Rochdale Podcast: Iftikhar Ahmad Rizvi on Faith, Youth, and the Muslim Community
The podcast features a conversation with Iftikhar Ahmad Rizvi, a Sunni Muslim community figure visitng in Britain from Pakistan, who discusses his upbringing in Pakistan, his religious journey, the role of young people, the importance of preserving language and culture, the Muslim community in Britain. Later in the interview, Imran Ghous joins the conversation and […]
PCSO Andrew Bigland: Two Decades of Community Engagement, Policing and Making a Difference
One World Many Voices recently welcomed PCSO Andrew Bigland of Greater Manchester Police for an insightful conversation about his career, his passion for community engagement and the projects that have helped make a positive difference across Greater Manchester. Having joined Greater Manchester Police in 2006, Andrew has built an impressive career centred around one key […]
From Partition to Rochdale: Ghulam Rasul Shahzad on Pakistan, Kashmir and Community
From Partition to Rochdale: Ghulam Rasul Shahzad on Pakistan, Kashmir and Community As Pakistan prepares to celebrate its Independence Day on 14 August, One World Many Voices sat down with Ghulam Rasul Shahzad, a long-standing resident of Rochdale with a remarkable personal history and extensive involvement in community affairs. Ghulam Rasul Shahzad has lived in […]
Mohammed Sheraz Reflects on 30 Years of Community Work (Rochdale, UK)
For more than three decades, Mohammed Sheraz has dedicated his life to serving the people of Rochdale. Through youth work, community engagement, emergency response and voluntary service, he has become one of the town’s most respected community figures, helping to bring people together during both challenging and inspiring times. Born and raised in Rochdale, with […]
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 […]