Coun Barbara Ashworth

SO here we are in 2021 and still hoping that things will get better for us.

I hope you all had as good a Christmas as possible in the current circumstances.

Last minute changes to the rules did make it difficult for people but we are resilient and adaptable here in Rossendale.

I am currently taking part in fortnightly Covid update meetings where we are kept informed regarding statistics, grant funding updates, services available and the huge amount of volunteer community activity which is supporting the needs of local people.

If anyone needs to ask about help and support for themselves or someone they are concerned about, please contact Rossendale Connected on 01706 227016 or help@ rossendaleconnected. org.

Once again, it has been quiet times for me as Mayor.

We had the virtual Valley at Work Business Awards on 2nd December where we celebrated, albeit it rather differently this time, the breadth and depth of our business sector.

There are so many small and micro businesses run by hard working individuals showing innovation and flair.

It’s good to see more young people showing an enterprising spirit too.

On a very wet Sunday 13th December, The Mayoress and I went to Stacksteads to assist, very safely, with the annual distribution of homemade samosas courtesy of Premier

News; sadly no carols this time. I also supported the Whitewell Bottom virtual Christmas Fair, drawing the raffle and judging the best dressed teddy competition.

Very much reduced events, but the effort was made by the community groups involved which is what counts.

Just before Christmas, we were informed that the Mayor of Bocholt, Mr Peter Nebelo, had retired after 16 years of service.

I have recently written to him to wish him well in his retirement and pass on my thanks on behalf of

RBC and the residents of Rossendale.

His successor is Mr Thomas Kerkhoff.

I would like to express my congratulations to Mayor Thomas and we hope to meet up soon, whenever Covid allows another exchange visit.

I have noticed there have been many beautiful, wintry photos of Rossendale posted on social media over the Christmas and New Year period and it has given me the idea to launch a competition for people to send in their best photos that showcase our beautiful valley - not necessarily just snowy scenes. Initial thoughts are that there would be a nominal fee to submit a photo into the competition with proceeds to the Mayor’s Charity.

If people may be interested in taking part, you could start gathering photos together now.

More details will be announced shortly so please watch out on the Council website and social media.

Once again, please take care, follow the rules and keep safe.