Coun Anne Cheetham

I ENDED my last column looking forward to what July had in store for us and it hasn’t disappointed.

I am now a couple of months in to my Mayoral term and we have already attended a number of fantastic events and met with some amazing people.

This past month we have had the pleasure of meeting with a number of local organisations within Rossendale, that dedicate their time to helping others in need.

First of all, we attended an afternoon tea fundraising event hosted by Cancer Research UK

Bacup Committee at Sykeside Hotel.

I am aware that this was one of Cllr Oakes’ chosen charities last year, so it was nice to be able to continue showing our support for all their fundraising efforts; the food was delicious and the company even better.

Also on our schedule this month was a fundraising meal hosted by The Whitehorse Project at The Gate of India.

The Whitehorse Project is a local charity that supports young people within Rossendale, providing them with a wide range of support and activities to help them to

thrive.

Again, there was some excellent food on offer, and I was honoured to be able to give my support to such a deserving cause.

The final visit to our local organisations was to meet with the new CEO, staff and volunteers of Citizens Advice Rossendale & Hyndburn.

Myself and my Mayoress were invited to Stubbylee Hall to discuss the valuable services that CARH provide to our local communities.

CARH provide a wide range of support and advice including benefits, debt, housing, employment and health,

plus much more.

Their service can be a lifeline to local residents that need free advice to help and assist them with any issues they may have, and the staff and volunteers at Stubbylee Hall were remarkable.

On July 17, I held my Mayoral Civic Sunday Service at Edenfield Parish Church.

I would like to thank Reverend Les Hallam and the Choir for a wonderful service, and all the volunteers of the Church for their help with organising the event and welcoming all the guests.

This service was attended by other civics, colleagues, family and friends and I would also like to take this opportunity to show my appreciation to everybody that joined myself and my Mayoress for this special occasion.

Lastly, but by no means least, we attended the Rossendale School Awards ceremony.

Rossendale School is a special needs school for pupils with autism and associated conditions.

Awards were presented to pupils for their achievements, and staff also provided updates regarding their department.

I would like to pass on my congratulations again to everybody involved in this event - the staff and pupils together presented a lovely, caring and successful atmosphere that was so infectious; well done to them all.

In July, Stubbylee and Moorlands Park was awarded the Green Flag Award for a second year running, and on Saturday, August 6 at 1pm a celebration event will be held in the park by Bacup Pride and Friends of Stubbylee Park.

Everybody is welcome to come along and join the celebrations, so I look forward to seeing many of you there.