Mayor’s column
TIME flies when you’re having fun – and the time since my last column has gone so quickly that I must be having a ball!
Over the past month my Mayoress and I have averaged an engagement nearly every day – sometimes nothing, but sometimes two in a day.
It’s been a pleasure to attend so many events and so interesting to see what’s happening all over the borough – and beyond.
We receive invitations from Mayors all over Lancashire, although normally we only accept those that relate to civic events – so those that are intended to promote the boroughs or are a formal occasion, where representation from Rossendale is important.
On that note, we were delighted to host a civic reception at The Whitaker Museum, which was an opportunity to show off the improvements to the building and encourage people to return and see what else Rossendale has to offer.
I’ve been a councillor for 10 years now, having moved to Rossendale nearly 20 years ago, and I
can say that some areas have been completely transformed in that time.
It’s important for the economy of the area that visitors see the potential of Rossendale and have a positive view of the changes.
This month I’d like to tell you about some of the events that we’ve attended, and why it’s important to be seen to support these occasions.
The costs associated with the Mayoralty need to be justified as this is taxpayer’s money and should never be taken for granted.
We attended a 100th birthday party at a residential home in Bacup which was upbeat and energetic – I hope I am as active when I reach the age of some of the residents! Older people are particularly interested in the history of the role in Rossendale – the chains and the fobs are always a point for discussion and our attendant is well informed about the changes over the years. I always learn something when these are discussed.
The coffee mornings, fundraising At Homes and birthday parties (yes, there was more than one) are fun occasions when we can meet residents informally, but there are also more formal occasions such as the Nelson and Colne College Awards Ceremony, the Haslingden High Mock Committee held during democracy week and the licensing of the Reverend O’Neill at Holy Trinity Church in Stacksteads.
Attendance of the Mayor and Mayoress at these occasions underlines the role of the council in promoting education and democracy.
During all of this I hope I still effectively undertake my duties as a councillor and a county councillor – not forgetting my paid employment which, fortunately, offers flexible hours and enables me to accept so many invitations.
It’s not surprising that this month has flown by but my Mayoress and I would be delighted for this to continue.
The booking form is on the council website and is very easy to complete – it would be great to attend even more engagements over the coming months.