The Mayor's Charity Ball 2011

The Mayor's Charity Ball 2011

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Over two hundred people from across the borough joined the Mayor of Rochdale on Saturday night (14 May) for the annual Mayor’s Charity Ball.

The Mayor, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali, was joined by his wife, Shaheen Akhtar for the occasion.

Guests, including local business owners, Councillors and Mayors from the surrounding boroughs, enjoyed a meal in the Great Hall and were entertained by Johnny Sax. They also took part in a charity auction and raffle.

All the funds raised from the evening, will go to the Mayor's Charities: Rochdale Shopmobility and Parkinson’s UK.

Mayor Ali, said: “It has been a fantastic night. We sold about 230 tickets; it’s not that often you get that kind of support.

“The past year has been brilliant, I have met some brilliant people and wherever I have been I have been welcomed with open arms, which has been great. I think the whole of Rochdale has been behind me.”

The Mayor also thanked everyone involved in arranging the charity ball.

The Deputy Mayor, Councillor Alan Godson simply said: “It is excellent.” Councillor Godson will take over the role as Mayor next week. He said: “I can’t wait.”

Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE, added: “It is wonderful, there are so many nice people here and it is an honour and a privilege to be here.”

Mr Shahzad said he was “proud” to be supporting the Mayor’s charities and through the mosques he hopes to raise money for future Mayors too.

Link4Life Managing Director, Craig McAteer, said the night was “fabulous.” He added: “It is nice to see everyone come together, especially in these times of austerity, to raise money for charity. There is a good mix of people here and it shows the diversity in Rochdale.”

Councillor Jean Ashworth added: “It is really nice; it is nice to put the elections behind us and to come together to represent the borough and to support the charities.”

Councillor Janet Darnbrough, echoed these thoughts, she said: “I am thoroughly enjoying it. It is very good to get all the other Mayors here and it a fantastic place to hold it.”

Councillor Anne Metcalfe added: “There is a very relaxing atmosphere.  Lots of people are chatting to various tables and hopefully it will continue to be an excellent evening, it has been excellent so far.”

The Mayor of Whitworth, David Chorlton, said the night was “fantastic.”

Mayor Chorlton said he had become good friends with Mayor Ali over the past year, he said: “We had planned a get together so it is really nice to come here tonight, especially in such a gorgeous building.”