Weekly Column: Mayor Mohammed Zaman

Date published: 17 January 2019

Our life is a journey as we see so many ups and downs, come across many hurdles, network with others and meet new friends. I can’t believe we have already welcomed another new year, 2018 went very fast for me as Mayor of Rochdale for the last seven months. I once again want to wish all Rochdale Online readers a happy new year and would like to give thanks to everyone who supported me throughout 2018.

I spent the Christmas holidays in Portugal where I met a 105-year-old woman. I was really inspired when I asked her what the secret to her happy long life is… she taught me a strong lesson in just three words: faith, family and friends.

I hope this new year can bring more peace, harmony and prosperity to all those who are part of it.

Week commencing Monday 7 – Sunday 13 January

Monday, I had no engagements.

Tuesday, I had a visit from Marland Hill Community Primary School and Hamer Primary School as 16 pupils and staff joined me in the Mayor’s Parlour. There was a mixed group of young people who came to network and I took them on a tour of the town hall. After the tour, the pupils took part in a Q&A session as we waited to eat.

The children asked me many questions about being the mayor such as how you become a mayor and what does a mayor do. It was interesting to see what they think a mayor’s job is. I was particularly impressed by a young girl who knew all the names of past kings and queens of England and within one minute had told me them all as I tested her.

Thank you to the school staff who accompanied the pupils and to the children for coming along to learn more about the Mayor of Rochdale.

On Wednesday I had a meeting with Steve Taylor, the managing director and chief officer of Bury/Rochdale Care Organisation. I met with Steve to get an update on Rochdale Infirmary over the busy Christmas period, but to also raise issues that are passed on to me by members of the community. A particular issue raised to me recently is the lack of a maternity unit in Rochdale, meaning some people have to travel as far as Ashton to give birth.

Thank you to Steve for always giving me updates and for listening to the issues I pass on. I’m glad we have a good working relationship.

Thursday, I attended the monthly Mayor’s Charity meeting to discuss how we can continue to raise funds for my six charities: Springhill Hospice, Parkinsons UK, British Heart Foundation, Petrus, MoorEnd Trust and Rochdale Community Partnership.

I would like to thank all committee members for their continued support and for regularly attending meetings with new ideas for fundraising. A special thank you goes to Doreen Stott this week who, on her own, collected nearly £1,000 for Parkinsons UK. Thank you also to council leader Allen Brett, who raised over £2,100 for the Mayor’s Charity Appeal by selling Mayor’s quiz books during the Christmas period.

So far in my mayoral year, we have received donations from many organisations and individuals and I truly want to thank everyone who helps these worthy causes. This year, I am looking for local businesses to partner with who would be willing to help me in fundraising.

Friday, I travelled to Ribby Hall Village in Blackpool for the Showmen’s Guild of Great Britain’s annual luncheon. This was a beautiful reception in a beautiful venue with not only Greater Manchester mayors invited, but mayors from Lancashire and Cheshire too with honoured guests. I met businesses who were also from Rochdale. I’m glad we could all come together in one environment to spread a positive message about our town.

Thank you to the organisers for inviting me, I had a really good time, and this was something different.

Saturday, I was invited to Touchstones Rochdale for British artist, Rachel Kneebone’s, expression dance exhibition. This was a follow up event from the original dance performance held in the town hall last year. It was once again beautiful to see the group of ladies who volunteered to take part in the variety of dance acts as the project was drawn to a close.

Thank you to all involved for an excellent performance, the choreographer TC Howard, Mark Doyle and the Link4Life team for putting on and delivering this project.

Evening, I went to Prestwich for a community cohesion event with Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jewish communities all in attendance. Members of Parliament and councillors, imams and priests from different areas also attended as we joined together to celebrate the new year.

We demonstrated togetherness as so many from different backgrounds and faiths were invited to be in one environment, demonstrating and promoting Greater Manchester as a peaceful place to live. Songs of praise were sang, mixed music was provided and different foods were available allowing everyone to enjoy themselves.

Sunday, I had no engagements.