Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman

Date published: 06 July 2018

I would like to start this week’s column by saying I’m not the biggest football fan, but recently I have been hooked. I loved seeing the Rochdale flags at England’s recent games and I’m very hopeful we will win the World Cup. We must keep our fingers crossed.

Week commencing Monday 25 June – Sunday 1 July

I attended a community cohesion project with various primary schools, high schools and Rochdale Sixth Form College at the town hall. This was held to see how young people feel about Rochdale.

The pupils gave presentations on what issues, to their knowledge, they think we have in Rochdale and then gave suggestions on how we can improve them. Some issues raised included cyber bullying, anti-social behaviour, the environment, smoking, drugs and parking in public places.

I was very pleased with this event and the way it was organised to voice opinions. These young people are our future and I thank all who took part.

Wednesday, I attended the Pensioners Association summer lunch. They donated £51 to the Mayor’s charity, of which I am very grateful. It was nice to receive this surprise.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/119986/pensioners-association-summer-lunch

I was invited to Manchester Crown Court for the High Sheriff portrait hanging. I learnt that the word ‘sheriff’ derived from Anglo Saxon’s and that the office of the High Sheriff is ancient, dating back over 1,000 years.

The High Sheriff became a ceremonial figure, like a Mayor, in recent years and this year the role was appointed to Robina Shah. She signed the role of High Sheriff in the presence of a high court judge, other mayors and police officials and is appointed for one year. The Queen always picks who this role will go to.

I attended a flag raising in Middleton to commemorate Armed Forces Day.

I then went to Half Acre House Care Home to visit the residents. This home has a really good rating and is a family run business owned by Anita Lewis. I spoke to a total of 23 residents, most of whom suffer from dementia.

The residents reminisced about ‘good old Rochdale’ as they were presented with materials to help their memory and spoke of how proud they are of the town. They have many nice memories of the past. I loved spending some time here.

Friday morning, I went to St Alban’s House for a celebration of Eid and diversity with Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH). RBH gave a presentation on the work they have done within the community and then I had a tour of the house which has many different departments.

This was a good networking event to find out about other people’s roles and responsibilities, whilst witnessing the high spirits of good team work. It gave me a lot of insight into RBH’s work.

Evening, I attended Thornham Cricket Club's 150th anniversary dinner where I spoke of the Town Hall’s history but later learnt that the cricket club is in fact older.

Players from different leagues across Greater Manchester attended and Dr Kevin Jones was invited as the guest speaker.

It was a nice evening with a raffle and auction of signed shirts to end the night.

I suggested holding a fundraising event for the club as even though it is supported, they still need more players to keep it running.

Saturday was my community Eid celebration in Broadfield Park. We had an excellent turnout of over 1,000 people as we enjoyed the amazing weather. We received over £400 in donations for the Mayor’s charity even though the event wasn’t about fundraising, it was a thank you from me to the community for being so supportive.

The day included bouncy castles, free food, various stalls, children’s rides, Thai boxing demonstrations, Morris dancers from Castleton, singing performances from local young people and Link4Life organised sports activities. I want to thank all of you who helped make the day a success.

I would also like to thank a few others who helped with the day. The event would have been difficult without the help of my team – Richard, Naz and Dorothy – and Imtiaz Ahmed who organised the food. I also thank Sue Taylor who ensured health and safety aspects were covered, Friends of Broadfield Park for allowing us to hold the event there, volunteers from the soup kitchen, Khalid Choudhry who guided people and took pictures and finally my daughter, the Mayoress, for accompanying me.

After this I briefly attended Milnrow Cricket Club to watch a match. It was good weather, so everyone enjoyed it.

Castlemere Banqueting Hall had an Eid celebration in the evening to bring families and residents together. There was Qawali/Sufi music performed by Sha-e Mardan from Sheffield who are very popular in the North West. This was enjoyed by all the local community.

Sunday, Deeplish Community Centre held a meet the Mayor event where community groups and local businesses could communicate. I have always lived in Deeplish so it was nice to spend some time in the area with familiar faces.

Many people came forward who donated funds to the Mayor’s charity and a total of £2,400 was raised. I want to thank all who attended this day and the Deeplish community who continue to pledge your support.

Qawali/Sufi music performed by Sha-e Mardan from Sheffield at the Castlemere Banqueting Hall Eid Celebration