Coun Barbara Ashworth

Mayor of Rossendale

AFTER all this rain, it’s good to remember we had a beautiful, sunny, Saturday, July 13 where we attended Dawn Taylor’s garden open day at Badger Corner, in aid of the First Responders.

On the same day, we also popped by the Northern Grip Mountain Bike Festival in Moorlands Park, Bacup.

It was lovely to see children enjoying riding their bikes in the park and to see the special bikes which are used by Rossendale Rays.

This was a fantastic all-round family attraction with the added bonus of local food and drink on sale too.

On July 17, I chaired the Full Council Meeting where I also had the added pleasure of awarding Samara Barnes a Roll of Honour for her pioneering Red Box Project.

Again, I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the council to commend Samara for her dedication to the people and communities of Rossendale.

Then followed a very hectic few days:

Friday, July 19, the Mayoress and I attended ‘The Queen’s Award for Enterprise’ ceremony at which local, Haslingden based company, ‘Firesafe’ were presented with their award by the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire; a great honour for the company and Rossendale.

A rather wet Saturday was spent at Chorley Community Fire Station Open Day where we met with officers from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service and we were able to see some amazing equipment which helps our fire fighters deal with more challenging events.

Sunday we attended Whitworth Historical Society Open Weekend; a fascinating place I had never had the pleasure of visiting before. It was special opportunity to see films and photographs of people involved in D Day.

There were even more honours bestowed on Rossendale on Monday, July 22 at County Hall – this time ‘The Queen’s Awards for Voluntary Service’. In the company of the High Sheriff and The Lord Lieutenant we saw Community Defibrillators for Rossendale and The Magdalen Project both receive awards for their outstanding achievements.

My congratulations to both organisations, it is very well deserved.

Accompanied by Cllr Janice Johnson, I was delighted to attend the Rossendale School Awards last month.

The school ethos is clearly to bring out the best in pupils and the whole event was a true celebration of their achievements in overcoming personal challenges.

The DVD they produced entirely by themselves was outstanding and showcased some exceptional talent which I hope will lead to successful careers for those pupils.

When the wet weather was predicted to spoil Weir Pride’s fete, they were not deterred and just carried it forward to the following Sunday.

This was a lovely, well – organised community event, something for everyone and as has become an annual occurrence, the chance to throw a wet sponge at a councillor. Whose turn next year?!

Another empty Bacup THI renovated shop has been taken up and is now open as ‘Hunter’s Foot Clinic.

I was delighted to cut the ribbon at the official opening ceremony and I wish this new business all the best.