Star hotel beat off city rivals to land award
●●10 YEARS AGO: TWO Rochdale businesses beat off competition in the Manchester Tourism Awards 2008.
Nutters restaurant in Norden and Moss Lodge Hotel of Kingsway were recognised as ‘the best of the best’ at a ceremony to celebrate the high level of investment and quality of tourism product across the region.
Nutters was judged ‘best tourism restaurant’ and Moss Lodge Hotel, which secured five-star status from the English Tourist Board earlier that year, won the award for ‘best B&B/ small hotel.’
Another Rochdale group, The Friends of Healey Dell, was shortlisted for the best tourism website award at the ceremony, held at Manchester Central.
The businesses were visited by mystery shoppers.
Moss Lodge, run by husband and wife team, Samantha and David Fleming, was singled out by the judges because of its ‘innovative approach combined with exceptional staff demonstrating great local knowledge.’
Andrew Nutters offered ‘great customer service and food’ described as ‘absolutely perfect in all respects.’
Tim Nuttal, Rochdale Council’s tourism officer said: “To achieve these awards against city centre and regional competition shows the quality of Rochdale’s tourism product.”
He added: “Healey Dell’s website was up against strong competition from large commercial organisations, but for a community website it was the best.” BROADFIELD Park was blooming thanks to new wildflower areas and planting schemes.
Seeds were planted around the pond by members of the public and work continued with help from pupils at Broadfield Community School.
The planting and creating of new shrubberies and herbaceous borders also took place with help from volunteers and members of the community payback scheme, which enlists offenders to make a difference to their community.
The plants chosen were aimed at attracting wildlife and giving a goof floral show. AN Easter break with canoeing, climbing, raft building, drama and music has helped to bond a group of young people.
Teenagers representing Rochdale secondary schools took part in a residential break to North Wales, along with pupils from Oldham, aimed at promoting cohesion and breaking down barriers among young people.
More than 80 Year 10 pupils went on the five-day trip to the Conway Centre in Anglesey and took part in a range of activities with the aim of getting to know and getting on with each other.
The 14 and 15 year olds were split into six groups and they took part in activities which helped to bond friendships and bridge stereotypes and divides.
Dave Baker, senior youth office at Rochdale Council, said: “All the feedback we’ve had from the young people has been really positive.
“It was an exhausting few days, but I think everyone got a lot out of the trip.
“There were stories of how stereotypes and fears of other ‘types’ of young people had been dispelled – and tales of how fears of heights and water has been conquered.” SPRING was in the air for members of St Aiden’s Church congregation.
They organised a spring fair at the Sudden church to raise money for church funds.
Over £900 was raised from the event, which saw ●●Broadfield Park volunteers Liz Townson and Ray Stern with park warden Bob Bevan and Jonathan Brenner get the soil ready for planting over 100 people attend.
Church council member Tracey Street said: “Considering the weather, which I think might have put some people off, we did very well.” BUDDING chefs enjoyed a visit to the Star of Bengal restaurant to find out more about the catering business.
A group of teenagers, taking part in the Positive Activities for Young People programme, spent the afternoon working with chefs at the Yorkshire Street restaurant.
The scheme aims to provide educational opportunities for young people.
Anna Goodlad, from the Rochdale-based project, said: “The group had a great time and everyone at the Star of Bengal made them feel really welcome.
“They spent time in the kitchen and prepared a selection of dishes.
“They were able to sample the food and took part in a range of activities.
“They behaved really well and did themselves proud.
“They were also given positive feedback.” YOUNG people on Kirkholt were learning the facts about the potential dangers of drinking as part of Alcohol Awareness Week.
A group at Kirkholt Youth Centre took part in activities designed to inform them about the effects and risks that alcohol can cause.
Activities included an alcohol-free bar, quizzes, competitions and workshops led by Rochdale council youth workers and the Early Break young people’s drug and alcohol service.
Karen Belfield, from the Youth Service, said: “The group learned about the Government’s safe alcohol and consumption limits, of two to three units a day for women and three to four for men.
“They also learned why there are no limits for people their age, as alcohol can cause more damage to young people as their brains and bodies are not fully developed.
“It is really important to have events like this as it engages young people in a fun way and helps them to make informed choices about alcohol.”