Coun Jackie Oakes

HOW can my Mayoral year be almost over, and this be the last column I’ll write?!

As I was warned, the time since Christmas has flown and we’ve been so busy that it’s hard to believe we only have about six weeks left!

I mentioned in my previous column; we had written to lots of schools to ask if they’d be interested in inviting myself and my Mayoress to discuss democracy with the pupils. I’m very pleased that so many accepted our suggestion, and we’ve had lots of thought provoking discussions. All the schools had a different approach to our visit – some had

prepared questions in advance with a particular bias towards the democratic process, whereas the younger children raised questions on the day with a focus on the robes and chains and how I fill my day when I’m not being Mayor (do I live in a palace...?!)

I’d like to think everyone went home to insist that their parents do their democratic duty in May at the local elections – time will tell...

I was also invited to Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School to take part in their programme of activities celebrating International Women’s

Day, particularly the issue of gender bias.

I have to say that it was an exhausting morning – the pupils asked very searching questions and I had to think on my feet – but it’s great that young people are so engaged with current affairs and take their responsibilities so seriously.

I’m delighted to report that we still have engagement requests coming in, including the opening of the petrol station in Bacup (long anticipated!) and the American Golf 18-Hole Adventure Course in Rawtenstall.

We still have several school visits to complete, and we’re looking forward to the next production of the Rossendale Players at the Millenium Theatre in Waterfoot.

Purdah starts very soon, when canvassing for the elections in May will start in earnest.

That doesn’t affect what engagements the Mayor is able to attend, as it’s a non-political post and we’re going to be busy right up until the Annual Meeting on May 20.

Before then we will also be distributing the money we have raised to our chosen charities and to as many as possible of the other charities that have written asking for a donation. There is still time to book for our final fundraising meal at the Rose and Bowl in Stacksteads on April 7.

There are so many deserving causes at the moment – locally, nationally and internationally – and people have been so generous with their contributions to our causes.

I can’t end my column without referring to the terrible situation in Ukraine. We will shortly be welcoming Ukrainian refugees into Lancashire – people who, until a couple of weeks ago, were living as we do in Rossendale. It’s just unimaginable how quickly the situation escalated, and shows how easy it can be to deny democracy. We should all learn the lesson from that.

Thanks to everyone who’s supported me in any way over the past year – Christine and I have really had a great time. I think we have worked hard and represented Rossendale at every opportunity – hopefully always in a positive light! It’s been a great honour to be First Citizen of Rossendale and I’ll certainly come down to earth with a bump in May when life returns to normal.