Mayor’s column
Colin Crawforth
I THINK both the Mayoress and myself expected August to be a quiet month as it represents most peoples’ holiday period; well perhaps it has been a bit quieter but no less exciting and informative as to the great goings on in Rossendale.
Having had a very successful Charity Fund raising Indian Adventure Meal at the Ashoka Restaurant in Rawtenstall we ventured into other culinary treasures with a superb Italian Evening at the Anacapri Restaurant in Helmshore. A big thanks to the staff at both restaurants they made a good evening all the better with their polite responsive service.
Our next venture is to sample the carvery delights of the Rose and Bowl in Stacksteads. All those diverse tastes, and within five miles of each other; we are very blessed in Rossendale for eateries.
Our travels in August kicked off with the Last Night of the Proms in the grounds of Clitheroe Castle, preceded by a lovely reception at the Town Hall.
Next was the very well attended Royal British Legion Family Fun Day at St Mary’s Community Sports Club. There were many interesting stalls and games which were topped by the ancient canons whose tremendously noisy explosions attracted the attention of all the crowds and the local constabulary, but no harm was done.
A great show, which raised lots of funds for the Royal British Legion and the ‘Poppy Appeal’.
A quieter more relaxed atmosphere was enjoyed at the Boars Head quiz night and our thanks go to Cllr Patrick Marriott for his effort in its organisation. Funds raised went towards the Mayors Charity.
Both the Mayoress and myself enjoyed opening the Costa Coffee unit on the Newhall Hey development and look forward to meeting up again with managers Jorden and Ebony to enjoy coffee after our shopping trips.
Then a lovely quiet weekend beckoned!
It started with a Carers Link Family Barbecue at the Whitworth Water Ski Academy based at Cowm Reservoir. All attempts to get the Mayor to join in with the water skiing failed thankfully but some brave souls did venture on the Reservoir.
A visit to the annual open day of the garden of Dawn Taylor at Badger Corner was one of my bucket list and I wasn’t disappointed; what a lovely display along with musical entertainment by the Water Band. Funds were raised for the ‘First Responders’ and for ‘Defibrillators in Rossendale’.
A Mayoral Garden Party in support of the Mayor of Ribble Valley Charity fund was held in Worston; a lovely village near Downham. A highlight for me was when the mayor himself removed his chains dressed himself in shorts and tee-shirt and joined some of his friends as drummer in a group to play classic tracks from the 80’s, it was worth the journey.
A really happy time was had by ourselves and some friends as we provided ‘afternoon tea’ for the residents of Brandwood on Staghills Road. All the residents attended the event and good food and a raffle kept them happy and occupied all afternoon.
Our month was rounded off with a Civic Visit to the Mayor of Burnley at Towneley Hall.
A guided tour of the building was excellent as was the lunch provided. Towneley Hall really is a beautiful and interesting building and our visit was rounded off with a visit to the ‘Off shoot Permaculture Project’ looking at natural organic methods of propagating plants. A really full and interesting day was had by all.