Jackie Oakes
Mayor of Rossendale
THIS column will be printed ready for
Christmas Eve when I hope everyone, including Christine and myself, will be able to relax and enjoy the long weekend that is Christmas this year.
Even though there are still some restrictions – and it’s a moving feast as I write this – it seems it will be possible to enjoy a near normal Christmas.
It’s been a long year and I think everyone needs a break.
That said, it really focuses the mind on the people who will be working throughout the holiday, and who’ve risen to all the challenges presented to them this year. I know Christmas will be busier than ever for all the emergency services, and I hope they are able to delay their celebrations and have some well earned rest in the New Year.
Most of our recent engagements have obviously involved festivities, whether a nativity play, a carol concert or a Christmas fair. Until now I didn’t appreciate how much happens in Rossendale all year round, and particularly at Christmas.
Many organisations have been involved with events to encourage people to get out of the house and support local shops and markets, and I congratulate all those who worked so hard to make these a success. I’ve bought lots of locally produced presents – quirky and traditional – and I know they’ll be appreciated by family and friends.
One aspect of the nativity plays that I didn’t expect was the theme of ‘fitting in’ and accepting people who appear different. Many schools highlighted anti-bullying storylines, and although I’m sure bullying has always happened in schools to a greater or lesser degree, there’s clearly a growing problem and I think it’s up to all of us to teach children tolerance and acceptance of different creeds and cultures. How children are treated at schools is remembered for many years and should be a positive experience.
There haven’t only been Christmas activities though, we also attended the opening of the newly refurbished Bacup Natural History Museum which is a fascinating place. I’m amazed when I speak to people in Rossendale who are interested in local history yet haven’t visited; there are so many exhibits that are of interest to all age groups, and the volunteers who run it are really welcoming. Make it a New Year resolution to call in!
Alongside all this, and much more, my fundraising committee have been busy bees with amazing success.
We have more activities planned for New Year and if you’ve supported anything previously, you’ll be on my email list, and if you would like to be added to the list then just contact me. The events are fun, they’re not expensive and the money raised all goes to good causes.
Finally, I’m taking this opportunity to wish everyone a happier New Year than the one we’ve had in 2021. It’s been a grim time for lots of people and I sincerely hope that 2022 brings health and happiness to everyone.