Weekly Column: Mayor Billy Sheerin
Date published: 26 September 2019
Photo: Reece Horton
Mayor Billy Sheerin enjoyed a taste from the past as he ate candyfloss at Wardle Village Fete
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 2 September to Sunday 8 September 2019.
On Tuesday (3 September), the borough celebrated Merchant Navy Day as two flag raisings were held in Rochdale and Heywood.
Merchant Navy Day falls on the 3 September every year to honour the men and women who fought in the World Wars and to raise awareness of the British Merchant Navy by acknowledging the contribution made by Britain's merchant fleet to both World Wars.
Merchant Navy Day was made an official day of remembrance on 3 September 2000 and I was shocked to find out that if a sailor’s ship was attacked and sunk, the moment the ship slipped under the waves the sailor (if he survived) was no longer paid…
Without the Merchant Navy, I believe we would have starved have to death. We lost up to 30,000 seamen during WW2; they should never be forgotten.
Later in the afternoon, I visited the Angela Bird Charity in Heywood for a coffee morning where I enjoyed a drink and some cake with fellow senior citizens. The charity was set up in Heywood in 2011 by the sister of Angela Bird, who wanted to help people step forward after bereavement.
Thursday (5 September), a cheque of £1,000 was presented to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal at Rochdale Town Hall. The money was raised at a charity dinner on 14 August, hosted by Action for Pakistan International (AFPI) at Castlemere Community Centre.
I’m very grateful to Ghulam Rasul Shahzad OBE, Chairman of Action for Pakistan International, who organised the evening and presented the cheque to me. Thank you also to everyone who attended on the night and helped to raise money for worthy local causes.
Members of Pennine Scouts joined me later on Thursday in the Mayor’s Parlour. I invited them to join me for afternoon tea after I attended the annual general meeting of Greater Manchester North Scouts at their base in Middleton in July. The scout group encompasses scouts in Bury, Oldham, Bolton and Rochdale.
Joining me in the parlour was Alan Sharkey, District Commissioner for Pennine Scouts, Norma Brandon, Group Scout Leader for 17th Rochdale and 1st Wardle, and Group Scout Leader Wafa Takheroubt, Beaver Scout Leader Sobia Yasin and secretary Sameena Mullan from 5th Pennine Scouts.
I was delighted to welcome them and learn of their success in introducing children from a variety of cultures to scouts, teaching children discipline, citizenship and teamwork.
Thursday evening (5 September), a cultural exchange event was hosted at the town hall in partnership with Rochdale Connections Trust and Caring and Sharing.
The evening was entertaining with dance, music and food from different cultures around the world; I think every nationality that resides in Rochdale attended, showing our great diversity. A consultation session was also held where locals could have their say on the future role of the town hall, which is closing next year for major renovations.
Saturday (7 September) welcomed the 5th annual Wardle Village Fete at Wardle Recreational Ground. There was so much to do for children with stalls, food, crafts, donkey rides, face painting, fairground rides and a dog show, but I have to say my favourite stall was the one with free plants. I now have lots of beautiful flowers in my garden that cost nothing! The mayoress and I also enjoyed a stick of candyfloss, it was a taste from the past.
The Fete was organised by Rebecca of Craft Cottage in Wardle and Michele from PAWS (Pennine Animal Welfare Society), with a total of over £700 raised for PAWS on the day. It is a great community event.
I was invited to Half Acre House for the 30-year celebration of the residential care home on Roch Valley Way. Rochdale Light Orchestra entertained the residents and guests as we enjoyed a buffet and congratulations were given. Run by Anita Lewis, there is no doubt that the care received there is absolutely outstanding. Well done to all.
Finally, on Sunday, I accompanied The Friends of Bielefeld and travelled to Germany as part of a regular exchange trip, so my next column will have a bit of German flavour!
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
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