Should we forget 2010?

Ken Davies MBE shows off his medal outside Buckingham Palace

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The last 12 months have been filled with highs and lows for the people of Rochdale.

The year began with adverse weather conditions which saw the Council berated for their poor handling of the snow.

Along with the cold weather the recession continued to bite.

Rochdale Infirmary’s A&E department was closed to ambulances at night and the Magistrates Court is also due to close.

Rochdale’s famous former MP Cyril Smith passed away.

Eight Liberal Democrat Councillors resigned from the party and seven formed a new Independent group.

Gordon Brown was heard calling Rochdale Grandma, Gillian Duffy, a “bigot.”

Protests took place about the Council’s saving plans.

There was controversy over the Lenny Barn land exchange.

Rochdale caught the eye of the nation press after squat toilets were installed in the Exchange Shopping Centre.

Following a year of monumental downs, is 2010 a year we should forget?

Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild, has taken a look at the highlights for Rochdale in 2010 - with the bad of comes the good.

• Rochdale man, Ken Davies, was awarded an MBE for his tireless fundraising efforts over the years.
• The Friends of Hare Hill Park in Littleborough celebrated their 10th anniversary
• Rochdale Online reporter Laura Wild did a sky dive in aid of Springhill Hospice, raising over £800.
• Thousands turned out to watch the promotion winning Rochdale Football Club squad tour from Spotland Stadium to Rochdale Town Hall for a Civic Reception.
• The Feel Good Festival returned to Rochdale and saw many acts perform – including the Lightning Seeds.
• Ellysse Mason was named Rochdale’s most talented in a contest hosted by Rochdale Online. Ellysse, 14, has a very bright future. She has since performed at the Feel Good Festival, the Christmas lights switch on and has been snapped up by a music publisher.
• Young people from across the borough celebrated the best ever set of GCSE results. This year, 51 per cent of students gained the gold standard of five or more A* - C GCSE’s, including English and Maths, compared to 47% in 2009 and 43% in 2008.
• Garry Whitworth, fundraiser for the Gem Appeal was named the Rochdale Man of the Year.
• Former nurse, Sue Ridgard was named Rochdale Woman of the Year.
• Queen’s Park in Heywood was named the nation’s favourite park.
• The Heywood Sports Arena was officially opened by the Duke of Gloucester.
• Guides, Rainbows and Brownies from Rochdale celebrated 100 year of Girl Guiding, with a procession from Oulder Hill School to Rochdale Football Club.
• Free Saturday parking was introduced on all Council owned car parks in a bid to get more shoppers into the town.
• The brand new, state of the art, Rochdale Sixth Form College opened.
• Former 'Blue' star, Simon Webbe, was a huge hit with the crowds when he flicked the switch for the Rochdale Christmas Lights display.

Are you in a rush to forget this year?

Or is it one to remember?