Events this month in Rochdale

Enjoy a short walk through the woodlands of the Roch Valley.

Graded: Easy.

Anne Hegerty, known to millions as “The Governess” from the ITV1 quiz show “The Chase” will be guest hosting a charity quiz in Rochdale next month. “Miss Frosty Knickers” as the host Bradley Walsh often calls her, will be asking questions on Friday 24th February at Rochdale Catholic Club on Ann St.

The fundraising event is on behalf of the Rochdale based JAWS youth theatre, who are in production for Bugsy Malone this spring. “We are really pleased to have Anne joining us on the night” said youth theatre director Richard Rudman, “we have over 50 young people working on this show and costs are rising all the time. It’s great that Anne can find time in her shooting schedule to come and help us out”

The quiz, which is an annual event, brings with it a trophy for the winners along with a prize for each individual member. “We have sold half the tickets over a month in advance and expect it be a sell out. There is always something for everyone in these quiz nights so people should feel free to come and have a good time” concludes Richard.

Tickets are available at £5 per head (with a maximum of 6 in a team) by calling Jennie Greenwood on 01706 342821 or 07891 148137

Pie and pea supper will also be available for £2. Starts 7.30pm Friday 24th February 2012

Top comedian Jason Manford is the latest name to be added to the line up for this year’s Mayor’s Charity Concert at the Middleton Arena next month.

The multi award winning funnyman will be one of the special guests for the show at the arena on Friday 24 February.

A familiar face on television, Jason is known for shows including BBC1’s ‘Would I Lie to You’ and ‘Live at the Apollo.’ He’s also hosted his own ‘Comedy Rocks’ variety show series on ITV1. Renowned for his hilarious observations and friendly delivery, Jason completed a sell-out national tour last year, performing to over half a million fans.

He’s on a line up that also includes Manchester vocalist Cole Page and his 17 piece big band. Cole has wowed audiences throughout Europe performing his trademark swing and big band classics.

More surprise guests are expected to be added to the line up.

The evening is being hosted by the Mayor, Councillor Alan Godson, and Mayoress Gillian Brown to raise money for the Mayor’s charities. These are Middleton Heartline, Springhill Hospice, the MaD Theatre Company and Demesne Digital Mammography Fund. The show starts at 8pm on Friday 24 February. Tickets (£25) are on sale now from the Middleton Arena on 0844 855 4020, or in person from the arena box office and Rochdale Town Hall reception.

All money raised from the event will go to the Mayor’s charities.

After a popular and fun Swimathon in 2011 at Oulder Hill Leisure Complex, we will be holding the event again in 2012 in partnership with Oulder Hill Secondary School and Redwood School to raise money for the NSPCC.

We are holding designated Swimathon days on 21st and 24th February between 6.30pm and 9.00pm in order to raise vital funds for the child related charity.

Participants can choose a challenge to suit their abilities so whether it’s ten length or even 100 why not join in!

Just choose your target and get swimming if you want a challenge why not try swimming the channel at approximately 1408 lengths of Oulder hill Leisure Clubs pool.

Our aim is to raise a total of £5000 for the NSPCC through various on site activities the largest being the Swimathon. Staff, Leisure Club members, teachers and pupils will be joining in and helping gain donations.

By participating in the Oulder Hill Leisure Complex Swimathon 2011 you will be helping the NSPCC raise money for a great cause. The NSPCC was founded in 1884 with a vision to end cruelty to children in the UK. With the help of the NSPCC’s supporters and partners, the NSPCC are getting closer to ending cruelty to children in the UK.

Registration pack and sponsor forms are available from the leisure club reception. Pool entrance fees apply on non designated dates.

£5 pledge to enter

Come along for Afternoon Tea to raise money for Dementia UK... more details to follow

Looking at birds, wildlife.

Pace: Easy ramble.

Returning in February the Steam Weekend features a Transport Collectors Fair alongside the usual bells and whistles of an East Lancashire Railway Steam Gala. With locos including:

71000 “Duke of Gloucester”
44871
49395
80080
And more to be confirmed nearer the time.

The popular Steam Weekend runs in combination with the East Lancashire Railway’s second Transport Collectors Fair, offering a wide range of stalls including collectables, photography, books and vehicle spares. After a very successful first fair in 2011, this year’s Spring show returns to Bury Transport Museum with a focus on models and modelling, so anyone with a collector’s heart is sure to find something.

Special event rover tickets are available, providing unlimited travel.

One Day Rover: Adult: £25 Concessionary: £21 Child: £14 Family: £60
Two Day Rover: Adult: £47 Concessionary: £40 Child: £27

Meet 10.00am for car sharing or 11.00am at start.

A moderate 8 mile walk.

Allow time for parking and getting your walking gear on.

Due to the increased popularity of these walks, car sharing whenever possible would reduce parking congestion. Bring adequate clothing, snack and drink. With respect, no dogs allowed.

The Ramblers’ Association aims to encourage walking, protect rights of way, increase access on foot to uncultivated land and defend the beauty of the countryside. Walking boots and suitable clothing are advised for all walks. Leaders may turn away walkers who are not adequately dressed for the conditions.

For more information contact: David Kay 01706 374633 (or mobile 07944088699) or Maureen Rush 01706 632303.

Primary schools from across the borough have been developing recipes using fairly traded ingredients. You can enjoy the fruits of their labour during Fairtrade Fortnight at special events at Hopwood Hall College. The hospitality and catering students along with Cottons Restaurant will be serving the recipes up on:

Tuesday 28 February 12pm – 2.30pm and 6.30pm – 9.30pm.

Thursday 8 March 2011 – 12pm – 2.30pm and 6.30pm – 9.30pm

To find out more and book your place call the College’s Cottons Restaurant on 01706 345346 (ext 2238).