Mayor’s column
CAN I thank everyone, who took the time to attend the annual Remembrance services that took place throughout the Valley.
Honouring and remembering all who lost their lives or came home with serious injuries from both world wars, and all the conflicts since. Thank you everyone for supporting the British Legion Poppy Appeal, which is there to help and support individuals and families who have been impacted by these.
WE had the privilege of being invited to York Minster to witness the consecration of two new bishops. One of these was Mark David Ashcroft, previously Archdeacon of Manchester, who became the Bishop of Bolton. Part of his diocese covers Rossendale.
WHAT an excellent evening we had at the Rossendale Leisure Trust’s ‘celebration of sports’ event. We learned of people here in the Valley and some from outside Rossendale who travel to use the excellent Leisure Trust facilities here in the Valley.
They undertake many hours a day training to achieve a high degree of achievement in their chosen field, be it in amateur or international sports, or overcoming adversity either through health problems or personal injury.
There was some very inspiring information and interviews from some of these individuals.
The guest speaker was local lad and this year’s Rio double silver Paralympic medallist Thomas Hamer, who gave an insight into what is expected if you want to be a British Olympic athlete.
I WAS invited to Alder Grange School to be involved in the launch of this year’s Youth Enterprise Challenge. This is inviting school children from a number of Valley schools to generate funds for Rossendale Hospice with an initial investment of £50 per school. The young entrepreneurs, supported by mentors from various well known local businesses and organisations, have to think of an idea or project to generate as much money as possible. All the children seemed very keen to support this important well known local charity. I am looking forward to judging these innovative ideas in the new year and thanking all the children for taking part. Last year, the schools raised over £8,000 for the charity.
IT’S good to see monies being raised from the hard work of a community group. The reward in this instance is another outdoor play area being greatly improved, so children can play safely with all the new equipment installed. I was there to cut the ribbon at the new Fallbarn play area and thank those volunteers for their efforts.
WATER Brass Band was a destination I had the honour of visiting recently to pass on both my personal thanks and that of the rest of the council, in celebrating and congratulating the band on their 150th anniversary. I presented the band with a framed certificate of appreciation from the council to say thank you for continuing to supporting the people of Rossendale. We are very lucky to having some wonderful musicians here in the Valley.
I MET my second centenarian here in Rossendale very recently – 100-year-old Mrs Molly Barnes, born 1916 during the First World War.
She is still living in her own home in Rawtenstall, making her own breakfast of porridge and toast most mornings.
Her memory is as sharp as ever and she was reminiscing about her past life to me. A very wonderful lady.
The house was rightly awash with cards wishing Molly the best birthday ever, as I did when I went to wish her Happy Birthday on your behalf.