Elvis on wheels was big hit with new suede shoes
MINIATURE Dachshund Elvis was proving a wheel hit around the town.
The eight-year-old slipped a disc and his back legs were paralysed but he was able to get out and about with the aid of a special ‘wheelchair’ fitted with suede shoes.
Owner Christine Banks, of Castleton, said: “The chariot is no bigger than a skateboard - it straps around his front, his feet go in two little suede shoes and it has two wheels at the back.
“He thing.”
Ms Banks, the owner of Bonecat Music in Drake Street, bought the wheelchair on the internet for £250 after Elvis slipped a disc and couldn’t walk.
It was recommended by a vet after an unsuccessful operation.
Since Elvis received the wheelchair six months previously, it had given him a new lease of life.
Ms Banks added: “He doesn’t use the wheelchair around the house, but whenever I walk him up and down Drake Street he gets lots of attention.
“People loved him before but he is a complete attraction now.
“People come into the shop just to see him.” is a happy little LITTLE kittens would be purring with pleasure if someone offered them a home.
The litter of five was found sheltering with its mother during heavy rain.
Barbara Henry, of Rochdale Cats Protection, said: “They were in a wheelie bin ●●Martin Coupe and David Acton wanted a new clock to be put in the town centre for those who couldn’t see the town hall one shelter, huddled together and trying to keep dry.
“The bad weather led to a very busy period for us cats can stand the cold and the rain, but not both together.
“They were so cold and wet. A lot of the cats we took in last week were almost frowning.” IT was time for the town to go digital, according to enthusiastic Rotarians.
Members of Rochdale Rotary Club wanted to help shoppers unable to tell the time when the Town Hall is out of sight by installing a state-of-the-art clock in the town centre.
The new clock would feature a digital face and a temperature gauge.
And members were keep for help from the public in choosing the ideal location.
Rotary president David Acton explained:”Ideally, we would like to place the clock on Manchester Road near Touchstones or alternatively Yorkshire Street as a welcome into Rochdale.
“The club itself is divided as some of our members want it where it can be seen by pedestrians rather than motorists who will speed past it.
“It will definitely not be in sight of the Town Hall as it would be situated where visitors are unable to see its clock tower.”
For many years Rochdalians have given generously to the club, which supports local, national and international charities.
As a group which retains the motto ‘service before self,’ the clock was thought to be an ideal way to give something back to the community.
“To fly our rotary flag in Rochdale would be a little presumptuous,” added Mr Acton.
“However, we thought that a digital clock with a temperature could be a useful asset, while at the same time reminding the people of Rochdale that rotary is always ready to help.
“The club is made up of people who could make a quick decision on the location of such a clock.
“However as it will embrace all people in Rochdale we thought it would be good to involve them in identifying a suitable site.” BURNS night was celebrated in style with a traditional Scottish ceremony at St Thomas’ Primary School, Newhey.
More than 80 guests danced the night away at the popular annual event in honour of the renowned Scottish poet.
The celebrations were lead by the master of ceremonies Garth Fell and one of the highlights of the event was a ceremonial presentation of the Haggis.
Frank Jackson, who helped to organise the evening, said: “It was fantastic and a lovely night with a very good turn out.
“Most people joined in the Scottish dancing and enjoyed a potato pie supper afterwards.
“Roger Fitton read two poems by Robert Burns and I’d like to say thank you to everyone who took part or turned up on the night.
“I was the bearer of the haggis, but because it was a ceremonial occasion, even though a few people asked, we didn’t eat it.”
The vicar of St Thomas’ Church, the Rev Graham Lindley, also participated in the festivities and recited the Celtic Grace during the last toast of the evening.
Mr Jackson added: “Even though we are a small community, its important that we celebrate our traditions.
“If we let go of these traditions they will disappear and we will lose them.
“It’s part of our heritage so its very important that we continue to celebrate events like burns night.”
All proceeds will be donated to the restoration fund for St Thomas’ Church. STUDENTS from Hollingworth Business and Enterprise College tested their entrepreneurial skills during a problem solving day.
The pupils from year 9 worked together in teams and tackled a series of challenges, designed to enhance their team-building skills, as part of the session.
It was hoped that the event would offer a fresh outlook to the youngsters and encourage the pupils to consider future careers in the business field.
Lynne Hastings, work related learning co-ordinator, said: “We were very pleased to host this event for our year 9 pupils.
“They were enthusiastic, keen to listen and eager to take part in the activities.
“We hope that this will prepare them for starting Key Stage 4 and the next stage of their education.
“We are a business and enterprise college so it is important that we support their learning in this way.
“We are working closely with local businesses and career officers to open up as many opportunities to them as possible.”