Your Local Independent 201

November 2025 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 MIDDLETON has triumphed in this year’s most prestigious hor- ticultural competition in the country – taking the top spot for the first time at the Britain in Bloom awards. The town overcame strong com- petition from Darlington in County Durham, Kirkcaldy in Scotland, and Sevenoaks in Kent to emerge victorious. Middleton received a gold award for its floral displays, heritage and gardens and was named the overall category winner for town centres and city centres at the Britain in Bloom national awards. The judges were impressed by ‘strong working partnerships’ and ‘impressive presentation’. The well-kept Jubilee Park, home of the Grade II listed steps and Exedra, and the town’s overall cleanliness, also scored highly. Bowlee Garden Nursery was also commended for its high-quality plants and strong environmental practices, including recyclable pots, peat-free compost, and eco-friendly mainte- nance of beds and borders throughout the town. Simon Bennett, who chairs Mid- dleton in Bloom, said: “Middleton in Bloom has been a gold medal winner since 2019 as an entry for the RHS Northwest in Bloom, and it was an honour to be asked if we would rep- resent the North West in the wider national competition in the town cen- tre category. “We were honoured not only to receive a gold award for Middleton, but also to secure the overall category prize. This represents a significant accomplishment for both Middleton and the borough of Rochdale. “I would like to thank my prede- cessor as chair, Pat Proctor, for her involvement and dedication over the years. Winning this award was a tri- umph for partnership working with volunteers, friends’ groups, local busi- nesses and the council’s environmental management teams.” ROCHDALE-BASED charity Jolly Josh has received a £10,000 cash boost thanks to a national scheme that recovers and recy- cles metals left over from cremations. The scheme collects metals such as artificial joints and coffin fittings to be recycled into new products, generating money for nominated charities, following prior agreement by the family of lost loved ones. The £10,000 donation will provide additional support to the local char- ity that helps families with members who have disabilities or learning challenges through play, social events, hydrother- apy, and many other essential services. Sarah Ford, centre manager at Jolly Josh, said: “This amazing donation will help us achieve our goal of ena- bling all families in Rochdale and the sur- rounding boroughs with a child with a complex medical need or physical disability to access our amazing centre, so they can enjoy our facilities and meet families in the same situation. “We rely solely on dona- tions and fundraising to provide all our services in our special place to call home. It will make a huge difference to the children and families we look after.” Tricia Ayrton, Roch- dale Council’s deputy leader and cabinet mem- ber for climate change ROCHDALE is set to recognise the home- grown individuals, creatives and organi- sations who make the borough shine. The Rochdale Culture Awards will take place next March as part of the closing weekend of its year as Greater Manchester’s Town of Culture. People and organisa- tions are being urged to put forward nomi- nations for the awards, ahead of the closing date of Friday, December 19. The Rochdale Culture Awards winners will be announced at an event at the town hall on Fri- day, March 27 next year. Nominations are being accepted across seven different catego- ries: cultural legacy, cre- ative of the year, young creative, cultural event of the year, health and wellbeing, heritage, and community. Sue Smith, cabinet member for culture and communities at Roch- dale Council, says she wants the new awards to recognise the imag- ination, talent and ded- ication that shape the borough’s cultural life: She said: “Culture means many things to many people so these awards will rec- ognise diverse and vibrant ways cultural activities improve our lives. Each category will highlight those whose work inspires Recognising the culture club Opening: The year of culture got underway with the Flight of Fancy parade on Town Hall Square in April (Photo credit: Rochdale Council) others and strengthens our community. “From well-known names to unsung heroes, we want to hear about those making a real difference. Please consider submitting a nomination and we are looking forward to read- ing them.” Nominees must either be based in the borough of Rochdale or have a strong track record of delivering activity for the benefit of people who live in or visit the borough, or that benefits the local economy. Estelle Rowe, chief executive of the Your Trust charity, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be part of Rochdale Culture Awards which provide a brilliant opportunity to cele- brate the creativity, passion and dedica- tion that exists across the borough. “From grassroots pro- jects to major events, there is so much inspir- ing cultural work tak- ing place that deserves to be recognised. “These awards are a chance to acknowledge the individuals, groups and organisations who are enriching lives and strengthening communities through a r t s , h e r i t a g e and culture.” Pete Courtie, head of culture and placemak- ing at Rochdale Devel- opment Agency, added: “This is an opportunity to shine a light and cel- ebrate those who make a great contribution to the wealth of commu- nity culture that we’ve seen already this year, as well as hopefully inspiring others to get involved too, so do get nominating.” All nominations must reflect activity that has taken place since Jan- uary 2025, other than the Cultural Legacy Award which can recog- nise achievement over a number of years. A blooming great show! A jolly good cash boost for charity Presentation: (L-R) Mayor Janet Emsley, centre manager Sarah Ford and council deputy leader Tricia Ayrton with the cheque (Photo credit: Rochdale Council) and environment, added: “We are proud to have nominated Jolly Josh to receive the donation. “This dedicated vol- unteer organisation operates an outstanding accessible centre for children and young adults aged 0–19 with a variety of needs, and we hope this donation will help towards this superb provision.” THE countdown to Christmas in Roch- dale is underway with the return of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival and magical fam- ily entertainment leading up to the big lights switch-on. The Ignite Fire Fes- tival, which was staged for the first time in 2023, will once again be transforming the square and gardens around Rochdale Town Hall. The event has now been extended to include beautifully restored pathways and parkland on Broadfield Slopes plus more dazzling dis- plays and activities for all the family, including Light stuff: This year’s festival is set to attract the crowds (Photo credit: Rochdale Council) FESTIVE FUN IS SET TO IGNITE new Broadfield Slopes. Multi-award-winning outdoor arts specialists fromWalk the Plank are behind this year’s festi- val and trail. Creative producer Liz Pugh said: “I’m particu- larly excited this year about the torchlight procession which will highlight new paths and planting around the Broadfield Slopes when they open the festival on the Friday.” Each evening, a fire drawing designed and made by local people will be ignited, along- side flaming hot perfor- mances from some of the north’s top talent. Back again for 2025 is ‘Drum Machine’ – a 20 strong drumming collec- tive who will be bringing their techno infused beats to the event. Rochdale’s Ice Rink by Santa’s Village, opens for the first time at the fes- tival, located on Town Hall Square. It promises to be a magical experi- ence for all ages and skill levels and will be open until January 4, although advance book- ing is advised. Father Christmas and his special guests, including the mayor of Rochdale Janet Emsley, will officially switch-on the festive lights at 5.30pm on Sunday, November 23 in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown. an ice rink and Christ- mas market. The event runs from Friday to Sunday, Novem- ber 21-23, with three free night-time spectacular shows from 5pm to 8pm delivering a magical trail of fire and lights. Thousands of people are expected to attend the event to enjoy fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illu- minated installations created by artists and pyro technicians. Rochdale’s big Christ- mas lights switch-on will take place on the Sun- day of the festival. And on the Friday evening there will be a torchlight procession to launch the Remembering sacrifices made PEOPLE across Rochdale came together to pay their respects to those who have made sacrifices in defence of the country at Remem- brance Sunday services. Community-led commemorations, services and parades took place in townships across the borough. Representatives from the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force joined veterans and civic dignitaries for parades in Rochdale, Castleton, Heywood, Little- borough, Middleton, Milnrow, Norden, and Wardle. It was a chance for people to show their gratitude to servicemen and women past and present. Janet Emsley, mayor of Rochdale, said: “In our remembrance we honour the fallen, people of all faiths and no faith, from all over the world. Side by side they fought together, they fell together and together they defended the freedomwe all enjoy today. “We are united in our remembrance, as all ages come together to reflect and remember, to pause and to pray. Lest we forget.”