Remembering Abdul Chowdry

The late Abdul Chowdry

Friends of the late Abdul Chowdry are to donate a tree and park bench for Rochdale Memorial Gardens, opposite the Town Hall. 

Mr Chowdry was killed in a road accident in July last year. The placing of a memorial tree and bench, overlooked by the Magistrates’ Court and beside the International Asbestos Memorial, will reflect major aspects of his civic career.

Mr Chowdry was a long-serving Magistrate in addition to being a town councillor and Health amp; Safety officer for Turner amp; Newall’s Rochdale factory. He later became a national Health and Safety Commissioner and was outspoken on several issues relating to asbestos. In 2005 Mr Chowdry made national news by commenting on the controversial Spodden Valley planning application. He warned the BBC’s You and Yours programme that disturbing the soil for 600 homes on the former asbestos factory site could “unleash a monster”.

In addition to his many roles and duties, Mr Chowdry was a tireless organiser of community projects including those relating to Rochdale’s twin town of Sahiwal.  This close link with Mr Chowdry will also be remembered at the International Asbestos Memorial because Pakistan and other Asian countries are still blighted by asbestos use.

Although Mr Chowdry had been a Labour Councillor, his untimely death was marked by messages of condolence from many politicians of all parties throughout Britain and beyond.  

A remembrance ceremony and tree planting at the Memorial Gardens will be held on Action Mesothelioma Day, Wednesday 27 February at 12 noon. 

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the cost of the tree and bench, please contact Maureen Nicholl:

Email: Maureen.nicholl1@ntlworld.com

Tel: 01706 640124