Ann Kenyon
Mayor of Rossendale
IT does not seem too long ago that I was attending Summer Fetes and Carnivals and yet here we are now with less than a week to go until Christmas Day. This past month has been extremely busy attending a host of nativity plays, school productions, Christmas parties, school presentation evenings and Carol Concerts. I have also had the pleasure of attending four Christmas Light Switch On events.
The nativity plays have been fabulous. All the pupils have worked really hard in retelling of the Story of Christmas, and I would also like to pass on my recognition to all the teachers, support staff, and parents for their hard work in making the shows happen. Well done to everybody involved and thank you for the invitations for me to join the families and friends watching the children sing, dance and act.
I have also attended a number of Christmas Carol Concerts this month, the Rossendale District Scouts, Lancashire Fire and Rescue and the Royal British Legion just to name a few. It was lovely to listen to such wonderful singing and watch such brilliant performances by the young and senior participants. I was also very honoured to attend these concerts to be able to show my support for such worthy organisations that give so much to our communities.
Recently I have also had the pleasure of presenting a number of awards to significant people within the Rossendale Borough. One organisation and three individuals within Rossendale have been awarded the Roll of Honour this month by Rossendale Borough Council.
Recipients of the awards were: Mr Michael Farnworth, who has achieved 50 years as an accompanist with the Rossendale Male Voice Choir.
- Rossendale Youth Council, who have received The Legacy Award and The Diana Award for their work in helping young people to understand controlling relationships.
- Christine Moffatt and Janet King, who launched the Lamppost Poppy Appeal this year to honour the fallen soldiers and commemorate the centenary of the end of World War One.
I would once again like to pass on my congratulations to these individuals and thank them for their hard work and dedication to our communities.
Last week I was fortunate enough to attend the ‘Light up a Life’ event organised by Rossendale Hospice. The evening was very poignant and offered guests the time to reflect and think about their loved ones. Also and nearly as important, it was a special opportunity to raise much deserved funds for the Rossendale Hospice. This month I have also held two charity events which both raised a fantastic amount of money for my chosen charities. I would like to express my thanks to ‘Spice Rooms Restaurant’ for a wonderful meal, to Brenda Bottomley for organising and hosting a fantastic Christmas Fundraising Evening, and to everybody that took the time out of their busy schedule in the lead up to Christmas to come along and support these events.
I would just like to finish by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Wealthy New Year on behalf of myself and Rossendale Borough Council.