Sheila Acton: One Front Door, One Community – A Lifetime of Bringing People Together
For generations of families across Sparthbottoms and Rochdale, Sheila Acton is much more than a community worker or former teacher. To many, she has been a mentor, a guide, a trusted figure and, as countless people affectionately called her over the years, “Mother.” Her story is one of dedication, compassion and a lifelong commitment to […]
A Lifetime Dedicated to Community, Youth and Social Change : Sohail Ahmed
For more than three decades, Sohail Ahmed has been at the heart of community development, youth empowerment, education, social justice and voluntary service in Rochdale. His journey reflects dedication, resilience and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of local people. Originally from Pakistan, Sohail Ahmed completed a Master’s degree in Physics before moving to […]
From a Small Rochdale Shop to a National Brand: The Story of Sunshine Snacks
In the heart of Rochdale, a family-run business has quietly grown from a small back-room operation into one of the UK’s recognised halal sweet brands. Sunshine Snacks Limited, founded by Shahid Ahmed alongside his family, is more than just a confectionery business — it is a story of resilience, community spirit, faith, and hard work. […]
Ghulam Rasul Shahzad: A Lifetime of Service, Education and Community Leadership in Rochdale
Ghulam Rasul Shahzad’s journey is one of dedication, education, and tireless service to the community. Born in India before his family migrated to Pakistan, he spent his childhood and education in Lahore, a city he describes as vibrant, busy, and deeply connected with learning and culture. After completing his law degree and postgraduate studies in […]
The Life and Legacy of Muhammad Siddique Kosar: A Journey of Faith, Service, and Community
Muhammad Siddique Kosar shared a heartfelt account of his life, upbringing, religious journey, and decades of service to the Muslim community in Pakistan and the United Kingdom. Muhammad Siddique Kosar began by expressing gratitude and love for the people gathered around him, including friends, imams, and khateebs, acknowledging the respect and affection they had shown […]
Memories of Migration, Brotherhood, and Community Service: The Journey of Haji Numberdar Muhammad Pehlwan & Haji Mohammed Rasheed
The conversation with Haji Numberdar Muhammad Pehlwan and Haji Mohammed Rasheed offers a heartfelt glimpse into the lives of the early Kashmiri and Pakistani immigrants who settled in the United Kingdom during the 1960s. Their memories reflect sacrifice, brotherhood, hard work, and deep love for their homeland and community. Haji Numberdar Muhammad Pehlwan recalled arriving […]
From the Classroom to the Mayoral Chain: The Inspiring Journey of Rochdale’s First Citizen
Becoming the Mayor of Rochdale was never part of Councillor Janet Emsley’s original plan. Her journey began not in politics, but in education — a career built on dedication, community spirit, and supporting young people. Born and raised in Rochdale, Janet attended Redbrook middle school and Oulder Hill high school before going on to university, […]
How Zafar Iqbal Turned a Passion for Film Into a National Community Movement
For many people who arrive in the UK from overseas, the journey is filled with uncertainty, adaptation and resilience. For Zafar Iqbal, that journey began in 1990 when he arrived from Azad Kashmir, Pakistan, carrying little more than memories of home and a passion for storytelling. Today, he is the founder and director of Kashmir […]
Rebecca Tarran on Serving as a Deputy Lieutenant and Championing Community Recognition in Rochdale
Rebecca Tarran, Deputy Lieutenant for Rochdale, has spoken about the importance of community recognition, voluntary service, and promoting the many positive contributions being made across Rochdale and Greater Manchester. A Deputy Lieutenant supports the Lord-Lieutenant, who is the official representative of His Majesty The King within each county. In Greater Manchester, the Lord-Lieutenant oversees ten […]
A Life of Learning, Community and Service in Rochdale
Born in India, Ghulam Shahzad moved with his family to Pakistan during Partition, where they settled in Lahore. Ghulam Shahzad spent his childhood there and completed his education in the city, later earning a law degree and a master’s degree in Islamic Studies. Ghulam Shahzad arrived in the United Kingdom in 1976. Moving from Lahore […]