Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman

Date published: 17 September 2018

Week commencing Monday 3 to Sunday 10 September

Monday, there was a flag raising at the town hall for Merchant Navy Day. This is held every year on the 3 September to honour the men and women who fought in the World Wars, and to raise awareness of the British Merchant Navy.

With the slogan ‘Fly the Red Ensign for Merchant Navy Day’, the red ensign was raised at the town hall and at 800 different locations in the UK. This was organised on behalf of Seafarers UK and Rochdale Borough Council are now on Seafarers ‘Roll of Honour’ for flying the flag.

This was something new for me, so I enjoyed it. It shed more light on the history of the war and how our forefathers traded with other countries during this time to survive.

After the flag raise, I visited Hamer Boxing Club for a tour of the gym. Over 50 young people attended along with their families and trainers. I witnessed groups in action as they practised in the boxing ring, demonstrating their confidence and how boxing has pushed their self-esteem through defence skills.

It was nice to learn of the club’s history and how long some people have been involved. Members have put in hard work for many decades and pictures in the building displayed boxing champions from the past, as well as the most recent 11-year-old Allana Shaw, who spoke of her achievements as England’s National School Boxing Champion.

Thank you to the club for inviting me.

Tuesday was the funeral of the former Mayor of Rochdale, Norman Angus.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/122/notices/121697/obituary-former-mayor-of-rochdale-norman-angus

I gathered with council officers, ex mayors and other residents outside the town hall as his funeral cortege passed. There were around 50 people in total who either knew Norman or just wanted to pay their respects.

We had a moment of silence to remember him and the work he accomplished within the community over many years. I am glad I could be a part of this tribute – I believe Norman has left a great legacy behind.

I went to The Branches Christian Fellowship (Smallbridge Methodist Church) for a Health and Wellbeing Drop In, organised by Diabetes UK. I am happy to see that people are always trying to help others through voluntary sessions like this.

The day included stalls and demonstrations from Healthwatch Rochdale, Community Connectors, Living Well Health Trainers, HMR Circle, Link4Life, Research for the Future and Rochdale and District Disability Action Group. A number of people from the neighbourhood gathered to monitor their blood pressure and have health checks whilst they learnt how to best look after their bodies.

Henry Gerber received an award for his commitment to volunteer work with Diabetes UK.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/138/community-news/122019/inspirational-littleborough-volunteer-receives-award-from-diabetes-uk

Health and wellbeing are important to us all and I think we need to promote more healthier lifestyles and healthier diets in young people especially. There are a variety of community groups in Rochdale who can provide advice to those who are interested.

Tuesday evening, I went to the Bielefeld Dinner at the town hall. Bielefeld is Rochdale’s twin town in northern Germany.

This link was created over 50 years ago in an attempt to heal the mistrust between the two nations after the World War. The groups visit each other in alternate years through exchange programmes and when German visitors come to Rochdale, the aim is to show them more of England, Rochdale’s heritage and our hospitality.

This dinner was organised alongside the Friends of Rochdale Town Hall, which nearly 100 people attended to socialise with the visitors. A message from the Mayor of Bielefeld stated how proud he is of our friendship and the work that we take out together to learn from each other and help one another’s communities.

We discussed how we can promote the relationship in the future as most people involved now are senior citizens. We need to encourage young people to take this link forward, so we can continue the friendship.

Thank you to Harold Wright who organised the German’s visit. I hope they enjoyed their time here and I look forward to welcoming more visitors in future.

Wednesday, Deputy Mayor councillor Billy Sheerin took over my duties as he went to Middleton to view the complete restoration of Long Street Methodist School.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/121911/top-marks-as-renovation-of-historic-middleton-school-is-completed

Thank you to Billy for always filling in for me in my absence.

Thursday, I had a meeting with the Sahiwal Working Party in the Mayor’s Parlour. This is a monthly meeting to maintain Rochdale’s community link with Sahiwal, which began in 1993.

Since this date there has been exchange visits and lots of work carried out in Sahiwal by people of Rochdale to alleviate poverty and make education better. From these meetings, we have concluded that we want to get more people involved and keep the link alive, so we can continue to help others and benefit communities.

Saturday, I attended the Parachute Regiment Summer Ball at Rochdale Cricket Club with my consort, Mohammed Sheraz. This was a very well attended event, with Sir David Trippier as the guest speaker and entertainment from a live band and a raffle.

The association was formed after World War II when fusiliers would arrange regular meetings to stay in touch. It was nice to see these survivors enjoying one another’s company and keeping the fusiliers together.

Thanks to Brian Lamb, President of the Regiment, Ian Kilgannon and Terry Bowdell for inviting me and for donating £150 to the Mayor’s Charity fund. It was a nice surprise and I always appreciate peoples help.

Friday and Sunday, I had no engagements.