Page 2 - Real Rochdale Issue 09 Winter 2020

Editor’s Words

A warm welcome to Real Rochdale

It’s been a very strange year for us all. After going into national lockdown in March,
we paused production of the magazine and it’s great to be back.

We hope you and your loved ones stay safe and well as we continue through these
unusual times.

In this edition, and perhaps more important than ever this year, Brad Gartland
spoke to Katie Davies about the stigma surrounding men and mental health and
how he, and the Stephen Gartland Foundation, are challenging this.

The Jolly Josh family shared their photography project with us, capturing the reality of vulnerable families
throughout lockdown.

Congratulations to Sign Along With Us and the Rochdale Music Service Youth Choir who teamed up to enter
Britain’s Got Talent and finished as well-deserved runners up. We spoke to Jade from Sign Along With Us
about why their achievements are so important in this age of inclusivity.

Pre-lockdown, Michelle Kight had a chat with Men of Rochdale Paul Ellison and Ray Smith over coffee and was
treated to an exclusive tour of the refurbished Castleton Health and Leisure Centre.

Local singer Ellysse Mason spoke to Michelle about making the most of the year and we look at the history of
Rochdale Town Hall before refurbishment work begins next year.

Our borough’s green credentials are on the rise, as Crystal Doors won a prestigious environmental award
whilst Reuse Littleborough has been on a mission to save the planet since 2015.

Now that the nights are drawing in we’ve got two winter recipes for you; slow cooked ox cheek from Ben
Shepherd, head chef at The Baum, and an apple and blueberry crumble with homemade custard from Natasha
Brown of Brown’s Cakes.

Thank you to our advertisers and contributors and we hope you enjoy this issue.

CLAIRE FLETT
EDITOR

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3 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2020