Peace given a chance in Rochdale

Photo: Jan Harwood

Nancy Dell'Olio holds a giant Peace Dove at the cenotaph.

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Rochdale was the only town in the country to officially commemorate United Nations Peace Day yesterday (Sunday 21 September).

Youth and community groups from across the town joined a number of high profile dignatories, which included Colin Parry OBE, whose son died in an IRA bomb attack in Warrington in 1993, and Nancy Dell'Olio, the former squeeze of ex-England football manager Sven Goran Eriksson.

John Farrington, who organised the event, said: "It has been a fantastic day. I'm really tired from organising it all but this has been our best year yet. It is a great thing for Rochdale, to have an entire town recognise this day is excellent. We're hoping to have all 10 Greater Manchester authorities take part next year so we're hoping to spread a message of peace further afield."

The event began with a Peace Parade through Rochdale town centre, with vintage cars, including the DeLorean from Back to the Future, joining children and community group members, who carried giant peace doves through the town.

Hundreds of people then gathered at the cenotaph, opposite the Town Hall, to observe, alongside millions across the globe, a minute's silence to remember those who have died in conflict.

Mr Parry and Ms Dell'Olio presented trophies to the winners of Saturday's 'Kick a ball for Peace' football tournament, which was held at Soccer Village in Milnrow. The winners in the Under-11s were Milnrow Parish, who beat Crossgates in the final. Littleborough beat the Whitworth Wonder Boys in the final of the under-15s section, while Holmes Street MOT defeated Wardle All Stars in the open age competition.

Mr Parry read out the winning poems from a Peace Poem Competition, which had previously been judged by children's Poet Laureate Michael Rosen.

Rochdale's MP Paul Rowen, who joined the Parade, commented on a successful day for the town. He said: "It is great to see the third UN Peace Day celebrations in Rochdale. This is the first time we have had it on a weekend and the weather has been fantastic so I think that has encouraged so many people to take part.

"It is a fantastic day with a serious message and people like Colin Parry have been here to really bring that message home. Now we will be looking for the same again next year."

The MP's sentiments were supported by the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Robin Parker, who said: "It has been an excellent turnout for a day that is all about peace and the community working together. I think it was important that people gathered around the cenotaph to remember people who were victims of wars on a day like this.

"The Parade is on a Monday next year so hopefully we will be able to get more local schools involved."