Page 36 - Real Rochdale Issue 23 August 2024

Rochdale Shopmobility manager

retires after two decades

Rochdale Shopmobility marked the end of
an era in August as long-serving manager
Michelle Hollindrake retired after more than
20 years of service. On her final day,
Michelle was presented with a bouquet of
flowers and a good luck card as tokens of
appreciation for her work for the charity.

Under Michelle’s leadership, Rochdale
Shopmobility has thrived, with valuable
support from her colleague, Debbie Michelle Hollindrake with Mark Wynn from HMR Circle
Ratcliffe who is staying with the service.
HMR Circle is keen to increase the use of the
Rochdale Shopmobility is now under the Shopmobility service and raising awareness
management of HMR Circle and Kirsty of both Shopmobility and the HMR Circle
Mallinson has been appointed as the new Volunteer Drivers Service.
Shopmobility Coordinator. Kirsty aims to
build on the strong foundation that Michelle For more information about Rochdale
has established. Shopmobility, please call 01706 925986.

Contractor appointed for Touchstones

transformation

The redevelopment of Touchstones, the
borough’s major arts and heritage venue is
progressing following the appointment of
construction company H.H. Smith and Sons
Ltd as the main contractor. The
Manchester-based firm also worked on the
restoration of Rochdale Town Hall.

H.H. Smith and Sons started started work
in July, which will see the building
transformed into a creative and cultural
hub with new flexible performance and
creative studio spaces, meeting rooms work with 20 community curators to
and improved galleries. produce a new museum and dining space
for when it re-opens in 2025.
The work also includes a new dining space
combining the theme of food with the Vital works to improve the building’s
borough’s collections. ‘The Dining Room’ accessibility and sustainability will also
will see three artists commissioned to take place.

REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024 36 37 REAL ROCHDALE - AUTUMN 2024