Your Local Independent 210

August 2026 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 THREE friends from Roch- dale have successfully com- pleted an extraordinary 1,500km Arctic cycling chal- lenge in memory of their much-loved friend. They took on the task in honour of Simon ‘Teddy’ Taylor, who trag- ically passed away from a sudden heart attack in 2023. Tim Knight, Tim Fairley and David Kennedy completed their ten-day endurance ride fromOslo, Norway, to Bodø, crossing some of Europe’s most breathtaking and demanding landscapes before reaching the Arctic Circle. The Arctic Ascent involved more than 55,000ft of climbing, pushing the trio to their physical and mental limits. They took on the challenge to raise vital funds for the British Heart Foundation and Springhill Hospice, two causes that hold deep personal meaning for them. Their journey was both a tribute to Teddy’s life and a way to rec- ognise the devastating impact of heart disease, while also support- ing the exceptional care provided by Springhill Hospice to patients and their loved ones. To date, the challenge has raised £122,311.35, with the final fundraising total still being confirmed. All money raised will be split equally between Sprin- ghill Hospice and the British Heart Foundation. David Kennedy spoke about his personal connection to Springhill Hospice. He said: “My father sadly passed away 15 years ago, and he was brought into the hospice in his final hours. “The care, love and support they gave myself and my family in that difficult, traumatic time was unbelievable and is something I will never forget as long as I live. That is one of the prime drivers why I took on this challenge.” Vicki Barnett, senior corporate fundraiser at Springhill Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Tim, Tim and David for taking on such an extraordinary chal- lenge in memory of Teddy. “Cycling 1,500 kilometres to the Arctic Circle is an amazing achievement, but what makes it even more special is the reason behind it. “Their determination, generos- ity and commitment have inspired so many people, and the phenome- nal amount they have raised will make a real difference to patients and families cared for by Spring- hill Hospice.” ● There is still time to sup- port the trio, with their fundraising page remaining open until September: https:// www.justgiving.com/team/ arcticascent2026 ROCHDALE’S MP Paul Waugh has been handed a ministerial role in new Prime Minister Andy Burn- ham’s government. He has been named as Pa rl i amenta r y Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Education. The appointment means Rochdale has direct representation in government for the first time in the constituen- cy’s history, He will serve under the new Education Sec- retary Lucy Powell in the department responsible for schools, early years, children’s social care, special educational needs and disabilities, colleges and skills. A DOZEN outstanding green spaces across Rochdale borough are celebrating another year of Green Flag award success. Heywood has retained Green Flags for Queen’s Park and Hopwood Park, while Middleton celebrates four award-winning sites – Middleton Memorial Gardens, Middleton Cem- etery, Jubilee Park and Truffet Park. In Rochdale, Denehurst Park and Balderstone Park have retained their Green Flag status, alongside a group of town centre spaces judged together: Broadfield Park, Rochdale Memorial Gardens and St Chad’s Gardens. Springfield Park also kept its flag following its first submission in 2024. In the Pennines, Milnrow Memorial Park and Hare Hill Park in Littlebor- ough also retained their status. Paul Todd, Green Flag award man- ager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of peo- ple, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don’t feel safe or welcoming. “With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it’s a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people’s quality of life. “Rochdale Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are prop- erly supported and managed. As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like this that are safe, welcoming and main- tained to a high standard.” Arctic mission in honour of Teddy Challenge completed: The team that took on the Arctic Ascent (Photo credit: Springhill Hospice) Parks fly the flag Award: Queens Park in Heywood (Photo credit: Rochdale Council) MP takes on education role Constituency first: Paul Waugh is now a government minister (Photo credit: Paul Waugh) Commenting on his appointment, Mr Waugh said: “As a Rochdale lad who went to Rochdale schools, it’s a real priv- ilege to take on this role to help deliver the best possible start in life for all our children and young people across the country. “I’m looking forward to working with people across the education sec- tor, as well as listening to, and learning from, parents and families. “I’m the first MP for Rochdale to hold a departmental ministerial post since the constitu- ency was created nearly 200 years ago in 1832. “That says something about how long this town has waited to be heard at the centre of govern- ment, and I do not intend to waste the chance. “One of the best parts of my job is visiting schools and colleges in Rochdale, Littleborough, Milnrow and Wardle, allowing me to see first- hand all the great work they do – and the chal- lenges they face.” He added: “Being a minister does not change the work I will continue to do for the people of Rochdale. I will still be at my surgeries, still answering casework, still fighting for the things this town needs. “Rochdale gave the world the co-operative movement, built on the idea that people get fur- ther together than they do alone. That is a decent principle to take into a department whose mis- sion should be to give children and young peo- ple the fairest crack at getting on in life.” Shortlist: The Broadfield Park Slopes programme engaged thousands of people (Photo credit: RDA) Accolade for Slopes project TWO-TIMEBrit awardwinner and pop-soul icon Gabrielle will head- line the main stage at this month’s Rochdale Feel Good Festival. Organisers have announced she will be performing on Saturday August 8, along with rock band Ash and indie group Starsailor. The line-up also includes rapidly ris- ing new talent such as Manchester’s Alex Spencer. Aside from the main stage there will be lotsmore to enjoy, including livemusic across seven indoor venues and a food and drink village. Sue Smith, Rochdale Council’s cabinet member for communi- ties and co-operation, said: “Gabrielle is one of the UK’s most influential sing- er-songwriters, so to have her performing inRochdale will be very special, together with two hugely popular indie rock bands and a host of other amazing acts. “With the main stage in the restored Rochdale Town Hall Square and gar- dens, set against the backdrop of the town hall it’s a stunning location too.” The night before OMDwill performat the town hall square. R&B icon Gabrielle is feeling good AROCHDALE heritage project has been shortlisted for top archaeology award. The Broadfield Park Slopes activity programme included three major archaeological digs. The project was centred on the restoration of the slopes behind Rochdale Town Hall, but it also delivered a huge community engagement programme, which included three archaeological digs. In total 8,500 people have engaged with history and archae- ology as part of the activity programme, which has been short- listed for the community project of the year award at the Marsh Com- munity Archaeology Awards. Part of the Council for British Archaeology awards, the accolades are seen as the gold standard in the industry. The restoration of the Broadfield Park Slopes included twomajor digs on site, which helped to uncover the foundations of a 19th century corn mill and a public weighing station at the foot of the slopes. In addition, a 17th century prop- erty and an 18th century solicitor’s chambers were also uncovered. More recently, the dig team exca- vated land close to Tonge Hall in Middleton, which hails from the Tudor period. The team found evidence of post Medieval farm- ing techniques. They also discovered archaeolog- ical features which suggested the site may have had a Medieval hall there, which predates Tonge Hall.