Page 18 - Real Rochdale - Autumn 2018

JOHN
SWINDEN
The ‘Singing Jeweller’ and ‘Man of Rochdale’
You have one of the most recognisable businesses
on The Walk, J & D Alexander. How did you end up
there?
The shop has been a jewellers for around 50
years. I was the manager for years before I
became the owner in November 2002.
I found jewellery a very enjoyable thing to learn
and I took to it like a duck to water. It fits my
personality and is part of who I am.
One of the most interesting pieces I’ve seen was
a mourning ring from the time of Bonnie Prince
Charlie during the 1750s.
How did you come to be known as ‘Rochdale’s
singing jeweller?’
50 years ago, I entered a talent contest singing
‘Strangers in the Night’, by Frank Sinatra. I
didn’t get anywhere, and I didn’t sing again
in public until around 2011. I perform under
the stage name John Alexander. I’ve even had
three auditions for The Voice, which was a good
experience.
Tell us about raising money for charity...
I’ve always tried to raise money for local
charities through singing. I couldn’t tell you how
much I’ve raised because I’ve never kept track.
I’ve supported the Moorland Children’s Home
and many individual worthy causes, and given
tens of thousands of pounds of gift vouchers
Photo: Malcolm Journeaux away for jewellery.
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I do all that I can purely because I’m blessed to
be in a position to do so and I love doing it.
How did it feel when you were crowned Man of
Rochdale?
I am a big supporter of Springhill Hospice, which
gave me the award last year: I was gobsmacked
and I’m very rarely lost for words. I did get very
emotional about it because I don’t do anything
for the recognition.
When they gave me the award, it made me
realise that people in Rochdale appreciate
what I do.
What do you love most about Rochdale?
I’ve lived here for over 35 years. I like the people
because they’re friendly, honest and open, and I’ve
always had lots of genuine support.
Rochdale is a very historic place, which I love. I like
that Lisa Stansfield and Gracie Fields were from
here; Gracie would sing to anyone, anywhere.
I’ve also been privileged to sing in one of the most
historic town halls - Rochdale - in Europe.
Do you have any singing dreams?
As an ex-Hillsborough lad, I would love to sing
You’ll Never Walk Alone to the Kop at Liverpool.
I’d also love to sing at the centenary Remembrance
Parade, as my uncle died during the war when he
was just 18.
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