Chance to reflect on ‘Fragility of Freedom’ in a quieter month

HAPPY New Year to you all! After a very hectic December, January has been much quieter, which is normal. As a result, the Mayoress and I managed to get away for a short recuperative holiday.

There have been two particularly important events this month. First, Holocaust Memorial Day on January 24.

This year’s theme was the Fragility of Freedom. In the morning I attended a Memorial Service in Manchester Hall in the city centre.

It was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, who did a reading, the Mayors of all the ten boroughs (apparently the first time this has happened) and the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham who made an address.

The moving service included a reading from the diary of Anne Frank by pupils of Falinge Park

High School, which they performed with dignity.

In the evening, the Mayoress and I attended Rochdale’s commemoration. It was the Pennines’ turn this year.

First of all, the Holocaust Memorial stone, situated by the War Memorial in the centre of Littleborough was re-dedicated, where I delivered a reading.

The attendees then moved to Littleborough Coach House for the Act of Commemoration.

Again, a very moving event, including videos recorded, before their sad deaths, from the late Robin Parker and the late Sir Tony Lloyd MP.

This was followed by the statement of commitment to continue to hold an Annual Holocaust Remembrance by the leader of the Council, Cllr Neil Emmott, the leader of the Opposition, Cllr John Taylor and the Chief Executive, Steve Rumbelow.

It was poignant for me to light the first of six candles to remember the six million Jews and millions of other people who were murdered in the Holocaust.

To finish the event, I made some reflections about the whole day and the need to ensure that future generations never forget the barbarity of the Holocaust, and, in this, I take some comfort from the fact that Falinge Park High School is a Beacon for Holocaust education.

The other event was the ceremony for the residents of Greater Manchester, who were receiving King’s awards from the Lord Lieutenant in Gorton Monastery.

It is always a pleasure to go there as it is a magnificent venue for such prestigious events.

What made it particularly lovely this time was that two of our residents received awards.

Police Officer Muhammad Nadeem was awarded the British

Citizens Award for services to the community.

Not only has he done much in the community and voluntary sector, but he also showed great bravery by jumping into a deep, fast-flowing river to rescue a man. A welldeserved award for an unassuming man.

The other award was a British Empire medal to Bob Bonner.

Bob worked in the Fire Service for his entire working life but, after retiring, became the curator of the Fire Station Museum on Maclure

Road and has also been an ambassador for fire prevention in the community and schools.

Bob conducted a wonderful tour for the Mayoress and myself around the Museum.

It is a brilliant place and testament to the incredible efforts of Bob and his colleagues and Trustees to develop such a fantastic museum. His honour is fully deserved.

Other events that we have attended include:

It was impressive to see so many junior successes at both home and away regattas and, perhaps, there is another emerging Stuart Bithell in the making. A lovely family evening, with everyone contributing to a light supper.

The boys have all won numerous medals for Ju-jitsu in this country, Europe and even the USA.

But they are also fully rounded and have many other interests and talents, their parents must be so proud.

Next month gets back to the normal, fairly intensive diary.