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YOUNG ROCHDALE MAGICIAN HITS ONE MILLION MILESTONE Seventeen-year-old Rochdale magician Dan Rhodes recently celebrated an incredible one million followers and 19 million ‘likes’ on social video app TikTok where he posts mind boggling tricks for his adoring fans. Britain’s Got Talent viewers will remember the charismatic teenager from last year’s series, where he impressed the judges with his homemade cardboard box trick, appearing to ‘saw’ Amanda Holden in half before magically putting her back together again, with the help of a few staples. Watch Dan's tricks on TikTok @danrhodes or Instagram @danrhodesmagic.
DALE'S BIGGEST CANINE FAN Possibly Rochdale AFC’s biggest canine fan, Dougie the Greyhound recently enjoyed a PoochPix photoshoot along with owners Lexi and Chris. Rescue dog Dougie is an ex-racer who retired at three years old before finding his forever home in Rochdale. Owner Lexi said: “He’s a big dog but very friendly and cuddly; he loves attention from everyone he meets. He went to his first Rochdale game last year at a pre-season friendly and also had a visit to Rochdale Town Hall at Christmas to see Brian BarryMurphy turn on the lights. Dougie also believes he could do a good job on the wing!" PoochPix 'PawStep' portraits are raising much needed funds for RSPCA Rochdale. Visit www.pawsteps.co to find out more or call PoochPix on 07970 221216.
BOXES OF HAPPINESS Miss Kenyon, Teaching Assistant at St John with St Michael CE Primary School in Shawforth, helped to deliver ‘boxes of happiness’ and ‘ray of hope’ pictures to the doorsteps of isolated local residents during lockdown. Miss Kenyon said residents were thrilled with their boxes and thanked local businesses for their generous donations, including Cakes by Kelly Marie, Chalkers Produce, Joshua Law Butchers & Bakers, Rossendale Red Bag, Laura Taylor, Alpkit, Just Fudge It, Tesco, Co-op Food & Asda.
RSPCA RECEIVES DONATION FROM THE STEPHEN GARTLAND FOUNDATION Following the emergency flood appeal from RSPCA Rochdale this summer the charity received generous donations from the public, plus a £500 donation from the Stephen Gartland Foundation. The foundation was formed in 2016 in memory of local rugby league player and coach Stephen Gartland and aims to raise awareness of mental health and support the local community. Stephen’s son, Brad Gartland, commented: “The foundation were saddened to hear about the flooded small animal room at Rochdale RSPCA. The RSPCA do amazing work helping and re-homing the towns most vulnerable animals. It provides great opportunities to visit and adopt the animals which has great mental health benefits, and can give someone responsibility and purpose. We are really glad that all the animals are safe and well after the flood, and we are happy that we could help the RSPCA out at this difficult time.” Pictured: Brad & Liam Gartland presenting a cheque to RSPCA Rochdale trustee David Canavan
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