Town Centre News

Rochdale Town Centre Management Column - April 2010

Posted on 26/04/2010

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When I looked into what’s coming up in the town centre I realised there is absolutely loads going on this month and beyond in Rochdale. The whiff of summer seems to have hit everyone and there’s a great buzz of enthusiasm about the place. Things are moving along in terms of redevelopment and we’re looking forward to welcoming the new students to the town when the brand new Sixth Form College opens in September. We’re also prepared for the World Cup fever that normally hits the nation around this time. There are plenty of World Cup events being hosted across the town, but we’ll bring more news of that in the next issue. In the meantime if you’re looking for a Corporate Hospitality World Cup event look no further than our very own Mango, who, with the backing of Carlsberg, are screening the match, serving hot and cold canapés, complimentary reception drinks, hostess service, raffle and more. The event is an excellent opportunity for customers, suppliers, colleagues and friends alike. For more information email mangobar@btconnect.com or phone Mark on 07767391919.

Rochdale Feel Good Festival
As you may already know by now, the Rochdale Feel Good Festival will return this summer - bigger and better than ever. The celebration of entertainment, food and culture is now in its third year and the free main attractions will take place in Rochdale town centre on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 August. A high profile line up of artists will be announced in the coming weeks. The festival will include live music across a number of indoor venues and a big main stage against the backdrop of Rochdale Town Hall. Celebrity chefs will be hosting live cooking demonstrations throughout the event which will also include a 2 day quality food market. Last year thousands packed Rochdale town centre to see live performances from over 25 bands, vocalists and DJ’s including The Bluetones and Wave Machines, whilst celebrity chefs Aldo Zilli and Aazam Ahmad tempted taste buds with their culinary masterpieces. If you know of any local bands who may like to play at the festival please email suzy@rochdaletcm.co.uk.

Social Networking
If you use Facebook or Twitter you may like to know that you can now keep up-to-date with what’s going on in Rochdale town centre by following us.

On Facebook search for Rochdale Town Centre and become a fan
You can also search for Rochdale Feel Good Festival and become a fan
On Twitter go to www.twitter.com/RochdaleTown

Now for the latest news from the town centre businesses.

J & D Alexander Jewellers
If you make a visit to J&D Alexander on The Walk, you will be able to see a very rare kilt worn by the Prince of Wales Edward VIII on display in the shop. It is an exclusive royal tartan and has been purchased by them despite bids worldwide. The kilt has aroused interest throughout the UK and it is over 100 yrs old. Here at Town Centre Management we think it’s very exciting to have something like this in our town and it gives us all the more reason to be proud.

Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre
It’s been a busy few weeks over at the Wheatsheaf Centre with lots going on. A fashion show took place last Saturday with models showing off ranges from Solo, TJ Hughes, Peacocks and New Look, along with the lads from the Rochdale Hornets modeling their own range too! The show was entitled ‘Stepping into Spring’ and the lovely weather made it an enjoyable experience for the models and audience alike.  Staff from the Wheatsheaf also attended The Hornets vs Oldham game over Easter too, which attracted 1412 fans – the biggest crowd of the season and for a long time. At the game they gave away hundreds of Wheatsheaf goodies and lots of fun was had by all. At half time they also drew the of £500 that featured in last month’s Observer column and Tricia Smith from Rochdale was the lucky winner.

Denis Hope
Denis Hope, one of Rochdale’s favourite specialized independent businesses starts their Spring reductions on Friday 23rd April. Denis Hope has been dedicated to high quality clothing and service since 1959, sourcing labels from around Europe to meet everyday fashion demands. So why not pop down to Drake Street and take advantage of some of the bargains on offer?

Ladies Only Ltd
Hula hoops have had a revival in popularity since Michelle Obama was photographed last summer joining in a hula class. Members of Ladies Only Ltd on St Mary's Gate have been perfecting hula techniques as part of their exercise programme. Many of them reminiscing about playing with Hula Hoops in the late 1950's/early 1960's as little girls. It seems the skill never goes away even though it might feel a bit more like hard work in the gym where the hoops are weighted, and a few decades have passed. Michelle, owner manager said "We have 6 different sizes and weights of hula hoops, ranging from 560g to 1kg. We start members off with the heavier hoops which are easier to control and then once that feels easier, we progress them to lighter hoops which need more effort to control. They are effective to work muscles throughout the body including the abdomen, waist and hips as you may expect. As you shift your body weight, your leg muscles are worked and because you need to keep your arms up out of the way the bingo wings also get a workout!" Hula hoops were once banned in Japan because of the "indecent" hip rotation movement. Ladies Only Ltd provide an 'order and collect 'service for members and non-members to buy the weighted hula hoops which range from £20 to £26 each with lots of colours to choose from. The best thing to do is pop in and have a go with the different size hoops to order the one you feel suits you best.

Madisons
Madisons on St Mary’s Gate will be running a special Italian Wine Evening on Friday 21st May. The night consists of a four course Italian meal with coffee and six different and carefully selected Italian wines to compliment the meal. They will be taking bookings for tables of six (with six different bottles of wine) priced at £144-00 all inclusive, or tables of four (with four different bottles of wine) priced at £96-00 again all inclusive.

Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre
Shoppers were treated to a special party last Saturday to mark the first birthday of the new look market. Stalls were decorated with purple and orange balloons to match the market’s new branding and families were welcomed to the party with music from an authentic barrel organ. The organ grinder wore Victorian costume and children were delighted with the monkey puppet on his shoulder. Children were invited to take part in a ‘Monkey Trail’ and spot the monkeys that were hidden on some of the stalls around the market and the market hall. More than 120 children joined in the hunt although not all of them managed to find all 6 monkeys! All entries were put into a free prize draw to win goody bags full of great prizes donated by the market traders.

Shoes by Laces
Just in time for summer, one of our town’s favourite Independent shops, Shoes by Laces now stock GET A WORK OUT WHILE YOU WALK™ FitFlops in a range of stunning designs. FitFlop footwear is biomechanically engineered to help tone and tighten your leg muscles while you walk in them. Studies show that normal walking in FitFlop sandals can help increase leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity, improve your posture, mimic the gait of barefoot walking but with more muscle load, improve muscle tone. And I’m sure you’ll agree from the photo – they look pretty too! There are lots of different stylish designs to choose from, such as black patent, sequined or white. You can find Laces on Cheetham Street, next to Chantilly.

Molesworths Bright Clegg Solicitors
We’d like to welcome a new member of staff to the town centre. Gavin Brindle joined Molesworths Bright Clegg in April. Gavin is a qualified solicitor, specialising in residential property with over 5 years experience. If you're moving home, why not give Gavin a call on 01706 767432

The Regal Moon
The Regal Moon will be open from 7am as of the 28th April, only for coffee , breakfast and soft drinks. There will be a voucher deal for a bacon or sausage roll and a coffee for 99p. They will also be holding a curry festival for the week 10th - 16th May which includes a choice of 12 curries and a drink all day for £4.99. The Regal Moon now has 18 real ale hand-pumps and is working closely with CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) to promote Rochdale town centre as a great destination to come for real ale, as there are several pubs in the centre providing excellent ale choice . They will also be holding a Wine festival from 24th May to 11th June where they are showcasing some superb wines at normal house wine prices.

Mainland Europe Estates
Mainland Europe Estates is a relatively new business in Rochdale town centre, owned by Val Longmore. They opened on The Walk at the beginning of this year and specialize in permanent, holiday, investment and business properties in Turkey, Bulgaria, Hungary, Greece, Spain, Italy, Cyprus & France. They have already had a lot of interest from passers-by who are enticed by the affordable properties on offer; prices start as low as £2,800. You can email mainlandeurope@aol.com, phone 01706 354007 or pop into their store on The Walk.

25Ten Boutique
Young Fashion favourite ‘Rare’, have pumped up the glamour factor for spring with the launch of their new premium collection Rare Opulence. The sought after collection comprising of on-trend nudes, uber glam partywear and neatly tailored pieces will only be available from selected Independent stores, including Rochdale’s 25Ten Boutique, as well as high end fashion houses such as Selfridges. Rare Opulence collection will be made up of 15 stunning wear-me-love-me pieces, priced from £65 to £120.  25Ten Boutique will unveil the new collection at the end of April. Register on their website (www.25tenboutique.com) or find them on Facebook (25 Ten Ladies Boutique) to find out more!

True Serenity
In 2008 Joanne Potts, Reiki Practitioner and Teacher opened True Serenity on Bury Road. The Centre is a friendly, welcoming, energy rich environment and bringing together a group of professionals who are as passionate about their job as she is about hers. All the practitioners at True Serenity are self-employed, experienced practitioners. Jo says ‘I find it frustrating that Holistic Health is too often brought under the same heading as Hair and Beauty. Holistic Health is an absolute necessity, not a luxury. This is not something I have learned from books, this is something I have experienced and continue to do so. More and more people are beginning to realize the importance of bringing about balance on all levels- Mentally, Emotionally, Spiritually and Physically. Most of us carry emotional baggage and it affects our health. True Serenity is what the name suggests ‘Be true to yourself and your inner peace will emerge’. You don’t have to be ill to have therapy; it is about prevention and maintaining that balance."  True Serenity has an eclectic mix of Complementary treatments, services, workshops, classes, talks and demonstrations to suit everyone.  True Serenity’s 1st Anniversary Weekend will take place on 8th & 9th May from 11am - 4pm. There will be Treatment Tasters where 20min will cost from £10. Plus there's Aura Photography, Intuitive Readings, Talks, Demos and Workshops. For more info call Jo on 01706 630750.

And last but by no means least of course I must mention and congratulate Rochdale AFC’s recent promotion and wish them the best of luck on winning the league!