Weekly Column: Mayor Billy Sheerin

Date published: 13 March 2020

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 March to Sunday 8 March 2020.

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I had the pleasure of inviting the ten mayors of Greater Manchester to visit Dippy on Monday morning (2 March). We started the tour in Touchstones, surrounded by many children, where we explored the current Dippy exhibition. All the mayors enjoyed the children’s company, with high fives all around, but I think the children were more interested in the gold chains around our necks!

We then walked in the sunshine to Number One Riverside. I was able to show off Rochdale on the way: looking at the outside of Rochdale Town Hall and the opening of the River Roch, as well as the bus station and tram stop and the new Riverside shopping centre well into its development. It was great to show off Rochdale to my mayoral peers.

They then all entered Number One Riverside and were blown away by the amazing sight of a dinosaur in an ultra-modern building.

Many pictures were taken and, again, lots of children showed interest not just in the dinosaur but in the mayors, which they enjoyed immensely.

We then returned to the town hall for a fish and chips lunch. It was a most enjoyable day for all concerned and very well received by all.

 

 

I was invited to a very rewarding event at Rochdale Town Hall for Adult Care apprentices on Tuesday 3 March. Ten apprentices completed an Adult Care course over 18 months, and I presented their apprenticeship end certificates.

Barbara Smyth, Apprenticeship Coordinator for Adult and Social Care, attended. She commented: “I want to say how proud I am of these ten apprentices. They have achieved so much in their 18 months in health and social care, have experienced lots of different placements, built their confidence to enter the social care sector and have been successful in securing employment or further training in the care sector.”

I wish the apprentices all the best in their next chapter.

 

 

The mayoress and I had a wonderful day on Wednesday (4 March) as we attended Bridgewater Hall in Manchester for the ‘Halle for Youth Concerts for Schools 2020’. We were invited as the concert featured Heywood’s very own St Luke’s Primary School.

This year’s concert had the theme ‘Music, Mind and Mood’ and explored the relationship between music and general health and well-being. Attendees found out how music stimulates the brain and how it affects our moods, emotions and senses. It was a wonderful interactive concert, performed by Manchester’s own symphony orchestra, the Hallé.

An interesting feature supplied by one of the Hallé’s main sponsors ‘Cussons’ was a scratch card which, once scratched, exposed different smells to fit with the music being performed. For example, Wagner Lohengrin’s ‘Prelude to Act III’ had the sweet smell of a cake to remind you of a wedding. There were three examples on the scratch card for three different pieces of music – a very interesting exercise enjoyed by the children and me.

St Luke’s excelled as they played instruments with the Hallé. As they played, it made me very proud to be the Mayor of Rochdale and having been in the school just recently, it made it even more special. Congratulations to all involved.

 

 

I had a busy day on Friday 6 March, but my first engagement was a very special one as I wished my friend, Helen Dwyer, a very happy 100th birthday. Helen, who I have known pretty much all my life, was born on 6 March 1920 and celebrated her 100th birthday at Margaret Ward Court with staff and friends.

The mayoress and I presented Helen with a signed citation to celebrate the occasion and I also gave a speech, reminiscing of the many times in the past that Helen and I had enjoyed together. We were both members of the Catholic Theatre Guild and enjoyed parties where Helen used to sing, and I would provide the comedy.

I hope she had a wonderful birthday.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/122/notices/133230/helen-dwyer-celebrates-her-100th-birthday

 

 

St Thomas Moore RC Church in Alkrington was the next stop on Friday and myself and the  mayoress joined a Women’s World Day of Prayer Service. This was to celebrate both International Women’s Day and Women’s World Day of Prayer.

Women's World Day of Prayer is a worldwide movement of Christian women who come together on the first Friday in March each year to observe a common day of prayer, and who, in many countries, have a continuing relationship in prayer and service. Through Women's World Day of Prayer women are encouraged to become aware of their talents and use them in the service of the wider community.

We were made very welcome at the service and during my speech I emphasised the importance of prayer in people’s lives. It was a joint Christian service with many churches from Middleton represented.

 

 

The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Mark Adlestone OBE, and his wife Gabrielle had a private visit to Dippy later Friday afternoon. It was amazing that there were no children around! For those of you that want to see Dippy in a more tranquil environment, Friday afternoon is a quiet time to go!

The High Sheriff and his wife were seriously impressed by our visitor.

 

 

To finish the week, I attended the Mayor of Bolton’s Civic Charity Ball which was 007 James Bond themed ‘Casino Mayorale’. Organised by the Mayor of Bolton Hilary Fairclough and her consort and husband, Don Fairclough, the night consisted of Sheila Diamond who was the vocal entertainer performing Soul and Motown hits, along with a delicious meal and a raffle and auction all in aid of the Mayor of Bolton’s chosen charities this year.

Hilary’s chosen charities are: Bolton Hospice, Fortalice, Bolton Dementia Support, Asian Elders Resources Centre and Bibby’s Farm Scout Camp and Activity Centre.

When we arrived at the event, we were all greeted with a martini – shaken not stirred. It was a really fun night.

 

 

Changes to Mayoral Invitations

To book the Mayor to attend any function there is now a four-week prior notification. If any event arises within the four-week period, the Mayor’s attendance cannot be guaranteed. However, please be assured that it will be considered and if possible, it will be attended.

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