Coun Barbara Ashworth

Mayor of Rossendale

AUGUST 13 saw Rossendale BC host the second Syrian refugee welcome event which I was delighted to attend.

Always very emotional when you think of the journey these individuals and families have made from Syria to Rossendale and reasons why.

It was a very enjoyable occasion with some wonderful food prepared by the Syrian ladies who arrived last year.

Following on, there were two events in Stacksteads in quick succession – the Family Fun Day with circus skills training for children, and the Allotment Society vegetable competition; which I had the pleasure of judging.

The allotments are a credit to the society and the standard reached in such a short time is commendable.

This month the Mayor of Burnley also hosted a civic lunch at Towneley Hall.

Again, this was a thoroughly enjoyable event and the highlight for me was the tour of the hall; it was very interesting.

At the end of the month, I was delighted to officially open the children’s play area at Moorlands Park, Bacup.

The new equipment is fantastic and has been made possible by many voluntary groups working together and raising funds from various external sources.

There are some interesting photos of myself and the Mayoress trying out the swings and seesaw.

Probably the most unusual and surprising event so far was the Ramsbottom Jigsaw Festival which was held at St Paul’s Church.

This is a joint venture between Rossendale and Bury.

I had no idea what to expect; the Church was full of completed jigsaws which were really amazing, even 3D, nothing like the jigsaws I had as a child.

Volunteers operate a mobile service whereby those who are isolated at home receive jigsaws regularly.

A great idea and well worth a visit next year for any jigsaw enthusiasts!

Rossendale Talking Newspaper celebrated its 40th birthday at the beginning of the month; they marked this occasion by taking volunteers and those who use the service on a steam train trip to Bury, with tea and cake on-board.

I now realise how much the service has developed in those 40 years and also how valuable it is for people who are unable to read the paper for reasons other than sight loss.

Finally, there was another birthday celebration held this month as Citizens Advice Bureau marked their 80th birthday with a 1940s-theme celebration at Stubbylee Hall.

The national service began in 1939 with the advent of WW2 but it was a couple of years later when it started in Bacup.

Staff had put together a timeline of events leading to the current service; now combined with Hyndburn.

For me this was particularly nostalgic, having worked with many staff and volunteers over the years, beginning as a volunteer in 1978 and then 25 years later, returning to become a manager.