Ethos Public Relations Manchester

For one night only

by Ethos public relations

Two coach loads of residents from Lower Falinge, local police, local councillors and other VIPs joined housing chiefs this week at a special premiere at the Odeon Cinema featuring Lower Falinge and its talented residents.

A partnership between Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), Link4life and Rochdale Borough Councils’ Pride Partnership has seen the development of a film group on the estate which has recorded life in the area for a year.

Danny Lomax from Glass Eye Productions was charged with training the group on filming, interviewing and editing techniques and he compiled the final 75 minute production. “It’s been a pleasure to work with - not just with the film group - but the whole community,” he said. “Everyone has supported the work and that was apparent from the reception we had at the screening.”

The films are available for anyone to see at a new website www.explorefalinge.org and Link4Life Managing Director Craig McAteer, Vice-Chair of Rochdale Borough Pride Partnership, said: “This was a true partnership in every sense of the word – with local residents at the heart of it.  People young and old have committed to the project which shows the spirit and talents of the neighbourhood.”

As well as tackling some of the negative perceptions around the area, the film shows the wide range of activities and community groups in operation and Khalida Crossley who works with RBH and is based on Lower Falinge said:

“When we saw the film it brought home just how much goes on here. From the football tournament to the women’s group – from the allotment to the youth group and everything in between. The film clearly shows just how this diverse, multi cultural society works together to support each other.  It’s something Lower Falinge should be really proud of.”

As well as the short films, residents can now access a new platform which uses the latest in web and online technology to provide both local information and a tool for residents to tell their own stories.

Go to www.explorefalinge.org for the latest information.

Posted at 10^th December 2010