Rochdale has a new Central Library - Official!

Saturday 27th April will stick in my memory for a long, long time. For all the right reasons. Rochdale Central Library planned the day to mark the official opening in the brand new building of Number One Riverside. Nick Oldham, Tommy Donbavand and Craig Bradley provided the "headline acts" in terms of authors and in Craig's case "PERFORMANCE" poet - and anyone who has seen Craig in action will know why I put that in capitals. Nick is a crimewriting novelist and spoke admirably of his craft. Tommy is the author of Scream Street - and more, a notable more being Doctor Who. I'd recommend any school to book him. Norman Warwick acted as Master of Ceremonies for us and did his usual brilliant job. Norman was also commissioned to write a poem for the library, which he did and performed with aplomb. Norman was ably assisted by yours truly as the second voice and members of Touchstones Creative Writing Group displaying the words of the middle section of the poem as it was read. I have to say when I first read the poem it brought a lump to my throat as it hit the spot so well and so eloquently. There were many opportunities for families to get involved in creative writing on the day, prizes were offered for the best Book Spine Poem and the best Kenning. The Where's Wally Treasure Hunt proved very popular with over 70 entries. Younger children were not forgotten with a colouring competition to try out their skills and Irene Peachey was on hand to sign them up for Bookstart Bear Club. The Reverend Margaret Smith was a star, volunteering to help make sure the children knew exactly what was going on and her routine for "Is poetry cool or does it leave you in a spin?" has to be seen to be believed. Vickke did us proud with her face painting, a riot of colour and character in every face. Jason Grimshaw aka Ryan Thomas opened Bean coffee shop, much to the delight of many teenage girls. The whole place was really buzzing, I look forward to keeping the feel good factor going for a long time yet.