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Summer 2024Editor's welcome

A warm welcome to Real Rochdale

Hello, and welcome to the second Real Rochdale issue of 2024.
Our summer edition features Lorenza Pye, this year’s Woman of Rochdale - an outstanding lady who has made British Sign Language accessible to hundreds of deaf and non-verbal children in the borough. I’m sure you will agree from reading her story that this is a very well-deserved award.

Speaking of remarkable women, Rochdale’s own Lisa Stansfield was honoured at the first Northern Music Awards, dubbed the ‘Brits of the North.’ Read her thoughts on page 17.

In business news, Zen Internet was named one of the best UK workplaces, praised for its people-centric culture and focus on employee happiness. Zen’s people and culture director Ayshea Robertson shares insights on how happy staff lead to better productivity and business results.

And some more positive news: Rochdale Cricket Club, one of the oldest in the region, celebrates its bicentennial in 2024. After two centuries, the club remains a historical and cultural cornerstone.

Chef David Hayden, owner of The Gallows shares his delicious monkfish recipe which is not to be missed and Natasha Brown, the owner of Brown’s Cakes has an almond, lemon and plum tart for you to try.

There’s much more to be discovered in this issue, but I will let you take a look for yourself.


Thank you as always to our advertisers and contributors. We hope you enjoy our summer edition.