Burnside manager Joan Aspinall set to retire

Joan Aspinall, Manager of Burnside Community Centre

One of the longest serving members and manager of Burnside Community Centre, Joan Aspinall, is leaving at the end of March.

Councillor Sue Smith said: “Joan has done such a good job in her role, she has supported and helped so many people over the years and I, along with thousands of people from our community, are going to miss her dedication and loyalty to everyone who met her.

“I have endless happy memories of her from working with her in the community.

“Her leaving party will be on 29 March at Burnside Community Centre, 11.00am to 1.00pm.

“So, anyone wishing to say farewell and good luck, are welcome to attend.

“As as a councillor for Langley, may I take this opportunity to wish her all the best in her new chapter of her life.”

Joan said: “I’ve been at Burnside for 16 years and I’ll be 64 in September so I’m looking forward to retirement.

“I haven’t got anything planned after I retire, but I’m still going to work with the community and pop in to help out at the centre when I can.

"I’ve really enjoyed working here, everyone has been so friendly.

“My highlight has been working with people who need a fresh start in life and being able to provide that. We have so many success stories, recently through our volunteer project ‘Take the First Step’, which helps people move forward with their lives and gain employment.

“Thank you to everyone in the community for their support over the years, both in and out of work, and to the organisations and agencies in Rochdale that have supported Burnside and kept us going.

“Thank you also to Father Philip, all the directors at Burnside Community Centre and to the pre-school manager, Lisa Laryer, who has taken the pre-school from strength to strength. The pre-school was graded Outstanding by Ofsted in 2012 and she has maintained it since then.”

Kerry Edwards who has worked at Burnside Community Centre for 14 years will be the new centre manager from the end of March.