Norden lights up for Christmas

The Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale and NEEVA Chairman, Peter Winkler turning on the Christmas lights

Families in Norden joined together for the Christmas lights switch on.

The event, organised by Norden Environmental and Economic Village Association (NEEVA) has been deemed a “huge success” after crowds lined Edenfield Road for the lights switch on.

Retailers in the village stayed open for late night shopping, while The Brown Cow and Eden Cafe served up free mulled wine and hot mince pies to the crowds.

Entertainment was courtesy of the Rochdale Salvation Army brass band and carol singers from Norden Community Primary School. Santa even came to visit too, with a grotto at Norden Studio.

The lights were switched on by the Deputy Mayor of Rochdale, and long-standing village Councillor, James Gartside.

NEEVA Chairman, Peter Winkler said: “It is fantastic that so many people come out and support events like this.

“Our community is so important and it is things like this that keep it going from strength to strength.

“It’s down to the support of NEEVA’s members that our light switch-on is possible and I am sure that this annual event will just keep get better.”

The light switch-on also marked the start of NEEVA’s Christmas Toy Appeal. NEEVA are working with the Salvation Army to collect toys and gifts which will be distributed to boys and girls of all ages in the Rochdale borough this year. People are being urged to buy an extra gift this year and take it into one of the local collection points at TipToes Children’s Shoes on Edenfield Road, Norden Post Office, or the SureStart Centres at Norden or Meanwood. Gifts should be new and unwrapped and everything collected in Rochdale will go to families in our borough.

Mr Winkler, said: “It’s good to know that what we are doing will go directly to people in our area who need help. People don’t always realise that so many families need the support right on our doorstep, but over 400 children were given gifts last year and this year the list is expected to be even bigger.”