Stan turned big loss into charity triumph
●●10 YEARS AGO:
AGYM member who lost three stone to get fit for the Great Manchester Run raised more than £1,200 for Springhill Hospice.
Stan Karbaley ran in memory of his late sister-inlaw, Karen Halstead, who was cared for in the hospice before her death three years ago.
The 44-year-old ran for the third year in a row and every year had improved his running time – down that year to one hour seven minutes.
Mr Karbaley trained for the run with gruelling sessions with Body Pro Gym owner Ben Bate.
Several other gym members also took part in the run for a number of different charities, including Mr Bate and co-owner Natalie Cook, who also chose to support the hospice.
Ms Cook said: “It’s a local charity which helps a lot of people here, of all different abilities, so we knew we could raise a lot for them.
“Sian in particular had a very personal reason for choosing the hospice.”
Mr Karbaley said: “We lost someone we were very close to three years ago.
“The hospice looked after her so well at the time that I wanted to give something back.” THE opening night of a new Indian restaurant raised more than £1,100 for the British Legion.
The Indian Lounge on Spotland Road launched with the special charity evening, which culminated in a handover of all the money diners and staff managed to raise to British Legion vice chairman Councillor Tom Bailey.
Diners were in for a treat as hypnotist Chris Lee hypnotised several local characters, including Paul Rowen MP who was happy to get involved in the stage show.
The Rochdale Olympic Gymnastics Club also put on a show-stopping performance to entertain the 70 guests who packed into the newly designed and refurbished contemporary restaurant.
Restaurant owner Mohammed Raymond said: “Chris the hypnotist did a great job.
“He said he always wanted to hypnotise a politician, and now he has, although I think Paul Rowen escaped having to do the Can-Can.
“The gymnasts were also brilliant.
“Some of the girls were as young as seven and they did a wonderful performance.
“The chairman of the British Legion Tom Bailey, gave a very emotional speech about the charity.
“It was a fantastic night.” ‘TAKE a carrot’ was the instruction for pupils from Ashfield Valley Primary School when they visited Touchstones for a lesson on Egypt.
The year three class were shown how to mummify their carrots as well as being told about life in Egypt and were shown lots of different Egyptian artefacts.
Headteacher Liz Palmer added: “We visit Touchstones every year because year three pupils study Egypt as a topic and the facilities there are of top quality.
“Everyone had a great time and all the children really enjoyed it, but I’m not sure they will ever look at a carrot in the same way.” BUDDING musicians from Meanwood Primary School were getting to grips with a selection of instruments.
Children from Year 4 were being taught how to play the violin during their weekly music lessons in conjunction with Rochdale Music Service. The Wider Opportunities project aims to encourage youngsters to develop their talents and to improve their confidence through performance.
A spokeswoman for the school said: “The children love it and we are hoping that as a result of the scheme more children will want to take up playing the instruments permanently.
“We hope to further build upon the strong music traditions we already have at Meanwood.
“We hold the Arts Mark gold award, were extremely successful in the music section of this year’s festival winning several trophies and our music section of this year’s festival winning several trophies and our music teacher is a former Classic FM primary music teacher of the year.” THE music was loud as Milnrow Carnival went with a swing.
Hundreds of residents took to the streets to see the carnival go off without a hitch.
Carnival queen Catherine Wiles helped lead the parade along with her attendant Tyler Wiles, mayor of Rochdale Councillor Robin Parker and mayoress Ann Jones.
Music was provided by Milnrow Band, Milnrow Youth Band and the Oldham Pipe Band, while St Ann’s High Crompton and Milnrow Morris Troupes also performed.
The carnival finished at Hollingworth High School with a fair. BARGAIN hunters were out in force at Our Lady and St Anselm’s fair.
Charitable shoppers offered their support to the popular event at the Whitworth primary school.
There was something to entertain all ages with a bouncy castle and face painting to cater for younger guests.
A selection of cake stalls, a coconut shy and a tombola were some of the attractions on offer.