So much to enjoy in Christmas countdown

Remembrance Sunday, as the community came together to pay tribute to the fallen. I attended services at Rochdale Cenotaph and in Wardle.

As always, it was a poignant and moving day. We will remember them. Lest we forget.

● As the countdown to the festive period continues, I was delighted to attend Christmas light switch on events in Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton.

It was lovely to see people of all ages out and about, supporting our towns and marking the big switch on in style.

I was proud to attend the diversity awards evening at the Kashmir Youth Project, which was a well-attended and enjoyable event, showcasing our borough at its very best.

● In addition, I was delighted to be guest at the Rochdale Connections Trust 25th anniversary occasion at Rochdale at RUFC.

In packed diary, I also supported the Carers Rights Day, did my mayoral certificate presentations to residents and community groups, attended the veterans coffee morning and opened the 9th Rochdale new scout hut.

● I was also very proud to attend the Lancashire Day proclamations in Littleborough and Milnrow, had an enjoyable time at the Springhill Hospice Christmas Fair and had a lovely visit to Kingsway High School.

That is just a selection of my many visits, to all parts of the borough, as my mayoral year continues to reach out across the community.

There is much to look forward to, as we countdown to the Christmas break.

The tastiest festive food and a day of free seasonal entertainment is on the way very soon when the Street Eat festival returns to Rochdale town centre.

A mouth-watering Christmas edition of the popular event is being held throughout the day Saturday, December 17, with the best of the town’s food and drink establishments on the menu.

I will be showing my support and hope to see you there.

I am sure it will, as always, be a great occasion and the town centre will be really bustling.

● You can get into the festive spirit and enjoy some classic seasonal favourites in Rochdale this December when Number One Riverside stages the BBC Philharmonic and BBC Radio Manchester Christmas Concert on Friday, December 16.

The concert, promising an evening of sparkle and Christmas cheer, hosted by BBC presenters Anna Jameson and Asma Younus will be recorded for broadcast during the festive season.

Joining the renowned Philharmonic orchestra there will be also be performances from R&B artist ‘Prima’ and Rochdale Music Service Musical Theatre Choir.

If you don’t manage to get a ticket you’ll be able to listen to it over Christmas on BBC Radio Manchester and BBC Sounds.

A range of local cost of living support is in place for those households most in need.

This includes Advice on accessing benefits and pension top ups, health and wellbeing advice, supermarket vouchers, discounted food schemes, housing energy support and targeted assistance for older people and families.

Further information on our Helping Hand cost of living campaign can be found at www.rochdale. gov.uk/costofliving or by calling 01706 923685

In addition, we have now launched our warm spaces initiative which are available at community buildings, libraries and leisure centres across the borough.

These provide a free warm space and a warm welcome for our residents. There are free warm drinks, water, activities and, at some venues, free showers. Check out all the details at www.rochdale.gov.uk/ warmspaces

As always, you are all playing your part to make our borough an even better place to live, work and group up in. A huge and continued thanks to you all.

I wish you all a safe and peaceful Christmas.