Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- Feeling good in the summer sun
- Rochdale's pancake legacy 30 years on
- Calderbrook Alpacas – The delightful world of fluffy misfits
- Rochdale “hero” completes gruelling 232- mile ultra-marathon for Jolly Josh charity
- Ogden family takes majority control of Rochdale AFC after £2m investment
- The timeless magic of Rochdale’s M6 Theatre
- Toffee or chocolate dipped apples
- Grey & Gorgeous
- Rochdale Infirmary opens ‘Oasis Garden’
- Inside Rochdale's oldest mosque »
- Sue Devaney announced as new patron of Springhill Hospice
- Remarkable 2000-year-old Roman coins found in Littleborough field will stay in the borough
- Stiffen your resolve to do more exercise
- Rochdale Shopmobility manager retires after two decades
- Contractor appointed for Touchstones transformation
- Korean sticky mushrooms with kimchi greens
- High Level’s holistic approach to addiction recovery
- All eyes on Rochdale at Tatton
- Post Office Horizon Scandal
- What's on this autumn
Autumn 2024Inside Rochdale's oldest mosque
The Golden Mosque has been a cornerstone of the local community since its establishment in 1963. Located on Lower Sheriff Street in Spotland, this historic institution was initially acquired by members of the local Muslim community, who came together to create what is now Rochdale’s oldest mosque.
Over the years, the mosque has evolved far beyond its original purpose, becoming a vital hub for education, social services, and even community outreach.
The mosque’s significance was recently underscored when it was honoured with the prestigious title of ‘Mosque of the Year’ at the British Muslim Awards. This accolade recognises the Golden Mosque’s outstanding contributions, not only to the local community but also to the broader Islamic world.
From its humble beginnings over six decades ago, the Golden Mosque has grown exponentially.
The community’s increasing needs led to the construction of a new, larger mosque building in 2010, funded entirely by the local Muslim community.
The community recognised the importance for educating the next generation and nurturing them to become exceptional citizens of this country. The community came together once more to raise £1 million for a new building.
The new three-floor structure, capable of accommodating over 1,000 worshippers, has allowed the mosque to expand its services and support more people than ever before.
Now on big occasions, such as Friday and Eid prayers, the mosque welcomes over 1,000 attendees, reflecting its central role in the lives of Rochdale’s Muslims.
The Golden Mosque is not just a place of worship; it is a thriving centre for community engagement.
The mosque offers a wide range of services, including counselling, marriage services, funeral services, youth clubs, health and wellbeing sessions, and Islamic classes. This dedication to meeting the diverse needs of the community has earned the mosque several accolades over the years, including the Rochdale Borough’s People’s Design Award for the best-designed building in 2011. It was also selected as best mosque by Royal Horticultural Society’s North West In Bloom judges in 2023.
In addition, the mosque has been recognised nationally, winning the Best Madrassah in the UK in 2020 and the Best Youth Service Award in 2021.
The mosque’s facilities are a testament to its importance within the community. The modern building features a large prayer hall, multi-purpose spaces for education and social gatherings, and all the necessary amenities, such as projectors, Wi-Fi, and wudu facilities on every floor.
The recent £1 million redevelopment project, which saw the old mosque building demolished to make way for a new educational hub called Lantern Academy, highlights the community’s commitment to nurturing the next generation.
Looking to the future, the Golden Mosque continues to innovate and expand its community initiatives. Starting in September, a new youth programme will be launched, including outdoor activities, sports, and study sessions open to all.
Additionally, the mosque will establish the Golden Social Club, providing weekly gatherings and day trips for elderly community members. The mosque has also partnered with the Sahara Alzheimer’s Society to offer monthly support sessions for those affected by dementia.
The Golden Mosque’s commitment to environmental stewardship is evident through its participation in the Britain in Bloom campaign, where it has proudly represented Rochdale.
The mosque plans to continue its monthly litter-picking group, with aspirations to develop a programme that other mosques in Rochdale can adopt, promoting a cleaner environment.
As the Golden Mosque celebrates its recent accolades, it remains a beacon of faith, education, and community spirit in Rochdale.
Its enduring legacy is a source of pride for the Muslim community in Rochdale and beyond - and an inspiration to Muslims and others across the country.
The Golden Mosque’s continued dedication to serving the needs of its congregation and the wider community ensures it will remain a vital resource for many years to come.