Mayor visits Wardle Academy in celebration of Youth Band achievements

The new Mayor of Rochdale, Mohammed Zaman, attended his first official engagement as Mayor on Thursday (17 May) at Wardle Academy to celebrate the Youth Band's achievements throughout the year.

Just two weeks after becoming national champions, Wardle Academy Youth Band became European Brass Band Champions having won the 2018 European Brass Band Championships.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/118712/wardle-academy-youth-band-win-the-european-youth-championships

Mayor Zaman was welcomed by the head teacher, Carole Fisher, and the chairperson of governors and members of staff.

Mayor Zaman said: “It was an honour and privilege for me to attend this event.

“I watched their remarkable European championship performance on screen, which they won in addition to the national championships.

“It is great to see young people doing well in all fields of their life including music, which brings people together. It is a great success story.

“I congratulate them on this achievement and in raising Rochdale’s profile. They are a strong team of young musicians, committed to working hard and I wish them all the best for their forthcoming performance in Switzerland.

“I also want to send congratulations to the music teacher and conductor of the band, Lee Rigg, who does an incredible job at the school. He should be very proud.

“I will always remember this event as my first official engagement as Mayor. It was a very special moment for me.”

Carole Fisher said: “We were extremely privileged that we could celebrate the music department's success with the newly elected Mayor, Mohammed Zaman.

“Our students thoroughly enjoyed the evening and we would like to say a massive thank you to Mayor Zaman and all of our guests for attending.”

The European Brass Band Championships were held this year in Utrecht, Netherlands, where the band performed against several other youth bands from around Europe.

Next year, the band will represent England at the European Championships to be held in Montreux, Switzerland.

Mayor Zaman was sworn in at a ceremony held at Rochdale Town Hall on Tuesday (15 May):

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/118854/mayor-making-ceremony-2018-mohammed-zaman-is-the-new-mayor-of-rochdale