Freehold Community Group celebrate International Women’s Day

Pat Long with Simon Danczuk presenting Christine Henderson with her award and Mohammed Azhar

Freehold Community Group held their 15th annual celebration of International Women’s Day on Saturday (7 March). Held at Castlemere Banqueting Hall, over 200 people attended the celebration along with local councillors and Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk.

As part of the event, The Freehold Community Group honoured two distinguished women from Freehold; Christine Henderson and Pat Long were awarded with plaques for their community service over the last 25 years.

The event also included a speech from Christine Henderson about the importance of International Women’s Day and its importance to Freehold and the surrounding areas.

Dr Uma Marthi from Castleton health Centre spoke to women about women’s health and the importance of looking after their body and Councillor Sameena Zaheer encouraged women to be more outgoing in the local community and insisted that they should take an active role in all walks of life.

Dean, the DJ for the day provided entertainment throughout the event with topical music. Organisers wanted to showcase some local talent and presented the Freehold
After School Dance Group who gave two performances. Local rappers Dev and PK also performed and were supported by local community members.

Several service providers including RBH, Big Life, Let’s Talk, Mind and Rochdale Council also attended the event along with a number of goods stalls selling cosmetics, gift hampers, cakes, jewellery, clothes and accessories. A young women’s business also attended the event to sell Fair Trade coffee and chocolates.

For the children there was free face painting which many of them were very happy to utilise. The group also provided free refreshments and drinks.

Simon Danczuk MP said: “It is pleasing to know that a local community group has organised International Women’s Day events in Rochdale for the last 15 years. I am
pleased to have seen a large number of women attending and having a good time.”

Councillor Mohammed Zaman said: “This is a wonderful event to highlight the issues of women in Rochdale and around the world. I hope we continue to have more events like this in Rochdale.”

Mohammad Azhar, the Secretary of Freehold Community group said: “Thank you to the hard work of the committee members, staff members, volunteers and thank you to the community for their continued support of the Freehold Community Group.”

Mr Azhar also acknowledged the partnership role of local media outlets and thanked Rochdale Online as well as the Asian Leader and Crescent Radio for their coverage of the event.