Rochdale Council of Mosques annual dinner

Rochdale Council of Mosques annual dinner
Mohammed Iqbal with Simon-Danczuk after collecting his award for voluntary services to the bereaved

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Members from the Rochdale Council of Mosques and distinguished guests came together in Rochdale Town Hall this evening (Friday 30 January) for the council’s annual dinner and awards evening.

Guests included Deputy Mayor and Mayoress Councillor Surinder Biant and Councillor Cecile Biant, Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, Heywood and Middleton MP Liz McInnes, Council Leader Richard Farnell and Rochdale Council Chief Executive Steve Rumbelow.

During the evening, awards were given for recognition of voluntary services and services to the community and the Council of Mosques donated £3,600 to Springhill Hospice.

Awards were presented to:

• Mohammed Iqbal for voluntary services to the bereaved.
• Mohammed Sharif for voluntary services.
• Chief Inspector Nadeem Mir for services to the community. 

Guests were also treated to a three-course meal and a presentation about the work of the Council of Mosques.

Speaking about the event, Deputy Mayor Surinder Biant said: “I am pleased to be here amongst people I have known for many years. I am very grateful to the Council of Mosques for all of their work.”

Council Leader, Councillor Richard Farnell was keen to stress that the Rochdale community would not be divided. He said: “There are people out there that want to divide our community and shift blame onto the Muslim community but we won't let that happen. We know there are bad people in all communities and we will not let people divide us.”

Chief Executive of Rochdale Council, Steve Rumeblow added: “It is an honour to have been invited to my first event held by the Council of Mosques. We are committed to creating a Rochdale that is inclusive and is about community cohesion.”

The Rochdale Council of Mosques was set up in 2003 with the vision of developing successful, confident and united Muslims who pursue their aspirations with respect and dignity in order to make valuable contributions to the economic, spiritual and civic life of Rochdale.