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Autumn 2022Rochdale’s relationship with Fiji celebrated with new project

A £61,400 grant has been awarded to the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation to celebrate Rochdale’s unique and special relationship with Fiji.

The Bula Rochdale! project will focus on celebrating the fantastic Fijian heritage in and around Rochdale and the surrounding areas. Rochdale has a long-standing link with the island nation which dates back to the 1960s when several high-profile Fijians signed for the Rochdale Hornets.

Chris Tomlinson, Business Development Director of the Rochdale Hornets Sporting Foundation said: “This was a fascinating and significant time in history – for Rochdale, for Fiji and for rugby league in general. It’s important that we collect and record memories from this time.

“Rochdale is said to have the largest population of Fijians outside of London and I’m delighted the support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund will allow so many people in Rochdale to learn more about their town’s unique history and heritage.”

Chris is interested to hear from anyone with memories of the original Fijian pioneers who arrived in Rochdale in the 1960s.

Please get in touch via email or call 01706 648004.

Supported through The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project will involve a series of events, activities and educational programmes, including:

  • A primary school programme to educate young people about Rochdale’s links with Fiji.
  • An exhibition at Touchstones Museum and heritage evenings hosted by a historian.
  • Creating a heritage film with Fijian community members, plus historical interviews and footage.
  • An art project in partnership with Redwood Art Club, creating artwork celebrating and depicting the friendship between Rochdale and Fiji.
  • A primary school tag rugby festival where the schools will compete for the Mike Ratu Cup, honouring one of the original Fijians who signed for Rochdale Hornets in the 1960s.
  • A collaboration with Rochdale Music Service to learn traditional Fijian hymns