History Made with Rochdale Mini-Mayors

Angela Coric proudly introduces the four Junior Mayors

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History was made as the first Junior Mayors in the country received their Chains of Office. Rochdale Mayor Cllr. Angela Coric presented the Chains of Office to the four Junior Mayors at a special ceremony held in the Great Hall of Rochdale Town Hall.  

Lydia, Hannah, Eve and Nicola became Rochdale’s first Junior Mayors on Thursday 31 March. Angela Coric was extremely happy with the ceremony: “I’m delighted, thrilled, honoured, and so, so privileged to be doing this tonight. It has been a dream of mine to have young mayors in our community and to be able to listen to their views. This is the first time that it has been done; I just hope it’s not the last.”

Children’s Empowerment Co-ordinator Karen Adams, previously shared the idea with Angela about children taking part in the council. Karen said: “It’s great for children to take an interest in politics, and to represent their peers and help towards promoting their town. For them to have the chance to be the first ever Junior Mayor’s is just amazing.”

Each Junior Mayor, one for each Township of the borough, wrote to Angela Coric, explaining why they think they deserve to represent their town. Angela was pleased with her replies: “I had some excellent answers.” She said: “some of them just stunned me because they were so eager.”

She continued: “Karen Adams from The Children’s Empowerment Project is the person who made this possible. She has worked very hard, and thanks to her it has all progressed more than I had ever imagined.”

Leader of the Council Paul Rowen said: “We have four Junior Mayors to represent each part of the borough of Rochdale. This is the first ever, not just in Rochdale, but in the country. That is certainly something to be proud of. These young people can begin to learn about the council and be aware of what we do; that in itself is a privilege.”

Lorna Fitzsimons MP said “It is absolutely brilliant that these young people have the chance to be heard, and they will be listened to as individuals; I know how important that is. The girls obviously have a talent and an eagerness to succeed. They now have the opportunity to make a difference in their community, and an opportunity to voice their opinions and thoughts. They are the future of the community, so let them be heard.”

The Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Mayors are:

• Lydia Bruton-Jones – Rochdale Township
• Hannah Elizabeth Finan – Heywood Township
• Eve Grundy – Pennine Township
• Nicola Pollitt – Middleton Township

Nicola Pollitt, who is representing Middleton Township said: “I was really nervous at first when I found out that I’d been picked, but I’m really excited now. I can’t wait to get involved.”
 
The four mayors will accompany Angela Coric as she carries out her day to day Civic Duties. They will represent children from within their Townships and assist with the Mayor’s Diary.