Weekly Column: Mayor Billy Sheerin

Date published: 19 July 2019

This weekly column from the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin, is about the places he has been and the people he has met during the week commencing Monday 1 to Sunday 7 July 2019.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I had no engagements as I travelled to Wimbledon to enjoy the tennis with my wife, so it was a pretty quiet week in terms of mayoral engagements.

On Thursday (4 July), I got back to my mayoral duties by unveiling the Castleton War Memorial Stone, which was installed by apprentices of Rochdale in Bloom's sponsor, Rochdale Training.

The lads working at Rochdale Training have done the village of Castleton proud. Using their skills and talents, they have produced a unique commemorative fence around the village memorial stone, which is of the highest standard.

Speaking on behalf of the residents of Castleton, we want the lads to accept our gratitude and heartfelt thanks and extend this to all involved in making our memorial stone even more special.

I’m looking forward to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) judges taking a trip around Rochdale on Monday 22 July, seeing all the hard work our borough has put into making the town, once again, beautifully bloom for another year.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/128936/rochdale-training-install-bespoke-poppy-fence-around-castleton-war-memorial-for-rochdale-in-bloom

Friday, I had a meeting with Rochdale Sixth Form College (RSFC) principal, Richard Ronksley, in the Mayor’s Parlour. Richard became the principal of RSFC in June 2018 and has since done a wonderful job in maintaining the high A-Level pass rate. We spoke of the aspirations he has for the college and impressed me with his vision.

It was a pleasure to meet him and hear of what he is planning, I have promised my support.

I went to Castleton Primary School to talk to year 3 pupils about the role of the Mayor of Rochdale and gave them a speech and presentation on democracy. The children were very knowledgeable for their age and asked me intelligent questions, I was very impressed.

I also told them how I was born within 400 yards of their classroom… they found that super. I hope I encouraged the children to always work and try hard to achieve their goals.

Friday evening (5 July), I was invited to Rochdale Ukrainian Club for ‘Lauren’s Celebration of Life’. Lauren had Cystic Fibrosis and underwent a major transplant operation last year, which was extremely life threatening but she successfully pulled through.

The event was to fundraise for all the doctors and nurses at the hospital where she had treatment, who helped her survive and live a happy life. Retired mayor, Councillor Mohammed Zaman, also presented Lauren with a cheque for the hospital from his Mayor’s Charity Appeal.

Saturday, ‘Our Big Day’ for cared for children was held at Oulder Hill Community School. I met with many families who foster, and they absolutely amazed me. They were all positive, pleasant and loving people.

The mini festival is held annually exclusively for children who are in the care of the council and living with fostering families; taking part in fun activities and hearing one another’s achievements. The master of the ceremony was actually adopted himself and is now committed to helping others find families.

It was a successful event and I can’t wait to see the council and volunteers make it an even bigger day next year.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129151/lemn-brings-the-fun-as-‘our-big-day’-is-a-big-hit-for-local-children

Darnhill Library, Heywood welcomed the 16th Darnhill Festival for 2019 on Saturday 6 July. The festival has a different theme every year and includes a carnival procession from Argyle Parade, followed by a full programme of entertainment and activities in marquees during the afternoon.

As this year’s theme was ‘Time Travel’, Professor Jigget was present this year, taking attendees back in his time machine to visit Darnhill through the ages. A time machine took attendees back to the start of the construction of Darnhill, with people dressed as builders.

I had the greatest pleasure of opening a garden at Darnhill Library that local children had put together. I had great fun in the warm weather.

Mayoral Invitations

​​​​The Mayor welcomes invitations to events held by local organisations and individuals. Due to demand, it may not be possible for the Mayor to attend every event he is invited to.

To invite the Mayor to your event please complete the Mayor attendance form and return it to the Mayor's Officer.

Visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/mayors/Pages/mayoral-invitations.aspx

Email: mayoral@rochdale.gov.uk

Tel: 01706 924773