Rochdale Style Magazine - winter 2022

Dear Readers,

Welcome to our winter edition, This issue is packed with happy news, events and inspirational stories from across the borough.

We're excited to have an exclusive interview with talented actress, Victoria Ekanoye, who features on our cover.

Rochdale mum, Catherine Aspinall, shares some fantastic ideas for family days out this Christmas and winter walks to blow away the cobwebs in the new year.

Brad Gartland offers mental health advice to cope with the rising cost of living, while Richard Lysons delves into local history, looking at the incredible life and work of John Milne.

Steve Cooke has put together a comprehensive guide to what's on in The Arts this season.

There's also a Shop Local Gift Guide, Good Food & Drink section and a festive guide to Rochdale Town Centre.

There's so much happening across the borough this winter. From festive markets and pantomimes, to Christmas postboxes and grottos. You can even 'sail with Santa' on Hollingworth Lake! Plus Street Eat returns to Rochdale Town Centre.

We're proud to sponsor Rochdale Musical Theatre Company's latest production of Grease, 5th-13th May 2023. Tickets go on sale 1st December... get your seats booked for what is set to be another unforgettable show at the iconic Champness Hall.

Please continue to support our borough's fantastic independent businesses by shopping and dining local. Rochdale businesses need your support now more than ever and it's thanks to them that we can bring you Style Magazine every quarter.

Thank you to the local photographers who sent in beautiful images for our "In The Frame" feature. To share pictures and stories just message us on Facebook or Instagram or email features@rochdalestyle.com.

Follow us on social media @rochdalestyle to read lots more happy news. Have a wonderful Christmas!

Ruth Parkinson Editor

Feasting Rochdale Robin by Mick Brierley

View from Brown Wardle - Mark Jolly

style exclusive VICTORIA EKANOYE

Photographer: Michael Shelford

Victoria's career began in the multi-award-winning west end show, The Lion King, and since then she has performed at The Royal Variety Show, The Olivier Awards and The Queen's Diamond Jubilee.

In this interview, Victoria opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis in 2021, her charity work and how she maintains that perfect balance despite a fast paced life...

Style: You're a familiar face to many, but few people will realise that you grew up in Rochdale...

Victoria: Yes, I was born in Bury, then we moved around different parts of Manchester and then to Rochdale. I went to Springhill High School and made some really great friends there. One whose wedding I sang at last year actually! We always had a laugh. I feel like that’s what you’re at school for – or so you think! – then it comes to exams and you realise that’s not the case at all!

Where do you live now?

I live between the UK and France now. It depends on work as to where I’ll be. We live in Villefranche-Sur-Mer which is in between Nice and Monaco. It’s beautiful – I really love it here and I’m really pleased that we get to raise Théo here, but at the same time, we love to go back and visit friends and family in the North. When we’re back in England we’re usually in Rossendale where my mum and sister live.

I almost feel like the South of France is more like the North of England. The people are more laid back, friendly and they’re a little bit more forgiving of my French because I’m still learning. Jonny, my partner, is fluent and has a very sexy accent! He has a great ear for it. Theo is at crèche in France and will naturally be bilingual, so I’m trying my best to learn it quickly - if I don’t Theo and Jonny will be plotting behind my back in French!

Everyone was blown away by your voice on Celebrity X Factor a few years ago – when did you start singing?

Thank you! X Factor was so much fun and everyone was so supportive!

I’ve been singing since I was about 4 and I came into the industry through musical theatre. My very first job was The Lion King in the West End in 2007. I went into it thinking I was just going to sing and then I was handed a script, so I was really thrown in at the deep end. I played Sarabi the Queen and was understudy for Nala.

I did that for two years and then I toured the Blue Brothers around Europe, South America and 22 of the United States which was intense but amazing!

I write music all the time and sing every day with Theo. We have music playing from the minute we wake up. If I’m working away I FaceTime everyday and try to sing to him on the phone!

I’ve recently been recording in the studio with Danny Whitehead of Black Hawks of Panama and our track ‘Nobody But You’ just got signed by Jamie Jones’ label Hot Creations. It’s been a whirlwind, but we’re loving the ride! Pete Tong loves the track and has been blasting it out on Radio, so we’re really pleased with the response and can’t wait to get back in the studio.

What else are you working on at the moment?

I’ve just filmed my very first Christmas movie! It’s called Christmas in Paradise, out on November 28th, starring Kelsey Grammer, Elizabeth Hurley, Billy Ray Cyrus and little old me! It was so much fun to film and a huge turning point for me as an actress.

I’m lucky to have such a great support system. Jonny’s been here in France working so hard, holding the fort while I work away. He’s amazing.

I miss my boys so much when I’m away, but it makes it that much sweeter when we’re back together.

How do you balance motherhood, living in different countries and such a busy career?

We’re really lucky as both of our mum’s, Candy and Susan, are retired and we’re in a beautiful part of the world as well, so it’s nice for them to come and visit us and help look after Théo.

Would you ever return to the cobbles?

Of course! My mum’s been watching Coronation Street since she was 18 and she’s now 60! So when I got the job she was so over the moon, she screamed and cried! She was just so happy.

It really was a massive achievement for me as an actress, especially as a northern actress because it’s such an institution. But at the same time, to be able to do something that mum’s loved and watched for so long and never would’ve dreamt she’d see her daughter in later down the line, was a really big deal for me.

It was probably my first introduction to the British public as an actress really, because the TV show I did before that was four seasons, The Royals, but was aired in America mainly.

Rochdale actress and singer, Victoria Ekanoye, is best known for her role as Angie Appleton in ITV's Coronation Street, and the role of Rachel, Liz Hurley's side-kick and PA, in The Royals. She also wowed audiences on ITV's first ever Celebrity X Factor in 2019.

Photo by Stephen Pharrell

(...continued)

It’s on Netflix now which is great because it means finally people can watch and see all the craziness we get up to on that show!

Coronation Street was a special role for me and I also got to work with Paddy Wallace who played Jude and Patti Clare who plays Mary, both absolute legends. We were always saying we were so lucky to have had Patti as our anchor on the show because she’s just such a brilliant actress and an even more brilliant woman.

What’s been your favourite role so far?

I’d say my favourite character to play has probably been Death In Paradise, Miranda Priestley. It was the complete opposite to anything I’d ever done before, plus I used a Caribbean accent and it was my first job after having Théo.

I found the second lump in my breast whilst I was there on set. I remember having to take myself off to the side and just go “Vic, you have a job to do – you put this in a box, you put it away and go do your

thing.” There was nothing I could do about it right at that moment so I had to compartmentalise and get on with my work.

Your “Bye Bye Boobies” party was an amazing idea and raised much needed funds for Prevent Breast Cancer and Sickle Cell Care Manchester. How did you focus on the fundraising event just before your surgery?

Ultimately, we caught it so early and I’ve had an amazing medical team behind me and the support of all my friends and family. I was breastfeeding when I found this lump and so many women would just assume that it’s down to changes in the breast that obviously happen when you have a baby. Even then, I had to get a third opinion before a diagnosis, so I had to put myself out there to raise awareness and be completely transparent about everything.

As vulnerable as that made me, it felt so worth it when I got such an influx of messages from people – some people that checked their breasts and found a lump that they’d got checked or people that had been worried about a lump for a while

and were finally encouraged to talk to their doctor about it. Many times it turned out to be nothing and they felt they could finally breathe.

So that was my main reason for doing it, as well as trying to raise as much money as I could for Prevent Breast Cancer and Sickle Cell Care Manchester. I’m a patron of both charities and they were both amazing following my diagnosis. My party was 10 days before the full body blood exchange I had to have before the surgery. I didn’t know if I was going to be well enough, fit enough or have the mindset to fundraise after the surgery so I thought I would do it before. I feel really grateful that I was in a position where I could hold the event.

Money is still coming in from that even now, as on the night people signed up to do individual fundraising challenges which is so lovely.

You're an extremely courageous and inspirational woman... who inspires you?

Oh it’s my mum! She raised both my sister and I as a single parent. My mum’s the best - she’s so resilient and just has this really sunny disposition despite everything she’s been through – and she’s been through more than her fair share. She’s such an incredible person. So giving, loving and open…I don’t think she realises how important a role she plays in our lives. She’s a shining star.

What would your advice be to anyone with health concerns?

It’s about taking ownership of your own body and advocating for yourself. You know your body better than anybody. The doctor only knows if you go to them. If you feel that something’s not right, you have to push for yourself.

I think people have a fear of hearing bad news, but all I can say is, I promise there is no circumstance where it’s better to not find out sooner rather than later. It saved my life. God knows what would have happened if I’d have left it.

Even for me, going forwards, breast cancer is now a part of my story and I hope there’s no more to come but I know that if anything is bothering me I’ll be straight in the doctors – we’ve only got one life to live and I have so many people to take care of and love… I intend to stick around to do exactly that.

Ruth Parkinson

Photographer: Michael Shelford

Clinical Fillers & Anti-Wrinkle Treatments in Rochdale

Age catches up with us all, but there’s no reason to let it take you without a fight.

J2 Medical offer a range of non-invasive treatments that can help to reduce the appearance of lines, wrinkles, and other evidence of time’s passing from your facial features.

Their most popular and effective anti-aging treatments are antiwrinkle injections and facial fillers, both of which are available at the Rochdale clinic following appropriate consultation with one of their doctors.

J2 Medical ensure patients are safe and comfortable from the very start. You book your appointment online, then pop into their Rochdale clinic for a consultation with a medical expert and antiwrinkle specialists.

They will discuss what you want from the treatment, explain any potential risks, and draw up a realistic and effective treatment plan. They can book you in for your treatment within days, while the procedure itself will be completed within an hour. Once you have finished the procedure, they will supply you with all the necessary aftercare information and book a follow-up visit.

Anti-Wrinkle Injections

Botox is short for its active ingredient – botulinum toxin – which is injected into the muscles of your face using a very fine and precise needle. Botox causes these muscles to relax, leading to the smoothing out of common facial lines and wrinkles, such as frown lines, laughter lines, and crow’s feet. It is a quick and simple procedure, one that can normally be completed within 15 minutes following a full consultation with a J2 Medical professional.

Dermal Fillers

While Botox relaxes the muscles that cause wrinkles to appear, dermal fillers (also known as face and lip fillers) actually fill in those wrinkles to achieve the same effect. As well as making wrinkles appear less prominent, dermal fillers can also be used to change your features. This is often achieved by giving you fuller lips or more pronounced cheekbones.

The process normally takes around half an hour, though it can be longer depending on the extent of the treatment.

While face fillers and anti-wrinkle injections can be done at a beauty salon or a cosmetic centre, many patients prefer a more clinical setting.

At J2 Medical, all procedures are performed by trained and qualified doctors, not non-medical personnel, so you are assured a professional treatment delivered with skill and precision.

They walk you through all the steps you need to take prior to your treatment to provide the best chance of success, and after the procedure to ensure the treatment goes well.

This includes a full consultation so they can confirm that you have no conditions that might interfere with the treatment or put you at potential risk.

For the very best in facial fillers and anti-wrinkle treatments in the Rochdale area, contact the team at J2 Medical today.

Book a consultation with one of their trained medical professionals online at www.j2medical.co.uk, or call the Rochdale clinic on 0161 531 5415 if you have any concerns or queries about the process.

J2 Medical also provide Nutritional IV therapy packed full of electrolytes, vitamins and minerals that can help you get back to feeling your best; ideal for those recovering from colds, tummy bugs or a hangover, kick starting your diet, boosting sports performance or helping to bolster your immune system... perfect for the winter months. These can also be booked online or by calling the clinic.

J2 Medical 1 St.Chads Court, School Lane, Rochdale OL16 1QU

Free on-site parking and disabled access

Catherine Aspinall, a local mum of two lively children and an equally energetic pug, shares her top family day out ideas. With a love for exploring and the outdoors, Catherine and her family are always out and about, having fun adventures in Rochdale & the North West. Follow on Facebook & Instagram @wherewegoingmummy

FESTIVE FUN...

FESTIVE ICE SKATING

• Littleborough Cricket Club, Denhurst Road, OL15 9LD

Grab your skates, as between Thursday 1st December and Thursday 22nd December there will be a real ice rink down at Littleborough Cricket Club! All the family can join in the festivities as there’s also penguin supports for hire to help the smallest of skaters!

In addition to the ice rink there is also set to be food, drink and market stalls. Tickets start at £12 and can be purchased online at: whatsoccurrinrochdale.co.uk

SAIL TO SANTA’S GROTTO

• Hollingworth Lake Activity Centre, Littleborough, OL15 0DQ

Between Thursday 1st December and Friday 23rd December you have the opportunity to visit Santa in his grotto, arriving by a magical boat! On board the boat you can also write a letter to Santa to then post in his special box.

Sessions last about 20 minutes and include a present for the children and a hot drink for the adults. The cost is £10.50 for children and £5.25 for adults and bookings can be made online at: yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/sail-to-santas-grotto

SANTA’S GROTTO AT TOUCHSTONES

• The Esplanade, Rochdale, OL16 1AQ

From Saturday 17th December until Wednesday 21st December you will find Santa and his cheeky elves at Touchstones. Sessions are about 45 minutes long and include listening to stories told by Santa and getting creative doing Christmas crafts. Children will also receive a gift from the big man himself!

Tickets cost £10.50 (parents or guardians go free) and can be booked hereyourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/santas-grotto

Whilst you are there you could also go and check out the galleries and learn about the history of our town.

SPRINGHILL HOSPICE SANTA DASH

• Queens Park, Heywood, OL10 4UY

On Sunday 11th December at 11am you will find dozens of Santas running, trotting and prancing around Queens Park… and you too could be one of them. You can take all your family and friends (including the dog!) and choose either the 2k or the 4k course.

This is such a fun event and for such a good cause. By joining in the festive fun you can help raise much needed funds for Rochdale’s brilliant Springhill Hospice.

To enter costs £10 for adults and £8 for children and that includes a Santa suit and a medal. Register before the 8th December at: springhill.org.uk/how-you-can-help-us/events/santa-dash

Afterwards why not explore the park, with its castle themed playground, BMX track and duck pond, or just re-fuel with some food in the café!

WINTER WALKS...

BLACKSTONE EDGE

• We park in the car park just below The White House pub (OL15 0LG) • 20 minutes from Rochdale

One of our favourite (and easiest) walks is along the Pennine Way at the top of Blackstone Edge in Littleborough. If you walk past The White House you will find a well-marked path going off to the left. The path is quite stoney but it’s flat and traffic free, so good for bike practice, dog walks and okay for pram pushing (although it's a bit of a bumpy ride).

The path runs for a couple of miles before it becomes less toddler/ wheel friendly as it heads towards the secret beach at Gaddings Dam (so we usually just turn back on ourselves).

The views are amazing... like having climbed a mountain without the effort! And there’s a few nice things to spot, such as a little bridge, writing on rocks and numerous reservoirs. (continued...)

FIREGROUND CHRISTMAS FUN DAY

• Maclure Road, Rochdale, OL11 1DN

Saturday 10th December (between 10-4) head down to the Fireground museum for some festive fun. There will be seasonal stalls, a tombola, an outdoor train ride and FATHER CHRISTMAS himself!

Although entry to the market stalls will be free, there will be a small charge to see Santa (payable on the day) and museum entrance fees will still apply if you want to go and admire all the fire engines, dress up as a firefighter and slide down the pole (which you really should!).

No booking is necessary… just turn up!

WINTER WALKS...

PENDLE SCULPTURE TRAIL

• Barley, Lancashire

• Nearest car park is BB12 9JX, and you must pay for parking

• 40 minutes from Rochdale

The splendid Pendle Sculpture Trail is set within Aitken Wood, next to the Black Moss Reservoirs, and includes a number of pieces of art to commemorate the trial of the Pendle witches.

I’m not sure which sculpture is my favourite, probably the magic tree chair thing with eyes... my daughter’s is definitely the unicorn and my son’s is the wolf!

HARDCASTLE CRAGS

• Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire

• Pay & display car park HX7 7AW (£5 or free for National Trust members)

• Just over half an hour from Rochdale

Hardcastle Crags is so lovely and so much fun for kids and pooches. The trees, the river, the rocks, the endless paths to explore and THE STEPPING STONES! (Just make sure to take wellies and a change of clothes).

On the most recent occasion we walked from the car park down the main path to Gibson Mill and then turned around and followed the path along the left side of the river to get back. It can’t have been that much more than 2 miles, but took us about 4 hours (no exaggeration). The kids definitely preferred the second, more “off-road” section (as proven by their faster speed, fewer fights/moans and increased laughter).

Most of the paths aren’t pram-friendly but the “main drag” from the car park down to Gibson Mill (about 1 mile) is... although will involve an uphill work out on the way back!

Even without the artwork the walk would be lovely, with gorgeous, towering trees and views over the imposing Pendle Hill.

In total the walk is three miles long, and it is easy enough to find using your phone or following the signposts (or even other people!). Although the mile long walk up and down to the entrance of the sculpture trail is pram-able, I would say that you would very much struggle for the rest of it. Similarly, I would not take children’s bikes, as there is a steady incline up to the sculpture trail and a massive, steep “mountain” within it… so you can imagine how that would end.

Instead, the kids could be bribed into walking with the promise of a treat from The Cabin café at the end (in the car park), as they serve up all their favourites, including burgers, chips, cake and ice cream! There are toilets next to the café too.

VALLEY OF STONE GREENWAY

• We parked at Newchurch Road car park (opposite The Rose ‘N’ Bowl, OL13 OUG)

• 20 minutes from Rochdale

This wheel-friendly path once formed part of a railway line which connected Bacup with Bury. Starting from Stacksteads Riverside Park, head west and cross the River Irwell to reach Blackwood Road. At this point you do have to walk up the road, but you soon reach a traffic-free, steep downhill section which the kids may whizz down.

There is then another (very small, very quiet) road cross at Rakehead Lane before onto the best bit - a long, flat(ish) section which culminates in the impressive Glen Tunnels! These two tunnels are so long and so dark that I was seriously freaked out at one point, but the kids LOVED them… cycling through them at 500 miles an hour pretending to be steam trains!

Once you reach the daylight, you are in Waterfoot, next to the Stone Man statue which honours the people who worked in the Rossendale Valley. At this point, having cycled 1.5 miles, we turned back on ourselves.

Rochdale town centre is a thriving hub of shopping outlets, offering well-known brands as well as local independent stores.

This wide variety of shops makes our beautiful town perfect for finding those unique gifts, meaning you can get all your festive shopping sorted in one fell swoop (and support your high street!).

From that tricky-to-buy-for dad to the sister who has everything and great gifts for little ones, the town centre boasts a huge variety of options across fashion, health and beauty, food and drink, lifestyle and much, much more.

After your Christmas shopping list is ticked off, why not treat yourself to a pit stop at one of the town’s tantalising cafes or restaurants? There is something for everyone, to suit every occasion, taste and budget, from rustic wine bars to historic pubs; Indian street food to authentic Italian cuisine; afternoon tea to gin trees!

Shoppers are being encouraged to ‘keep it local’ this Christmas with the help of innovative loyalty app ‘LoyalFree’ which is used to find deals in Rochdale Town Centre and loyalty schemes straight from your smartphone. A compelling incentive, app users can save money when they choose to shop local.

LoyalFree is a free to download app which showcases useful information for locals and visitors including a local guide, exclusive deals and loyalty schemes, fun local events and interesting trails, inlcuding a Christmas trail to test your music knowledge. Head over to the deals section of the LoyalFree app to save money in over 60 of your favourite town centre businesses. Download the app for Android or iOS by searching ‘LoyalFree’ on the app stores.

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 10th December

The Christmas Artisan Market will be at Riverside.

Saturday 10th December

There’s no need to wish for a white Christmas this year, when you can step into a Winter Wonderland in the inflatable snow globe! Large enough to fit up to 8 adults, it’s the perfect setting for a festive photo opportunity for families and friends. With a specially created backdrop, step inside and either take some selfies or have a full snow globe photo taken from outside.

17th until 21st December

Santa is back at Touchstones for children aged 3-11 years. The magical Christmas grotto will feature festive storytelling, fun craft activities and of course a meeting with the big man himself. Book early via to avoid disappointment at yourtix.co.uk. £10 per child.

Saturday 17th December

Street Eat will bring together the town’s food and drink establishments, with delicious food and mulled wine, live entertainment, with appearances from the man himself - Father Christmas. At The Butts.

Christmas Toy Appeal

This year the BID has teamed up with Browns Family Jewellers (116 Yorkshire Street, OL16 1LA) to supports the Christmas Toy Appeal Campaign. The campaign aims to ensure that local children have a gift to wake up to on Christmas Day. If would like to donate a toy (the toy must be new) please drop it off at Browns Family Jewellers.

Santa’s Post Box at the Wheatsheaf Centre

Santa's Post Office is once again reopening at Riverside. A special post box has been installed opposite Nando’s. Parents and children can collect letter-writing kits from Bean (Riverside) to help ensure they get a reply from Father Christmas himself or they can get creative and prepare one themselves. We hope lots of people take the opportunity to write a letter to Father Christmas. Letters are sent via special elf magic!!

@rochdaletowncentre

@RochdaleTown @rochdaletowncentre

This edition we meet meet Rochdale entrepreneur, Ben Boothman, to find out more about The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation - the team behind much loved town centre venues such as The Flying Horse Hotel, The Baum and Bombay Brew...

The Flying Horse Hotel is an iconic, traditional pub residing next to Rochdale's gothic town hall, boasting a huge range of real ales and countless awards to their name, including best pub in Rochdale and Greater Manchester!

Ben commented: "The Flying Horse is our chameleon pub - it has sports, homemade meat and potato pie, real ale, live music. There's various clubs and societies that meet there - it's just a hub of activity. It's a good British village pub - but not in a village!

"I started working there in 1997 as a pot washer and glass collector, by 2001 I was the manager and in 2011 we bought the business. I had my 7th, 16th, 18th 30th and 40th birthday parties at The Flying Horse, I got married at The Flying Horse, all my children's christenings were at The Flying Horse and my mum and dad, aunties & uncles, cousins were all married there! I've celebrated life there. It's more than just a pub. It really is part of my life."

The newly reinvented Baum on Rochdale’s historic Toad Lane is another of Lancashire Hospitality's award winning pubs, once voted best pub in the UK.

Ben said: "The Baum is everything a pub should be but just higher quality. It's traditional pub grub but it's also somewhere you could go on a date or for an anniversary. It's finer wine, local and specialised spirits our sub heading is 'purveyors of excellence' - everything you get in a pub but a little better."

Bombay Brew is the latest offering from Lancashire Hospitality. The street food and craft beer emporium has proved a huge hit with local and visitors alike, with an exciting menu of reinvented Indian classics. It's the only Indian restaurant in the UK in the Good Beer Guide and has been voted one of the Top 50 restaurants in the whole of Manchester and Greater Manchester (Manchester Confidential) several times.

Ben commented: "The first reaction you get from everyone who walks into Bombay is 'this is something you'd find in London or Manchester' - it looks stunning, the food is great and it does some of the best cocktails in Rochdale."

Commenting on Rochdale Town Centre's growing hospitality offering, Ben said: "There's a great mix in Rochdale of national, regional and independent operators in the food and beverage industry. It's quite unique. Once the Town Hall is complete and it looks beautiful, I think we'll outshine places like Stockport and the only place nearby that will be better than Rochdale is Manchester City Centre... Ten years ago, there was just a few big pubs in Rochdale Town Centre - now there's probably three or four nights out you can go on without going to the same place twice!"

After hinting that there's a lot more to look forward to from Lancashire Hospitality in 2023, Ben added: "Lancashire is known for being friendly and good at hospitalitywe've got some great breweries, great food suppliers and great staff - and that's what Lancashire Hospitality is all about really."

Bombay Brew

The thought of creating a Will can be daunting and frightening and according to research, lots of us put it to the very end of our to-do list! But it is so important to get your affairs in place for those you love.

Why not make this New Year the time you finally make or update your Will and find the peace of mind in knowing that should the worst happen, your wishes will be carried out and your loved ones looked after.

Rochdale’s very own Will Lady, Fiona Daly, is on a mission to ensure local people and their families make their Wills & Wishes Legal in 2023.

After launching her client-focused company in February 2021, Fiona's business has grown and thrived and receives consistent 5 star reviews for the quality, friendly, jargon-free service she offers the local community.

Still putting it off? Here Fiona responds to the most common reasons for not making a Will...

1. “I just haven’t got round to doing it yet.”

I completely understand that we all have extremely busy lives and that's why I designed a flexible, unique Will writing service to fit in with your lifestyle. I visit you in your home, on a day and at a time to suit you and we have a chat over a brew. You don’t have to travel to a town or city centre office to see me, worry about finding parking or have the formalities of a solicitor’s office and the restrictive 9-5 Monday to Friday hours.

2. “It’s scary to think about dying.”

I agree. But imagine the consequences if you don’t think about it. If you have young children, who would look after them? What would happen to your house? Your pets? Your car? If you don’t sort these things out now, you leave it for someone else to sort after you die. And they might not make the choices you would have made.

3. “It’s too expensive to make a Will.”

I offer a very affordable service, with fixed costs and no hidden fees. And with that also comes peace of mind!

4. “Everything will just go to my partner anyway.”

Not necessarily. The Law states that your partner will only inherit if you are married or in a civil partnership. It doesn’t matter if you have lived together for years; if you don’t have a Will in place your partner is not automatically entitled to anything. Even if you are married or in a civil partnership your spouse/civil partner may not be entitled to inherit all of your estate if you have not left a Will. Don’t leave things to chance.

5. “I don’t have anything valuable to leave anyone.”

Everybody who is 18 or older should make a Will. They’re not just for the elderly or rich. It’s really important to make one whatever your situation.

Making a Will is not just about who inherits from you, it’s about who looks after your children? Who will sort out closing your bank accounts? And what about the things that are valuable in non-financial ways – perhaps an item that's special to you that you want to see go to a grandchild?

6. “I don’t know where to start.”

You’ve already made the first step by reading this! I'm here to guide you through the rest - step by step. Together, we will make sure you’ve considered everything you need to think about. We'll have a detailed, informal chat about your family, your assets and debts, your intentions and wishes. I explain things in a clear jargon free way, have time to listen and prepare documents that are easy to understand. A witness service is also included.

I have legal qualifications, 20 years experience as a solicitor, I'm a member of the Society of Will Writers and I've got their 'safe to do business with' accreditation, so you're in safe hands.

in 2023 with the expert team at

Celeste Arnold Hair & Beauty

The friendly, expert team at Celeste Arnold Hair & Beauty, based in the heart of Edenfield, would like to invite new and existing clients to visit their two-storey salon this festive season and new year.

Whether you're looking for a style overhaul ready for 2023 or a quick trim, the talented team look forward to welcoming you to the salon.

They have also introduced professional hair repair, colour additive and bond builder, INNOluxe, to the salon, which ensures hair looks and feels better than ever.

Products, including Christmas gift sets, are available to purchase from the salon or direct from their website with free delivery. Christmas gift vouchers are also available.

A festive drinks menu is available throughout December including wine, beer, prosecco and Bailey's hot chocolate or coffee.

Book your free, personalised consultation today.

The relaxed, contemporary salon is home to a fantastic team of professional stylists, colourists, make up artists and beauty therapists, all trained to the highest standards of excellence to ensure you look and feel fabulous after every visit.

On their mission to become more eco-friendly, the salon are now stockists of Austrailian haircare brand O&M - the original pioneers of clean colour technology and ammonia, PPD, resorcinol free haircare.

The team are very excited to welcome the latest addition to the First Floor at Celeste Arnold; Jen at Luna Retreat Holistic Therapies.

Having been a nurse for over 15 years, Jen now works as an Advanced Nurse Practitioner within emergency and acute medicine for the NHS. She has also trained within alternative therapies and works as a holistic therapist providing services to support and enhance wellbeing and lifestyle.

Jen provide consultations and therapies to support your wellbeing including reiki, vitamin injections, rejuvination facials, massage and acupuncture and is offering 15% off all therapies throughout December.

www.lunaandthemagpie.co.uk Book via Fresha or contact 07545 496 157

The First Floor of Celeste Arnold has become an exciting hub of hair, beauty and holistics, with beauty therapist Emma who offers lash extensions, nail art and waxing, Emily who offers semi permanent make up and facials and Billie-Jo who specialises in make up. Using only premium products, they provide a full range of beauty services at competitive prices.

Have a Merry Christmas and a very Happy 2023 from all of the team at Celeste Arnold!

THE COST OF LIVING & YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Who’s tired of turning on the TV to hear food and energy bills are rising again? With so much uncertainty and a lack of control over the situation, it’s no wonder the phrase “cost of living” creates increased anxiety.

According to research from the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, nearly three-quarters (73%) of us have had to change how we live this year, for instance cutting back on energy use or other essential spending. Whilst we cannot control the cost of food, petrol, gas or electric, there are things we can to do help us feel more in control through this difficult period.

Given the importance of the situation for us all and the affect it can have on our mental health, I wanted to dedicate this article to outline some advice and guidance, as well as highlight important avenues of support.

FOCUS ON WHAT YOU CAN CONTROL

This sounds cliché, I know… but it’s true and really important!

If we focus on what we cannot control, this will only create frustration and disappointment as we may want to change the situation (eg. price of electricity and gas), but, if I’m being blunt about it… we can’t change this.

Once we accept that we can only control certain aspects of our lives, and once we identify what these things in our control are (eg. how many lights are on in the house, unplug appliances when not in use), we can then start to take action, helping us feel more organised and empowered.

MAKE A NOTE OF YOUR INCOME AND OUTGOINGS

It sounds obvious, but understanding your income and outgoings will help to get a better perspective on your finances. There may be some outgoings that can be reduced, helping to ease financial pressure - again, focusing on things that we can control and taking action on them.

IF YOU’RE STRUGGLING TO PAY, TALK

The key here is communication. If you’re struggling to pay and you don’t talk about it, no one will be aware of your situation and won’t be able to support you.

Talking about your financial struggles won’t be easy, but it’s necessary to get the right help and support. Banks would rather know about your financial problems and help make repayment arrangements rather than allow your debts to grow out of hand.

Most local councils will also have arrangements to help with council tax payments – visit Gov.uk or the Citizens Advice website to learn more.

PRIORITISE SLEEP

Sleep is important to support healthy brain function and maintain your physical health. Heightened worry and anxiety can reduce both quantity and quality of our sleep, and reduced sleep only makes the worry and anxiety worse – a vicious cycle.

Visit the “Every Mind Matters” page on the NHS website to get support if you have trouble sleeping.

STAY AWAY FROM NEGATIVE SOCIAL MEDIA

What we see affects how we feel. We can’t control what is reported on social media, but we can control how often we use social media, and what we allow on our news feed – notice the important theme of focusing on what we can control, again.

Mute/unfollow/remove anything or anyone that fills your newsfeed with negative news and fill it with pages/people that bring positive energy.

We already know that electricity is expensive, so we don’t need everyone on social media repeating the same message, because it doesn’t change the outcome, it just makes us feel worse – where’s the benefit to us there?

Follow positive self-help pages, mindfulness pages, and pages that give positive advice.

What does making time for yourself have to do with energy or food bills…? It doesn’t, but it has everything to do with our mental health.

Just because there’s a rubbish situation that’s out of our control, doesn’t mean we should neglect ourselves. But in many cases, we can neglect ourselves because we’re frustrated by the situation, and we can turn this frustration internally – but why? It’s not our fault.

So, after my little rant, I’m telling you to take yourself out on walks, do things that make you happy, and make time for you… this doesn’t have to cost any money at all!

TAKE THINGS ONE STEP AT A TIME

Just like everything in life, if we aim to tackle everything at once we can feel overwhelmed, driving anxiety further. Take things one step at a time and you will get there.

You’re doing better than you think!

Whilst the situation we’re all in is a difficult one, I hope this article helped to provide some tools to help navigate through this time.

Visit the Gov.uk website www.gov.uk/ cost-of-living to find out what support is available to help with the cost of living. This includes income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

Prioritising your mental health doesn't need to cost a thing. There are many great avenues of support listed on this page, so please, never feel like you're alone. S

ADVICE & SUPPORT...

CITIZENS ADVICE www.citizensadvice.org.uk Visit the Citizens Advice to get help with the cost of living. If you don’t have enough money to live on, you might be able to get help to afford essentials like bills and food. This includes the Household Support Fund and cost of living payments.

ANDY’S MAN CLUB www.andysmanclub.co.uk This is a safe, confidential, and nonjudgmental place where men can come and talk about their problems, every Monday (excluding bank holidays) at 7pm.

Venue 1: Mayfield Sports Centre, OL11 3BY. Venue 2: Spotland Stadium, off Willbutts Lane, OL11 3DS ‘our spot community hub’ near the 5-a-side pitch.

WOMEN’S WELLBEING CLUB www.womenswellbeingclub.co.uk This is a peer-to-peer community support group run for women by volunteers. Our meetings start at between 6pm and 7pm at various venues across the country. Find out if there is a club near you.

SAMARITANS (116 123) www.samaritans.org

A 24-hour service available every day of the year. Or you can email Samaritans at: jo@samaritans.org

SHOUT 85258

This is a free, confidential, 24/7 text messaging support service for anyone who is struggling to cope. To start a conversation, text the word ‘Shout’ to 85258

ROCHDALE AND DISTRICT MIND 01706 752338

Mind provide help and support directly to those who need it most in the local community. There's a network of around 125 local Minds across England and Wales that offer specialised support and care based on the needs of the communities they support.

NATIONAL DEBTLINE www.nationaldebtline.org

A charity dedicated to providing free confidential debt advice. Their team of expert debt advisers care about improving your situation and will help you to take control of your debts.

On the website you will find lots of advice and the Cost of Living hub with guides, fact sheets, budgeting tools. You can also get debt advice by using their free webchat service, emailing them or calling their helpline on 0808 808 4000.

Brad Gartland

Mental Health Editor

Royal Voluntary Service Platinum Champion Andy’s Man Club Facilitator Stephen Gartland Foundation Trustee

STREET EAT FESTIVAL TO RETURN FOR CHRISTMAS

More than 2,500 people flocked to the Street Eat festival when it returned with a bang earlier this year - and fans of tasty treats and merriment are in for a very festive feast when the event returns to Rochdale Town Centre for Christmas.

Food lovers looking to eat, drink and enjoy free seasonal entertainment should head to The Butts on Saturday 17 December A special edition of the popular event is being held at Christmas for the first time.

Organised by Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID), Street Eat will bring together the town’s food and drink establishments, with delicious food and mulled wine, live entertainment, with appearances from the man himself - Father Christmas.

Tasty food from local restaurant chefs will be served with dozens of mouth-watering dishes all at £5 or less including, Italian, Indian, English, American, Mexican and more.

There will be activities and rides for children, a bar for adults and live musical entertainment with a seasonal twist.

BID manager Paul Ambrose, who organises the event with support from Rochdale Borough Council, said Street Eat will showcase the town’s diverse festive food and drink offer:

"To see Street Eat return earlier this year was fantastic and it was so well received with thousands of visitors, so it’s fantastic that it’s back to bring some Christmas cheer to all of us. Time to come together again, celebrate and have fun. The town centre offers wonderful hospitality and warmth at this time of year so Street Eat will be a welcome addition with a wonderful festive atmosphere and of course delicious food and drink. Its family-friendly and great value. Due to the work under way around the town hall we’re staying on The Butts, a good location and very handy for public transport."

Traders will include Bombay Brew, Vicolo Del Vino, The Medicine Tap, The Flying Horse, The Baum, The Treehouse Bar, Bean, Bank Top Farm and Keep It Sweet.

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for events added: "Street Eat will bring an extra festive dimension to our town centre and is always a great socialising opportunity. Events like this bring visitors into town from across the area and it’s so important we support our local businesses."

Admission is free and the event will run from 11am to 7pm. For more on the line-up visit rochdalebid.co.uk and rochdale.gov.uk/events or search #StreetEatRoch on social media.

WINTER FACIAL £30.00

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MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM

We can cater for any type of celebration!

From simple room hire or help with catering, entertainment, and room dressing – our dedicated events team are on hand to help make your event perfect!

From simple room hire or help with catering, entertainment, and room dressing – our dedicated events team are on hand to help make your event perfect!

From simple room hire or help with catering, entertainment, and room dressing – our dedicated events team are on hand to help make your event perfect!

From simple room hire or help with catering, entertainment, and room dressing – our dedicated events team are on hand to help make your event perfect!

Follow our socials for more information and details of our special offers! rochdaleafc.co.uk/commercial/room-hire--events

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Follow our socials for more information and details of our special offers! rochdaleafc.co.uk/commercial/room-hire--events

Follow our socials for more information and details of our special offers! rochdaleafc.co.uk/commercial/room-hire--events

Follow our socials for more information and details of our special offers! rochdaleafc.co.uk/commercial/room-hire--events

rochdaleevents

We can cater for any type of celebration!

We can cater for any type of celebration!

SHOP LOCAL GIFT GUIDE

Shop local this season and help support Rochdale's incredible small businesses. Here are some fantastic gift ideas available from independent retailers right on your doorstep. Find full details of each retailer in this edition.

4

1 - Plain Melton Caps £39

Buckley Menswear, South Parade

2 - Velvet Bee & Butterfly purses £14.95

Hope Womenswear, Norden

3 - Harris Tweed Gloves £50

Buckley Menswear, South Parade

4 - Bloom Pom Pom Clips - £6.50

Mini Parade at Pretty Parade Boutique, Littleborough

5 - The coolest wallet on the planet by Secrid available in over 30 styles and colours from £55

Hope Menswear, Norden

6 - Hugo Boss socks from £12

Hope Menswear, Norden

7 - Little People, Big Dreams books £9.99

Mini Parade at Pretty Parade Boutique, Littleborough

8 - Colourful cotton crew neck sweaters £85

Buckley Menswear, South Parade

9 - Funky Yak rucksack with finger puppets £12

Number Ten, Baillie Street

10 - Self love candle £21

Pretty Parade Boutique, Littleborough

11 - Glamorous slippers £35

Hope Womenswear, Norden

12 - Glow facial steam mask £10

Pretty Parade Boutique, Littleborough

13 - Somerset toiletries £16.99

Number Ten, Baillie Street

14 - Lingerie & nightwear - various prices

Chantilly, Cheetham Street

15 - Black + Blum travel cups £28

Hope Menswear, Norden

16 - Scented Christmas candles £5.99

Number Ten, Baillie Street

17 - Baroque pearl necklace £22

Pretty Parade Boutique, Littleborough

"You can't buy happiness but you can buy local and that's kind of the same thing!"

The Lavender Beauty Salon opened in 2017 and is based in a private, relaxed garden setting in a bespoke, purpose built summer house in Bamford.

experience a number of different beauty

with myself, Jennie. I am an experienced therapist with 20 years experience. I previously owned a

salon for 12 years and before that I worked in various spas.

What's On in the Arts

PANTOMIMES

Steve Cooke Arts Columnist

Despite the general gloom we are currently immersed in there are many reasons for us to look forward to the rapidly approaching festive season and new year in our town. Seasonal activities and events leading us into 2023 when our town centre reformation will be revealed with a fantastic new town hall offering a huge range of things to see and to do across the whole spectrum of the creative arts. Here is a sample to whet your creative and cultural appetite.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

Rochdale Parish Church of St. Chad Christmas Fayre

Saturday 03 December 11am - 2pm Church Stile, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL12 1QT (up behind the Town Hall)

Festive stalls including Cakes, Jewellery, Books, Bottle stall, Games, Bric-a-Brac, Raffles, Tombola. Sandwiches, tea, coffee, mince pies are available.

All welcome: Free admission Phone: Mrs L Taylor 01706 358442 Visit: rochdaleparishchurches.org.uk

Ebor Studio Christmas Market

Saturday 3 December 12-4pm – Ebor Studio and Gallery FRANK, William Street, Littleborough OL15 8JP

Handmade gifts and artwork by local artists Free admission

Creative Christmas Sunday 4 December 114pm – Star Tree Studio, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough Original gifts by local makers including jewellery, hats, scarves, cards, paintings, prints etc. Free admission – tea and coffee available.

SANTA’S GROTTO

Saturday 17 – Wednesday

21 December

Santa and his pesky elf are back at Touchstones!

Hear some of Santa’s favourite stories, get arty with some Christmas crafts and get a special gift from the man himself. Suitable for children aged 3-11 years.

Duration: 45m - Tickets from £10

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Tuesday 29 November –Wednesday 28 December Middleton Arena Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones and Britain’s Got Talent’s Lucy Kay star in a truly wicked pantomime! Watch the beautiful Snow White and her seven little friends from the enchanted forest as they attempt to defeat the evil Wicked Queen. Featuring great songs, dazzling dance routines, and amazing special effects!

Jack and the Beanstalk Saturday 17 – Wednesday 28 December Heywood Civic Centre A GIANT of a pantomime, full of beans and packed with ‘fee, fi, fo FUN!’

Starring Coronation Street’s Tracy Shaw and Britain’s Got Talent’s Steven Hall, the team behind last year’s sell-out show Cinderella are back with another great panto, packed full of songs, dance routines and plenty of laughter!

MUSIC

Middleton Band presents Christmas with the Houghton Weavers Join Middleton Band and guests the Houghton Weavers for an evening of folk and festivities. Adults £12, Concessions Phone: Aaron Hayes 0161 375 1876 Friday 23 December 2022 Doors 7pm, entertainment from 8pm St Michael's Church, Townley Street, Middleton M24 1BT

Toad Lane Concerts

The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.

St Chad’s - Saturday Lunchtime Concerts

Quality music in an iconic setting Visit: rochdaleparishchurches.org.uk/events/saturday-lunchtimeconcerts-at-st-chads

Coming up in 2023 at Touchstones - A Tall Order! – Rochdale Art Gallery in the 1980s.

In the 1980s, Touchstones was known as Rochdale Art Gallery. Its daring and innovative approach to exhibition and education programming positioned it on the national map.

LITERATURE AND POETRY FOR MENTAL

As we look forward to the festive season and the new yearplanning what we will choose to do from the rich and varied array of activities and events outlined above – for some of us it can also be a time when loneliness is amplified.

Loneliness is now recognised as a major public health problem – a minister for loneliness was appointed in 2018 by the UK Government. According to Government figures at least 3 million people, or around 6% of the adult population in England aged over 16, say they feel isolated ‘often or always’.

One potential answer to the problem is the healing power of literature and poetry:

• Reading and listening to readings can let us connect with other people who have had similar experiences.

A Tall Order! is an invigorating look at the artwork made and exhibited here during the 1980s by a generation of artists, many of whom were women, young, working class and Black.

Featuring key works from this time and demonstrating how this period influenced many artists, the show will include loans from both public and private collections brought together from around the UK.

Alongside selected works from Rochdale’s own collection, the exhibition will also present a series of three new and exciting commissions by contemporary artists, Lubna Chowdhary, Sarah Joy Ford and Jade Montserrat.

The show will be accompanied by a creative learning programme that will support local artists and see a wide range of free events, workshops, and self-guided activities available to our audiences.

4 February 2023 – 7 May 2023

Gallery 1, 2, 3 & 4

Visit: www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/exhibitions

Touchstones Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ

COMEDY

Coming in 2023 is the autobiography of our very own Jimmy Cricket who is celebrating 50 years in showbiz! Having been lucky enough to get a sneak preview I can guarantee a great read with lots of laughs punctuated by the odd tear.

Jimmy tells me he is looking forward to celebrating his ’50 Years in Showbusiness’ March 2023 with a couple of shows: Westcliff Theatre in Clacton Sunday 19th March 2023

Grand Theatre Lancaster Saturday 25th March 2023

Visit: www.jimmycricket.co.uk

• Having a book or a reader by our side, in a bag or on a bedside table, can feel like being accompanied by a friend, having a literary arm around our shoulders - at such times as that 3am feeling of isolation or when everyone else appears to be having fun.

For many, the pandemic exacerbated feelings of not belonging as did the lack of access to mental health resources.

More happily, it is encouraging to see not only the survival of local writing groups such as Touchstones Creative Writing Group www.touchstonescreativewritinggroup.com but also the emergence of new groups such as Falinge Writing Group and Heywood Scribblers - all welcoming and open to all - a great opportunity to be listened to and to listen to others.

Heywood Scribblers workshops are based on poetry and story writing and are open to new or seasoned writers. Join them on Tuesday 13th December 1-3, then the second Tuesday of every month at Heywood Library. Contact Katie Haigh on 07715413441 or email katie.haigh@sky.com.

In our town we also are fortunate to still have many excellent libraries which not only offer access to written and audio books but are also great places to meet others and find out more about what is on offer to engage with across the town.

Castleton Literature and Scientific Society

13th Jan “Book Evening” - read from your favourite text - Barry Hobson & others

27th Jan “Dante & Medieval Storytellers - Sin and Consequences”David Cornforth

10th Feb “The Secret Life of Charles Dickens” - Pat Osborne

24th Feb Touchstones Creative Writing Group “Pulling Threads”Val Chapman - A lively performance of their latest Steam Punk works

3rd March Annual Dinner - details to be confirmed

10th March Annual General Meeting & Quiz Night - all welcome

Membership £20 per year, Non-members £2 per evening For further details contact: Diane Cornforth 01706 650343, Barry Hobson 07724135099. Visit: castletonlitandsci.webs.com

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the good food & drink guide

Discover the best pubs, restaurants and cafes in the local area...

THE HEALEY

The Healey is a family orientated pub located at the edge of Healey Dell Nature Reserve. This dog friendly pub is the ideal place to stop off after a walk for a drink or something to eat, serving a daily roast dinner and home cooked traditional fare. The pub also has a beautiful, large beer garden, patio and boules piste.

Food service Monday-Saturday 11.30am9pm, Sunday 11.30am - 7pm.

172 Shawclough Road, Rochdale, OL12 6LW    01706 645 453

E: thehealeyshawclough@hotmail.com

THE PINT POT

Situated above Vicolo Del Vino, on Baillie Street, this quirky, relaxed micro pub offers rotating cask ales, a fantastic range of bottled beers, as well as wines and spirits. Plus homemade pies and sausage rolls! Italian food can also be ordered and delivered to the Pint Pot from downstairs at Vicolo Del Vino. Open Weds-Sun. Check their Facebook page for the latest opening times.

8 Baillie Street Rochdale, OL16 1JG 07870 155951

THE GRAPES AT BAMFORD

The Grapes at Bamford is a wonderfully warm, cosy pub with a great all-day suntrap of a garden.

The menu is varied, from the best Cheese & Onion Pie in the business, to great steaks, and some seriously special Specials. Their Sunday Lunch is legendary. The Grapes' drinks range is wide and varied with award winning wines, around 50 gins, a good range of premium beers and Robinsons cask ales and a great cocktail menu.

Service is second to none - there's always a genuine warm welcome from staff who love to look after people!

Norden Road Bamford, OL11 5PN 01706 649895

E: nicola.grapes@gmail.com

HOP & VINE

Set in the heart of Norden village, this cosy wine bar offers cask ale, fine wine, artisan spirits and casual dining in a relaxed atmosphere. The menu includes delicious small English plates, Antipasti and hot baguettes, freshly prepared to order. Open Weds-Sunday. Follow them on Facebook for the latest menus and opening times.

VICOLO DEL VINO

Located on the narrow alley, between The Butts and Baillie Street, Vicolo Del Vino (Alley of Wine in Italian) is Rochdale's hidden gem.

With live music on four times a week and a vast array of specialised drinks including a list of 80 wines, gins, rums, draught beer and more.

The food on offer compliments the atmospheric candle lit cellar perfectly with an offering of meat and cheese boards, hand stretched pizzas plus a number sides and nibbles making it a relaxing way to enjoy your evening.

Why not try their infamous Pizza Wednesday - two pizzas, a side and a bottle of wine for only £25.

Open from Wednesday to Sunday, food served from 5pm (3pm Saturdays). Check out the Facebook page for all of their events.

Cellar of 8-10 Baillie Street, Rochdale, OL16 1JG 07870 155951 vicolosltd@gmail.com

THE FLYING HORSE

BOMBAY BREW

The street food and craft beer emporium continues to go from strength to strength, with a spanking new menu of revamped and reinvented Indian classics alongside a fantastic beer line out and a dreamy new cocktail list.

They serve beautiful small dishes which are made to be shared alongside their take on traditional curries, with many vegan/ vegetarian/gluten free dishes.

Open: Thurs 5 - 11 / Fri & Sat 12 - 12 / Sun 1:30-10.

1 Drake St, Rochdale, OL16 1RE 01706 869502

Facebook / Instagram @BombayBrewRochdale www.bombaybrew.co.uk

796a Edenfield Road Rochdale, OL12 7RB hop4vine@gmail.com 01706 759858

THE OLIVE & PICKLE

Nestled in the scenic surroundings of Hollingworth Lake, they used lockdown to complete a makeover, revealing a chic new modern café & kitchen complete with Victorian elements. Making for a great place to start your day, catch up over a coffee or indulge in one of their sweeter options. A wide variety of options are available from brunch, afternoon tea, lunch bites, cakes, coffee and more. Open seven days a week, with seating indoors and outdoors. Stay up to date on Facebook and Instagram.

23 Lake Bank, Littleborough, OL15 0DQ 01706 838688

A traditional pub residing next to Rochdale’s stunning gothic town hall. The home of homemade food, champions of real ale and housing some of the best staff in the business, The Flyer really is the people’s pub. Chef Bowe and his team are turning out dish after dish of pub classics and incredible grills including their outstanding 2 for £12 offer. With a huge range of real ales and countless awards to their name, its Rochdale’s best pub for a reason.

Open: Mon-Thurs 11.30-11 / Fri 11.30 -1am / Sat 10-1am / Sun 10-10

Food served: Mon-Fri 11.30-8 / Sat 10-8 / Sun 10-7

37 Packer Street, Rochdale 01706 646412

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @flyerrochdale www.theflyinghorsehotel.co.uk

THE RED LION INN

Located in Whitworth’s iconic cobbled square The Red Lion is a one stop shop for locals, beer lovers, dog walkers, ramblers & families looking for quality homemade food in a comfortable surrounding. Pub classics, fantastic fresh seafood and great Sunday lunches alongside great real ales and wines all served up by Jack and his friendly team, What’s not to love?

Open: Mon - Wed 4 - 11, Thurs 12 - 11 / Friday 12 - 12 / Sat 10 - 12 / Sun 10 - 10.

Food served: Thurs 5 - 8 / Fri 5 - 9 / Sat 129 / Sun 12 - 7.

Whitworth Square, Whitworth, OL12 8PY 01706 861441

Facebook @catinthesquare www.catinthesquare.co.uk

HARE ON THE HILL

Littleborough’s best kept secret, the petit Hare makes up for in charm what it lacks in size. With a fantastic range of craft & cask ales alongside their iconic small plates menu and homemade pizzas it’s a community pub on a micro scale.

Open: Mon 3 - 11 / Tues to Sat 12 - 11 / Sun 12 - 9. Food served 12 - 8 Tues - Sun.

132 Hare Hill Road, Littleborough, OL15 9HL 01706 538523

Facebook / Instagram @beerbreadpork www.beerbreadpork.pub

THE BAUM

The newly reinvented Baum in Rochdale’s historic Toad Lane always turns heads with it’s enviable beer selection but now boasts a modern British menu which promise to widen the appeal of this already award winning pub. Exceptional food, an iconic walled beer garden and a Sunday lunch to die for, booking couldn’t be more advised.

Open: Mon - Sat 12-11/ Sun 12-9

Food served: Mon - Thurs 12-8 / Fri & Sat 12-9 / Sun 12-6

33-37 Toad Lane, Rochdale   01706 352 186

Facebook/Instagram/Twitter @BaumRochdale    www.thebaum.co.uk

SUBURB CAFE

Hailed by customers as the "best breakfast they’ve ever had", owner Michael Plant attributes Suburb’s superior offering to quality of local ingredients used throughout suburb’s crafted menu.

Michael and the team have established suburb as a safe and comfortable place for you to start the day right, catch up over coffee and homemade cakes or enjoy authentic, regional savoury dishes. Check out Suburb’s Facebook and Instagram pages for the fresh, contemporary evening menu and curated wine list.

573 Bury Road

Rochdale, OL11 4DQ 01706 551717 www.suburbcafe.co.uk

YANKEE HEAVEN

Situated close to Hollingworth Lake, the newly opened Yankee Heaven is proving incredibly popular with local families. Takeaway refreshments with outdoor seating, boasting incredible views next to the canal. Yankee Heaven offer delicious real dairy ice cream, milkshakes, smoothies, sandwiches, pizzas, tea/coffee and cake. Follow on social media for the latest news and opening times!

Canal Wharf, Canal Street, Littleborough, OL15 0HA 01706 374633

ROSE ‘N’ BOWL

Owned by Lords Caterers, Lancashire’s leading outside caterers (est 1934), the Rose ‘N’ Bowl has been serving bar meals and their famous carvery for over 25 years. With the private bowling green (available for booking) panoramic views and heated decking, it’s Rossendale’s popular all-yearround venue with regular entertainment and also home to the World Gravy Wrestling Championship.

Call to find out about specials and early evening deals, or keep updated by finding them on Facebook. Currently closed Mon & Tues.

Weds: 5.30-8.30 carvery / bar snacks til 7. Thurs & Fri: 5-8 carvery / 12-2 bar snacks Sat: 5-8 carvery / 12-8 bar snacks. Sunday breakfast: 10-12 / Sunday carvery 12.30-6 / Bar snacks until 7.

Newchurch Rd, Stacksteads, 0L13 0UG   01706 879555

To include your venue in Style's Good Food & Drink Guide email: info@rochdalestyle.com

FRESH

LOCAL HISTORY: JOHN MILNE

Hundreds of Style readers – along this writer - will have drank, dined and celebrated at the John Milne in Milnrow over the years. Thousands more will have travelled past it in their cars or on the Oldham Loop by train or tram. But who was the man whose name is famous now for its place in our borough's hospitality sector?

John Milne was born in Liverpool in 1850, the only child of John and Emma Milne. The family later moved to 147 Drake Street in Rochdale.

The young John attended a Dame school in Milkstone Road run by a Miss Fisher. He won a school prize, a book entitled A Guide To Knowledge which aroused the boy's interest in the world around him.

The family later moved to Tunshill House in Milnrow, originally an inn called The King's Arms. There is no trace of Tunshill House; some think that it was demolished when the M62 motorway was constructed.

John attended school in Knutsford and later Liverpool Collegiate School (now Liverpool College). This led to John studying Applied Science at Kings College, London and then at the Royal School of Mines.

John's main scientific interests were geology and mineralogy. He visited Iceland and observed geysers and volcanoes there. Later John was hired as a mining engineer and explored parts of Canada in search of coal and mineral resources.

Soon, John was hired by the Japanese government to study earthquakes. John worked in a team of three and he himself developed the horizontal pendulum seismograph so that different types of earthquake waves could be detected.

In 1881 John married a Japanese woman, Tone Horiwake. While in Japan, John also developed an interest in anthropology, contributing to the understanding of prehistoric cultures in Hokkaido and northeastern Japan.

John died in 1913 of kidney disease at his home on the Isle of Wight, aged only 62. He is buried in St Paul's churchyard in Barton on the island.

Some of John's photographs and papers are collected at Carisbrooke Castle Museum. A display of his instruments are in the Science Museum in London.

Arguably, John Milne is more widely remembered in Japan than in Britain. A memorial board was erected in Hakodale cemetery in Japan in honour of John and his wife.

John's great-great nephew, Jim Milne was a member of the Rochdale rock band, Tractor who were signed to John Peel's Dandelion label in the 1970s. Jim is keen for his illustrious ancestor to be celebrated in the borough and has tried to get a blue plaque installed on the front of the house in Drake Street. I believe that this is an excellent idea and I hope that this article can get things moving!

In 1895 a fire destroyed John's home, library, observatory and much of his equipment in Japan and he returned to England with his wife. John settled at Shide on the Isle of Wight where he continued his study of seismology.

In 1898 John, along with W.K. Burton, published Earthquakes And Other Earth Movements which has become a standard book on the subject.

By now John was an elected Fellow of the Royal Society which funded 20 earthquake observatories throughout the world. These were all equipped with his horizontal pendulum seismographs.

John's work is of international importance as he contributed so much to the understanding and evaluation of earthquakes.

John Milne

Above: Milne’s Horizontal Pendulum Seismograph, Exhibit in the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, Japan.

Richard Lysons

With thanks to Rochdale Local Studies staff.

“In comparison with ourselves our world is large, its mountains and valleys are gigantic excrescences on its surface, whilst the elevations and depressions, representing continental elevations and ocean basins, form irregularities the magnitude of which we can only appreciate by the aid of figures.”

Beauty: NEW YEAR NEW YOU!

NAIL AND CUTICLE CARE

Introduce a nail and cuticle oil into your beauty routine and your nails will thank you for it. Simply applying a drop of oil on your cuticle and massaging around your cuticle and rubbing it into your nail and underneath it for approx 30 seconds daily helps with the growth of new nail cells, ensuring they are hydrated and healthy. It also promotes healing of any damaged or thick, dry cuticles. Not to mention the massaging motion brings blood flow into your nails keeping them at their optimum health. Remember to wear gloves while cleaning. Chemicals and alcohol products used in cleaning products are extremely dehydrating and can discolour and damage nail products too as well as nail health.

EXFOLIATE /DERMAPLANE

Exfoliating is essential for your beauty routine. As the years roll by our skin cell renewal process slows. Exfoliating eradicates dull dead skin cells and reveals healthy glowing skin underneath For the most comprehensive exfoliation I would recommend dermaplaning. Dermaplaning is a procedure to create smoother skin. During a dermaplaning facial the skin is cleansed, toned and a medical grade exfoliating blade is skilfully and gently glided rhythmically over the skin removing the very top layers of your skin. This then reveals newer brighter smoother skin. It can also improve the appearance of marks and scarring from acne and fine lines, and vellus hair also referred to colloquially as “peach fuzz”. The skin is left smoother in texture, brighter and more glowing. Serums and creams applied during your home care will work better and make up will sit flawlessly on the skin.

WEAR

AN SPF

According to our experts, wearing a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day of the year is the single most important step in your skin care routine for healthy skin. Ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB from sun exposure are the ultimate catalyst in breaking down collagen thus aging the skin, which contribute to wrinkles and dark pigmented spots and can even cause skin melanomas. Simply applying an SPF over your moisturiser can prevent this and lead to youthful skin for longer.

YOU MATTER

Self-care matters. Not only in your beauty routine, but also in your life. Stress affects the body even when you manage to distract the mind. You will probably notice your hair, skin, nails, and overall health starts to deteriorate in accordance to stressful events in life. Adopting and maintaining a self-care routine can create calm and focus making you more productive and less likely to procrastinate.

EAT WELL AND SUPPLEMENT

We are what we eat. We all know that what is going on on the inside reflects in our skin hair and nails on the outside. So eating a plentiful diet of fruit and vegetables and drinking two litres of water daily is the best start but it's not the end of the story. Skincare supplements can help to address key skin concerns. Feeding the skin from the inside with good nutrition and beauty supplements will help turbocharge your skincare routine.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO REST

Sleep is amazing! But why are we so lacking in it? Most probably our constant scrolling on social media or the latest Netflix series is preventing us from getting those vital 8 hours of sleep. Sleep acts as a natural moisturiser, which will help you smooth out your skin. And of course, getting rid of the ever-dreaded eye bags by allowing the microcirculatory system to flush out and the eye area looks brighter as a result. Sleep allows the muscles, skin and organs to repair themselves leaving you restored and refreshed. Good sleep habits pay off.

RECYCLE

AND BE SUSTAINABLE

There are beauty brands on the market who are committed to the environment and have clean label products. There are also brands who offer refills for their products to prevent purchasing yet another plastic container for your cleanser and toner for instance. Payot Paris is one such brand who offer refills on their professional products. Make 2023 the year you make the switch to greener, cleaner products.

Emma Fitton / The Retreat

ROCHDALE IN THE FRAME

Norden sunset by Lee Percy

Water Tower, Watergrove Reservoir by David Hirst St Chads by Hylton Collins

Feasting Rochdale Robin by Mick Brierley

Top-oth-Moor by David Hirst

Winter sunset, Watergrove by John Cannell

Welcome to Watergrove by David Hirst

Winter leaves by Mick Brierley

Hollingworth Lake by Mick Brierley

thought

It’s such a rewarding role where you’ll make a huge difference to a local child. We think the world of our foster cares and we support them with training, payments, allowances, events, special treats, exclusive discounts and a dedicated fostering team. Come and join us in supporting local children to thrive.

GOLD & SILVER ROADSHOW

FOR 2 DAYS ONLY SUNDAY & MONDAY 6th & 7th OCTOBER 10.30 am to 4.00 pm

Jewellery and Coin Roadshow

A very lucky couple called at one of our recent roadshow events with a couple of old gold chains and a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver sh coins We paid them over £1600.00 just for the coins alone They turned out to be pre 1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collected

We asked them for their permission to pass on this story to help other people realise what they may be ng on and they were only too pleased to allow us to let everyone know that they might be si ng on a goldmine and not even know it!

Jewellery and Coin Roadshow

The whole process of Valua on is free of charge and very private, so you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain Things that you should look for and bring to our roadshows are absolutely anything that looks like jewellery, whether it is yellow gold, silver or pla num

Any old sh or foreign coins Any old wrist watches or pocket watches. All chains, bracelets, rings and bangles broken or not and in any condi on. If you think it is a diamond ring, bring it along and we will confirm it to be genuine If you have an old trophy or tankard or any silver coloured items, let us value them for you

What Do You Have Wa ng to be Discovered

Coins & Medals Urgently Wanted

Old war medals and old Masonic medals can be very

A very lucky couple called at one of our recent roadshow events with a couple of old gold chains and a silver charm bracelet and a bag of old silver sh We paid them over £1600.00 just for the coins alone They turned out to be pre 1947 silver coins that were normal currency a few years ago and are now highly collected

Like most people, who can only dream of winning the pools or the ery, a lot of normal households have a hidden treasure of old gold jewellery, silver jewellery, teapots, trophies, trays and old objets d’art Why not get a free valua on from our expert at our roadshow at:

We asked them for their permission to pass on this story to help other people realise what they may be ng on and they were only too pleased to allow us to let everyone know that they might be si ng on a goldmine and not even know it!

There is no queing and our expert will give you a one on one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area, where there are no prying eyes, watching the process evolve If you like the valua on our expert will make you the same offer in cash which you can accept or decline at no cost to yourself

Like most people, who can only dream of winning the pools or the ery, a lot of normal households have a hidden treasure of old gold jewellery, silver jewellery, teapots, trophies, trays and old objets d’art Why not get a free valua on from our expert at our roadshow at:

There is no queing and our expert will give you a one on one appraisal of the value of your treasured possessions in a private area, where there are no prying eyes, watching the process evolve

If you like the valua on our expert will make you the same offer in cash which you can accept or decline at no cost to yourself

The whole process of Valua on is free of charge and very private, so you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain Things that you should look for and bring to our roadshows are absolutely anything that looks like jewellery, whether it is yellow gold, silver or pla num

Any old sh or foreign coins Any old wrist watches or pocket watches All chains, bracelets, rings and bangles broken or not and in any condi on If you think it is a diamond ring, bring it along and we will confirm it to be genuine If you have an old trophy or tankard or any silver coloured items, let us value them for you

Coins & Medals Urgently Wanted

Old war medals and old Masonic medals can be very

valuable You will be surprised to hear that we have pai s and e bringing especiall ac tary u field gear.

The an normall es W with a c

You can accept or decline our offer, so come along and see what we can offer for your old gold or silver jewellery, coins and collectables

valuable. You will be surprised to hear that we have paid THOUSANDS of pounds for certain war medals and even the General Service Medal group is worth bringing especially if you have the original box and le ers to accompany them. Also of great interest are old military uniforms, tunics, hats and any army, navy or RAF field gear.

There are rarely any queues at our events and we can normally end to every caller within a few minutes We will give you a free valua on which we back up with a cash offer, there and then

You can accept or decline our offer, so come along and see what we can offer for your old gold or silver jewellery, coins and collectables.

What Do You Have Wa ng to be Discovered

Many people are totally unaware of the value of unusual and old items that they own and are just hidden away in drawers around the house Dealers are now paying record high prices for old jewellery and gold and silver objects and collectables Most unusual gold and silver items are no longer fashionable but there are ll collectors who we deal with that will pay record high prices for your old gold and silver jewellery, and items Wristwatches and old fashioned pocket watches can surprise you with their values and you will be amazed by the amount that is currently being offered for such items Get looking NOW in your old drawers, cupboards, and jewellery boxes Look in the c and the cellar, even old broken or squashed item of jewellery and silver are valuable and worth having appraised at these free roadshows Bullion Investments & Acqui ons are having such a roadshow at: NORTON GRANGE HOTEL, MANCHESTER

Many people are totally unaware of the value of unusual and old items that they own and are just hidden away in drawers around the house Dealers are now paying record high prices for old jewellery and gold and silver objects and collectables Most unusual gold and silver items are no longer fashionable but there are ll collectors who we deal with that will pay record high prices for your old gold and silver jewellery, and items Wristwatches and old fashioned pocket watches can surprise you with their values and you will be amazed by the amount that is currently being offered for such items

They will be offering a free valua on service and they Will make you an instant CASH offer to buy your old jewellery, gold and silver or any old silver or coins that you may have

Get looking NOW in your old drawers, cupboards, and jewellery boxes Look in the c and the cellar, even old broken or squashed item of jewellery and silver are valuable and worth having appraised at these free roadshows Bullion Investments & Acqui ons are having such a roadshow at: NORTON GRANGE HOTEL, MANCHESTER

WANTED NOW

Krugerrand, Maples and Sovereigns are urgently wanted for top prices

OF PARTICULAR INTEREST

Gold and Silver cigarette cases,

FESTIVE FASHION

by Style's Fashion Editor Mollie Butterworth

Hey! I'm Mollie, owner and founder of Pretty Parade Boutique. I have worked within the fashion industry for over six years, and we have just celebrated our fourth birthday at Pretty Parade Boutique in Littleborough.

I am extremely honest - my friends would always say too honest but there’s no such thing right? My aim is to always be there for you, whether it's a new outfit for a date, your first day at a new job or just a general refresh of your wardrobe. I am here to guide you every step on the way to make sure you truly feel the best version of you!

The festive season is well and truly upon us, the twinkly lights are up, our diaries are once again filling up with seasonal events and celebrations are firmly on the agenda. From Christmas parties to visits to the markets, we couldn't be more excited. Everyone is set to go all out this year, with normality finally resumed since 2019. So let me talk you through the key events of the season...

CHRISTMAS PARTIES are finally BACK! If you are a fan of all things sparkly, then this festive season will be good for you, because sequins are back and having a moment. They are truly the most fun way to dazzle. Whether you love or loathe them, sequins are a BIG trend for the festive season this year.

While some of us may like to roll ourselves in glitter (this is my sister!), and embrace every part of being OTT. Others (me!) struggle to have the same love for them! If you are feeling extra, I would personally say go all out with a full sequin dress - this will ensure all eyes are on you! Plus we’ve not had the chance to do this for years so why not dress up and make the most of it?

However, if you are feeling something a little more subtle, I would go for a sequin blouse or bodysuit you can team with your favourite pair of jeans! This will ensure you will still feel comfortable and festive all at the same...my perfect combination!

CHRISTMAS DAY - Whether your plans are too lounge, lunch or feel extra, the one thing I think we can agree on is that we like to have a new outfit for Christmas day!

I know so many of you have a ‘PJ’s only’ policy, this is something I would like to very much introduce in my household after working up into Christmas Eve... who's with me? If your family is one that prefers to be comfy and cosy, a new pair of pyjamas is an absolute must for Christmas Day, plus add a little sparkle with a new pair of slippers!

If you are like my family, and like to get dressed up even though you don’t leave the house... then all I would say to you is make sure you are COMFY. I always tend to lean towards a dress with tights... jeans are an absolute no go if you're going to enjoy your Christmas dinner.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING - shop small this christmas! From your present for your sister or your work's secret santa.

Shopping small will take the stress out of Christmas, and add that feel good feeling back into shopping! When shopping small, it's a more relaxed and fun environment!

With many independents offering a gift wrapping service, meaning it's all done for you, Christmas shopping will never be easier, trust me!

They will also be able to suggest ideas for you for all budgets.

Independent shops may seem they have a smaller product range than your bigger retail giants but this does not mean you will not be able to find the perfect gift. It just means they have done the hard work for you, researching and sourcing the best suppliers and products.

They have already seen the products and therefore took their time to only select the best ones. This is often the opposite to the big guys online, and will ensure you find the perfect gift!

As always remember to shop local, shop small and shop happy!

Thank you so much for reading, I will be back very soon with my next article! Mollie

x

Instagram @mollieb_

SUPPORT SPRINGHILL HOSPICE THIS CHRISTMAS

WEAR YOUR WOOLIES

Springhill's Wear Your Woollies to Work is back! Dig out your best winter warmers, get your colleagues or classmates involved and simply donate £2 for adults and £1 for children, to support Hospice care at Springhill. Add to the fun with your own 'best dressed' competition, cake sale or quiz.

Join together and have a bit of fun by showing off your best woollies on Friday 9th December. However, don't worry if this date doesn't suit you, you can pick any date throughout December!

Register today at www.springhill.org.uk/wearyour-woollies to join in the fun!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE THIS CHRISTMAS

This Christmas, you can make a huge difference to a patient staying at Springhill Hospice. By purchasing a Merry Moment, you could make what could be someone’s last Christmas, all the more special.

Whether you’re treating patients to a special Christmas tipple, or helping to buy Christmas decorations for the ward, each gift will help bring the magic of the festive season to someone going through such a difficult time.

You will receive a certificate that you can gift to your loved one in their name, as a special Christmas present this year. Visit www.springhill.org.uk/merry-moments or contact Fundraising on 01706 641790.

DEDICATE A LIGHT TO YOUR LOVED ONE

Join Springhill's Light up a Life appeal, dedicating a light on the Hospice tree to honour the memory of your loved one.

With a donation to Light up a Life, you will receive a personalised card displaying the name of your loved one, along with the opportunity to personalise a Light up a Life star, which can be hung on your Christmas tree, or the Christmas trees at the Hospice.

All dedications will appear in our Book of Lights, which will be displayed at the inperson services and virtually on the Springhill Hospice website.

Visit www.springhill.org.uk/light-up-a-life or call the team on 01706 641790.

READY, SET, HO HO HO!

Join Springhill Hospice at Queen’s Park, Heywood on Sunday 11th December as you dash, dance or prance around their 2k route. For those feeling extra competitive, you can double the route to make it 4k. Everyone is welcome to join this family friendly event; even your furry friends can dress up and take part in the festive fun!

Each registration will include a Santa suit, and all participants will receive a medal once they have completed the course. There will also be prizes for Best Dressed Santa and Best Dressed Pooch!

Register today at www.springhill.org.uk/santa-dash

The 2022 Santa Dash is proudly sponsored by The Fudge Factory.

SKYDIVE FOR SPRINGHILL

Are you daring enough to tackle the dive? Do you want to challenge yourself and set a New Year’s resolution with a difference?

Then take on a skydive in aid of Springhill Hospice to make a memory that will last a lifetime! Skydive for Springhill Hospice on Sunday 14th May and do something amazing in 2023.

Visit www.springhill.org.uk/skydive or contact the Fundraising Office on 01706 641790 for more information.

SPRINGHILL ELVE'S ARE COMING TO COLLECT YOUR TREES

Springhill’s annual Christmas Tree Collection Service is back, and the Hospice team will be out from Friday 6th – Monday 9th January 2023 to collect trees across the borough of Rochdale.

For a minimum donation of £10, the team will collect your tree from outside your property. It will then be taken to the Hospice, where it will be recycled and turned into chippings, which are then used for pathways and garden beds within the Hospice grounds.

Postcodes for collection: OL1, OL2, OL10, OL11, OL12, OL14, OL15, OL16, M24. Book your Christmas tree collection at www.springhill.org.uk/christmas-tree-collection

You can start your new year with a bang thanks to Hopwood Hall College and University Centre.

The college – which has campuses in Rochdale town centre and Middleton – is welcoming visitors for a special Adult Learner Open Event on Thursday 5 January.

This date has been specifically chosen so that people can make the most of the new opportunities coming their way in 2023.

Those who attend can expect to receive valuable career advice from the college’s expert tutors and hear about the growing range of adult courses. This includes Access and Higher Education, both of which are taught at Hopwood’s thriving University Centre.

People aged 19+ can also upskill or retrain through a number of part-time pathways.

The college’s in-person courses have previously proven to be the ultimate stepping stone to a brighter future with many more increased career prospects.

Meanwhile, a range of FREE* online courses are ideal for those looking to seize new opportunities while juggling commitments such as work and family.

Flexible Learning, for instance, is a convenient mode of learning that is completed from home and can earn learners a coveted Level 2 qualification.

Julia Heap, Principal and CEO of Hopwood Hall College and University Centre, said: “If you’re looking to start your new year by putting your best foot forward, then there’s loads to gain from attending our Open Event.

“So many of last year’s attendees have since secured exciting new jobs after studying one of our popular adult courses.

“We’d be thrilled to see even more people getting to experience the countless benefits of pursuing one of these life-changing opportunities.”

There are currently courses running now for those people who would like to get a head start on bulking up their CV with microcredentials ahead of January.

This includes a choice of more than 90 short online courses that can be completed throughout November and December.

Hopwood’s Adult Learner Open Event takes place from 5pm – 7pm on Thursday 5th January. You can register to attend HERE.

*Subject to eligibility criteria

TOY APPEAL HOPES TO BRING JOY TO STRUGGLING FAMILIES

Rochdale

The annual appeal, organised by the council’s staff-run ‘Giving Back’ charity for the past nine years is accepting donations until 9 December.

Councillor Rachel Massey, cabinet member for children’s services and education at Rochdale Borough Council, said: "The cost of living crisis is putting budgets under more pressure so we know Christmas will be really tough for many families. Sadly our Christmas Toy Appeal is needed more than ever, but each year we see so much heart-warming generosity. I know it’s a challenging time but if you can buy just one extra present then you’ll really bring some joy to a local young person."

To help, all you need to do is donate an unwrapped, new gift suitable for a child up to 16 years-old and leave it at your local library or Your Trust leisure centre by 9 December.

Gifts for babies and teenagers would be especially welcome as fewer were received for these age groups last year. There are also extra collection points open at the Rochdale Riverside retail and leisure destination (management office on first floor and The Works), Browns Jewellers, Touchstones Rochdale and the Crown Oil Arena.

Council staff, who distributed over 6,000 toys last year, will make sure they reach the borough’s less fortunate children in time for Christmas Day. Toys are matched with the age and interests of the recipient. Since 2014 the appeal has provided much needed festive cheer for thousands of children and teenagers.

Council policy advisor Helen Walton, from the Giving Back charity, added: "Every donation we receive goes to a child who would otherwise likely not have any presents to unwrap on Christmas Day. The appeal depends on the generosity of people and businesses in our borough, and every year I am so proud of how many care enough to donate. Our aim is to make sure every child in the borough wakes up on Christmas morning with presents waiting for them and with your help we will do everything we can to make this happen."

As Christmas raises awareness of the excess and waste created, once again organisers are asking people to consider donating a more environmentally friendly gift and supporting local shops where they can.

You can also order a gift online and send it straight to the appeal. The address is: Giving Back - Christmas Toy Appeal, Rochdale Borough Council, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU. Gifts will need to have been received by Friday 9 December.

The appeal is organised by the council’s ‘Giving Back’ charity in partnership with Action Together, Rochdale Football Club, Your Trust and Rochdale Town Centre Management.

Find out more about the appeal at rochdale.gov.uk/christmas

ACTS OF KINDNESS

You can download a copy for free on their website at: cartwheelarts.org.uk/event/world-kindness-day-activity-pack

Borough Council is now collecting donations for this year’s Christmas Toy Appeal, which helps make sure local children who are less fortunate have presents to open on Christmas Day.

Cartwheel Arts in Rochdale have put together a mini activity book featuring fun and simple activities, all designed to help people carry out acts of kindness and recognised kindness they already display every day.

LOCAL THESPIANS WIN BIG AT PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS NIGHT

Two local musical societies have received prestigious awards for their 2021-22 productions.

Rochdale Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) and Whitworth Amateur Musical & Dramatic Society (WAMDS) both took home coveted awards at the Association of Community Theatre (ACT) Spotlight Musical Awards on 12th November.

The awards covered RMTC's two most recent musicals staged at Champness Hall; Legally Blonde in October 2021 and The Producers in May 2022 and Oklahoma! by WAMDS in July 2022.

RMTC Committee Member, Michelle Barker, commented:

"Just to be nominated for 15 ACT Awards was such an honour for RMTC but to end up winning six awards including "Most Creative Musical Theatre Production" was an unbelievable achievement. To say we were excited on the night was an understatement!!

"Our talented cast, crew, creative team and committee have worked so hard to bring musical theatre back to the centre of Rochdale and thousands of local theatregoers enjoyed Legally Blonde and The Producers. We hope everyone will join us for Grease in May 2023 at Champness Hall. We’re very lucky to have the rights to such an iconic musical and it’s set to be an amazing show!"

Vice Chair & Treasurer of WAMDS, Annabelle Taylor commented:

"It was honestly the most unexpected surprise! The whole team were so excited to receive the award for Most Original Revival Concept for Oklahoma and I was absolutely thrilled to be awarded Most Accomplished Character Actress for my roles in both Oklahoma and The Producers.

"It was such a wonderful evening for all and seeing so many familiar faces come together to celebrate what we love most is just fantastic and shows the dedication people have to our love of theatre."

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS:

DICK WHITTINGTON

26th-29th January 2023

St John's Hall Whitworth

Whitworth Amateur Musical & Dramatic Society

Tickets on sale now - ticketsource.co.uk/wamds

GREASE

5th-13th May 2023

Champness Hall, Rochdale

Rochdale Musical Theatre Company

Tickets on sale 1st December - rochdalemtc.co.uk

LITTLE WOMEN

3rd-8th July 2023

St John's Hall, Whitworth

Whitworth Amateur Musical & Dramatic Society

Tickets on sale soon

ABOVE: Rochdale MTC - photo courtesy of Joanne Koffman, ACT

ABOVE: Whitworth Amateur Musical & Dramatic Society

RAISES FUNDS

The 4th annual Wardle Scarecrow Festival took place this October, raising £450 for this years chosen charity Jolly Josh.

"Each year we choose a local charity to fundraise for, and this year we, with the help of our Facebook followers, we chose Jolly Josh" said Rebecca Hilton, owner of local business Craft Cottage and Event Organiser.

Jolly Josh is a local charity based in Rochdale that provides dedicated peer support and safe spaces for children and young adults, families, and carers of children with profound multiple learning disabilities, complex, and special needs. The charity was set up by devoted mum Carole in September 2017, exactly one month after her son Joshua James passed away at just 15 months old.

In the lead up to the event young people in Wardle worked with local social enterprise, Artful Make it Happen and Wardle's very own Craft Cottage, to create street decorations which have been displayed across the village.

After the event, visitors took to the Wardle Scarecrow Festival Facebook page to vote for their favourite Scarecrows.

The winner with 423 votes, took the locals on a trip down memory lane.

R&G Kershaw was a newsagents in Wardle Village for 20 years from 1979-1999. Many Villagers have fond memories of the shop and remember it well. This month Rod & Glenys celebrate their Diamond Wedding Anniversary, so to commemorate the occasion, their Granddaughter Lucy turned them into Scarecrows!

In second place was the fabulous "King Louie" Scarecrow, who you might recognise from Jungle Book.

Visitors came from all over the North West to see the Scarecrows, however this year there were less than half the amount of Scarecrows entered, compared to previous years.

Event organiser Rebecca Hilton said: "We would hate for this event to come to an end, so are calling up the people of Wardle to help keep the event alive by making a scarecrow next year! It's free to enter, you could get together with friends or family to make a joint effort! It's lots of fun and all for a good cause."

For more information you can visit Wardle Scarecrow Festival on Facebook and Instagram or the website: wardlescarecrowfestival.yolasite.com