’s been a wonderful showcase of our college, facilities, curriculum, staff and community.

“It’s been such a great feeling to hear young people say they want to join the college after experiencing the campus, our students and staff. I’d like to thank everybody that came; I hope we see you again next year.”