Proud to be high commissioner for special visit

sovereign. Hundreds of people gathered outside Number One Riverside to join us on this historic moment.

In addition, I ensured older and vulnerable residents in the borough had the opportunity to sign the book of condolence for Her Majesty, by visiting local care homes.

This was well received, with scores of residents at our care homes paying tribute to Her Majesty.

At the Proclamation, books of condolence and the church service, I was struck by the variety of ages in attendance.

Her Majesty spanned the generations and resonated with all.

We were very fortunate to welcome Her Majesty to our borough on a number of occasions, from early on in her in reign and through the decades. Some notable visits included looking at our magnificent town hall, opening the M62 motorway at Milnrow, she also opened Hopwood Hall College and what is now known as Touchstones.

Over the last month, I have talked with people of different ages and different communities across our diverse borough.

We have spoken of our sadness and talked about grief. It is essential that we talk in sadness.

It has been so noticeable that there is one constant in people’s memories of the Queen.

Yes, she was the monarch, but in so many ways she was also one of us.

She had the same ups and downs in life.

A family person, whose natural instinct was always to bring people together, to unite, not divide. That’s a great legacy to have and one we can all take something from.

I, like so many others, admired her greatly. Rest in peace your Majesty.

● My other Mayoral work over the last month has included a civic reception at Norton Grange for the Fiji international rugby league team.

This was a really well attended and enjoyable evening, as we wished our friends from Fiji all the best in the tournament.

I was very proud to attend the Nigerian flag raising event and also to have the honour of welcoming the Bangladeshi High Commissioner to our borough for a special visit.

In addition, I supported the Walk to Remember initiative to support the wonderful Springhill Hospice and attended the opening of Rochdale’s new food bank.

● A range of local cost of living support is in place for those households most in need.

This includes advice on accessing benefits and pension top ups, health and wellbeing advice, supermarket vouchers, discounted food schemes, housing energy support and targeted assistance for older people and families.

Further information on our Helping Hand cost of living campaign can be found at www.rochdale. gov.uk/costofliving or by calling 01706 923685.

I am approaching the halfway point of my mayoral term, which has been so enjoyable, providing me with the opportunity to meet so many wonderful residents, charities, community groups, teachers, care home staff and organisations.

You are all playing your part to make our borough an even better place to live, work and group up in.

A huge and continued thanks to you all.

I am supported throughout my mayoral year by my wife Syeda Farjana Begum, who will be serving as my mayoress, and my consort Sultan Ali.

I am grateful for their support over the last two months, as it really has been non-stop and a real team effort from us all.

Throughout the year, we will be raising funds for Springhill Hospice, Jolly Josh, Parkinsons UK, Get Together After Serving, Rochdale Connections Trust and other local charities.

If any organisation would like a visit during my mayoral year, please ring 01706 924834 and my team will be happy to help. Further information on my charities and the work I will be undertaking can be found at www. rochdale.gov.uk/mayo