Rochdale

After a week of our town being on the news, for all the wrong reasons, the TV and media folk have scurried away like rats deserting the sinking ship.

Except they haven't.

As its not a sinking ship.

This view, and plenty of others, is here every day. We sit on the edge of the Pennines (and get the weather because of it) but in parts it's as good as the Lakes and Dales.

Today the Town Hall is reopen after a 4 year renovation - an amazing place, with plenty of stories to tell. I'll be there for a concert on Wednesday featuring the world famous Organ and the world famous Black Dyke band. Have a look at the images here - Rochdale Town Hall (@rochdaletownhall) • Instagram photos and videos

Business wise this town has some companies that do world leading stuff, we just don't shout about it as we should. We're not show offs, that's all. I'm lucky enough to be part of that community here in the town, and in 2 weeks we're hosting an event to celebrate 25 years of my company, and I know we'll get the support from all our friends and customers across the borough.

The Co-Op started here in 1844 and look at why - a story that is valid today. 28 men decided enough was enough, poverty needed to be addressed - Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers - Wikipedia

There has been people posting on Facebook and LinkedIn all this week to highlight the good news. Good news doesn't make the news though does it?

A lot of old mill towns in the north have problems but they also have soul, and that is hewn into the place somehow from our industrial past, our never ending rain, our lowly football team and somehow a magnet for a cheap story. Lazy journalism in the main. 

Even if you look at some of the darker stories, yes, we may have been the first to have that spotlight, and hence now the go-to town, but the bravery of a local to speak up and act came from Rochdale. Now, many others find the same on their doorstep. We chose not to accept the status quo. It's a different take, but its just as valid.

No place is perfect, so don't throw stones!