Events this week in Rochdale

Meet 12.30pm for car sharing or 1.00pm at start.

A moderate 5.5 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.

Littleborough Events and Associations Forum are proud to present Littleborough's very
own Farmers' Market and Seasonal Craft Fair.

The Farmers' Market will take place on Peel Street on the Car Park of the Village Medical Centre.
The Craft Fair will take place inside Littleborough Conservative Club.

Featuring:

• Home-grown vegetables
• Home-made pies and chutneys
• Home-made jams
• Meat
• Cheese
• Cakes
• Flowers
• Jewellery
• Soaps
• Books
• ...and more!

If you are interested in holding a food stall, craft stall or have any other ideas we could implement, please contact us.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, many will be turning their thoughts to romance. But have you got what it takes to wow the love of your life? Whilst not everyone would describe themselves as a romantic, help is at hand for those wanting to write the perfect Valentine’s message in time for the big day!

Would be romance novelists can make a date with a top writer when she pays a visit to Rochdale. Award winning author Sarah Mallory hosts a romance writing workshop at Rochdale Central Library on Tuesday 14 February from 2pm-4pm. She’ll be revealing her secrets and outlining a step by step guide to writing your own romantic adventure.

Sarah writes for Harlequin Mills & Boon and has had a dozen books published, with fans of her writing across the world.

While the focus may be on romance novels, the techniques - including dialogue, characters, tension, pacing and settings - will also be relevant to all forms of popular fiction. The workshop can also be enjoyed by anyone just wanting to come along and have fun, even those with no writing experience.

The event is the latest in a programme of free literary themed events taking place as part of Rochdale Central Library’s ‘Maskew Collection’ series. Last year the council launched the extended ‘Maskew Collection’ – which comprises English literature and Philosophy titles including classic books for adults and children. It’s been made possible thanks to Annie and Frank Maskew, a Rochdale couple who shared a passion for reading and thinking, and originally met in Rochdale library.

Places at the workshop are free, but booking is recommended. Call Suzanne Heslan, Literature Development Officer, on 01706 924933.

Annual General Meeting and report from Yvonne Hardman, Art Gallery Officer on the work of the Gallery at Touchstones Rochdale in 2011. Please note earlier start time of 12.15pm.

For many years the Friends have been helping the Art Gallery to conserve and acquire paintings for the collection.

Talks by invited speakers about art history and craft are held most months with the occasional trip to visit other art collections. No booking required. All welcome.

Runs every second Tuesday of every month.

Littleborough Civic Trust is a voluntary body affiliated to the national Civic Trust. It was established in 1971 and exists to conserve and enhance the environment of Littleborough.

Our activities depend on the interests of members, but include writing books, planting trees and encouraging Local Authority actions.

We meet on the second Tuesday of every month. Meetings are open to anyone, members or not.

Dan Whieldon (Piano) and Gavin Barras (Bass)

The concert commences at 12.45pm and light lunches are served from 12 noon at reasonable prices.

Objects: “To advance the education of women, irrespective of race, creed and party so as to enable them to make the best contribution towards the common good.

To educate such women in the principles of good citizenship. To provide or assist in the provision of facilities for recreation or other leisure time occupation for such women in the interests of social welfare and a view to improving their conditions of life”

The main guild meeting is held on the second Wednesday of the month except August. All meetings are held in the Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough at 7.30pm.

Arts & Crafts - 1st Wednesday in the month
Business - 2nd Wednesday in the month
Miscallany – 3rd Wednesday in the month
Social Studies – 4th Wednesday in the month

Book Sales Table Every Week!

Reggae Reggae Sauce star Levi Roots will be coming to Rochdale in February to share his inspirational story and entrepreneurial skills with high street businesses across the borough.

Levi will be giving his top tips for business success during his keynote speech ‘You Can Get it If You Really Want’ at a high profile event to launch the Rochdale Borough High Street Foundation.

The Foundation will focus on creating new, sustainable high streets for Rochdale - and any business trading on a high street across the borough is invited to be a part of it.

This free event is taking place on Wednesday 15 February between 5.30pm and 8.30pm in the Great Hall at Rochdale Town Hall.

Other high profile speakers include Retail Champion Clare Rayner and Rochdale’s Paul Turner-Mitchell, who was recently named in leading fashion magazine Drapers’ top 100 power list for 2011.

Councillor Peter Williams, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services and Economic Development at Rochdale Borough Council, said high streets up and down the country are realising that change is needed if they are to remain vibrant places where people want to go.

Levi’s success followed a 2007 appearance on popular BBC television show Dragons’ Den where he secured £50,000 investment for a return share of 20 per cent of his company. His Reggae Reggae sauce was sold in Sainsbury’s stores across the country becoming the chain’s fastest ever selling product.

Demand for spaces at the event is expected to be high so early booking is recommended. Businesses interested in taking part should email lucy.pinto@rochdale.gov.uk or call 01706 926641.

Ages 8-15

Children and young people living in Heywood shouldn't get bored this half-term. Heywood Township have teamed up with Link4Life to providing a FREE action packed programme of activities available during the week. The leaflet is available now from local libraries, community centres, leisure centre and local shops. If you want to know what’s going on over the half-term you can’t afford to be without one of these leaflets so pick one up today.

The programme has been co-ordinated by Link4Life and sponsored by Heywood Township. Local organisations and groups have all helped to put together a fantastic programme of activities for children and young people.

Julie Durrant, Community Sports Development Officer from Link4Life who has helped co-ordinate the week long programme says ‘There is something for everyone this half-term in the Heywood area from archery, dance, mountain biking, handball, basketball, tennis to football, cricket, karate and even FREE swimming and an outdoor climbing wall – plus lots more.

Keeping children entertained during the holiday period is really difficult and can also be very costly. All activities as part of the Heywood Festival of Sport Programme are completely free so everyone can take part.

There is nothing like this in any other township across the borough so Heywood residents should have a great half-term.

To get hold of a copy of the leaflet and programme for the week pop into the local library or leisure centre, or download a copy from the links, or call Julie Durrant on 01706 926201.