Contents:
- Editor's welcome »
- Paul Waugh: From Rochdale to Westminster
- Rachel Winnard: One in Two Million
- Rochdale Sixth Form College wins at prestigious Further Education awards
- Rev Mark Coleman
- Baillie Street Quarter
- Touchstones reopens with new exhibitions
- Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum
- Highlights of a Mayoral Year
- Fancy dress posties raise £1,700 for MIND
- John Swinden’s Captain Tom 100 challenge
- Littleborough’s Tackling Minds to become first organisation to work with NHS in prescribing angling
- Keith Hicks retires after 33 years of service at RAFC
- Bid for local digital radio signal
- Carpet Creations celebrates 25 years in business
- Help fill Springhill’s gardens with sunflowers in memory of your loved ones
- Local author reminisces about Rochdale high streets in the 80s and 90s in new book
- After the storm, the healthy hazy days of summer
- Rochdale Heartbeat honoured with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
- Ian Jenkins: Forty Years of Making Music
- Hairdressing Trend - Babylights
- Lasting Power of Attorney
- Cupcakes recipe
- Brown’s Cakes celebrates 10 years
- Beauty Feature: Coming back strong after lockdown
- Take a walk at Ealees
Summer 2021Editor's welcome
A warm welcome to Real Rochdale
After a brief pause, we are back with a summer edition of Real Rochdale.
In this edition, we have several amazing human interest stories, plus a delicious cupcake recipe and the perfect summer evening walk.
Unusually, journalist Paul Waugh became the centre of attention during one of the Prime Minister’s press briefings. He took time out of his busy schedule to tell us how he went from growing up in Rochdale to becoming a top political editor for the likes of HuffPost UK.
Despite a progressive illness, Rachel Winnard refuses to be beaten by her condition, which replaces her soft tissues with bone. She told reporter Michelle Kight about how she became one of the first patients with her illness to receive the Covid-19 vaccine and how she is continuing to remain positive.
The historic Baillie Street area has undergone an upmarket rebrand, as has the fire service museum – and their new looks are incredible.
Former mayor Billy Sheerin reminisces about serving two terms as mayor due to the pandemic and highlights some of his favourite parts of his unusual year.
The now-retired Reverend of Rochdale, Mark Coleman opened up about how he became a vicar, and how he has become an environmental activist in recent years.
Two local independent businesses – Carpet Creations and Brown’s Cakes – are celebrating significant milestones with 25 and 10 years, respectively. Carpet Creations has enjoyed huge success from humble beginnings, whilst Brown’s continues to win awards for their bespoke bakes.
Touchstones is reopening with plenty of exhibits and events which will keep you busy all summer, with something for everyone.
Thank you to our advertisers and contributors, it’s great to be back, and we hope you enjoy this issue.
CLAIRE FLETT
Editor
122 Yorkshire Street
Rochdale
OL16 1LA
01706 523583