Focus on Norden: Councillors

Councillor James Gartside

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This month (January) Rochdale Online is focusing on Norden and Bamford.

Reporter Laura Wild caught up with Norden Councillors to find out a little bit more about why the people representing the area became a Councillor, what they enjoy about their role and what they do in their spare time…
Councillor James Gartside has been a Councillor for 24 years. He became a Councillor from suggestions from one or two other councillors. He said: “I said yes, the electorate voted and almost just like that I became a Councillor.”

Prior to becoming a Councillor, Mr Gartside worked in textiles, as a chartered accountant and in computing.

Councillor Gartside enjoys interacting with others. He said: “Everything I do is a highlight. Even if you are not successful it is knowing you have done all you can do. Knowing that at least you have tried.”

In his spare time Councillor Gartside enjoys walking and reading – although he admits he never quite gets time to do the latter.

When asked what his favourite thing about Norden is, he said: “It is a distinct village; it has its own church, own bakery, own butchers, some fantastic takeaways, a couple of great restaurants and pubs.”

Councillor Ann Metcalfe, 65, has been a Councillor since 2004. She has lived in Norden all her life and says she is privileged to represent the views of many residents of Norden, Ashworth, Birtle and Caldershaw.

Councillor Metcalfe explains why she became a Councillor and what she likes about her role the most.

“Having worked all my life with young people encouraging them to speak their minds, enabling them to make informed judgements, take ownership of their own lives and feel they could achieve most of their goals and initiate change I decided it was time for me to speak up about local issues which I felt could be improved.

“Being a Councillor is something I enjoy enormously. Just like being a teacher it’s the type of work which I don’t think you could do if you didn’t enjoy it. I have been extremely fortunate all my life in being able to enjoy my work.”

For Councillor Metcalfe one of the highlights of being a councillor was her work on the car park at Moss Row.

She said: “My parents actually lived in Moss Row when I was born, close to my grandfather’s farm at Redfern. I remember the cobbled lane, the lovely gardens and the long row of cottages. In the sixties this lovely little haven was demolished in order for a proposed ‘motorway ’to be built. This never happened and the cottages were lost for ever. Moss Row Sheltered Accommodation was later built on the site. The land which had previously been gardens and a pathway became overgrown, neglected and a site for anti social activities. When elected I vowed to myself I would somehow try to reclaim this area. Eventually this came about through negotiation and discussions with the Land Agent and Dawn from The Salon who was able to buy the land and create the car park.

“This has not only helped Dawn’s business at The Salon but the residents of Moss Row and the many shoppers who use our village whilst improving the whole area. I am so pleased because now it does look as though someone actually ‘cares’ for the place rather than the sheer neglect there was.”

In her spare time Councillor Metcalfe rides her horse Sybil. She said: “I have ridden all my life and enjoyed many years as an instructor, judge and until quite recently was the District Commissioner of the Holcombe Hunt Branch of The Pony Club.”

Councillor Metcalfe has a partner of over 20 years, who she describes as “wonderful.” Councillor Metcalfe has two children and three grandchildren and partner Alan has two children, three grandchildren and another expected next month.

Speaking about Norden, Councillor Metcalfe said: “Norden is everything to me; it is my past with special memories and my future and that of my family. I take pride in the fact there is still a warm community here. People still pass the time of day, stop and chat to each other, look out for each other. Our shops are a vital part of our community and people travel for miles to shop here. We have some of the best pubs in the borough and without doubt the finest restaurants too.

“Yes, Norden is very special to me, it is home.”

Councillor Wera Hobhouse has been a Councillor since 2004.

Councillor Hobhouse said: “Norden, Ashworth and Birtle all have a very good community spirit, therefore being a local Councillor is a real pleasure, because a lot of people know each other and are interested about what is going on in their neighbourhoods.”

Councillor Hobhouse added: “You can always find a good number of people being up for a campaign when there is a local issue, like saving a bus service, fighting for a play area or objecting to a planning application.

“Likewise people appreciate their councillors for being around and working hard irrespective of party politics.”

Apart from supporting local people to resolve their local issues Councillor Hobhouse sees her role primarily as ‘empowering’ people.

She said: “I know that this word has been overused, but what it stands for is really important. I try to help people to help themselves, to understand how decisions about their local area are made and how people can influence those decisions.”

Councillor Hobhouse continued: “My proudest achievement as local councillor has been the successful campaign to save the Norden Old Library from being sold at auction to a private developer. Instead the building has been purchased with the help of a local benefactor by the Norden Community Trust, of which I am a trustee. The building has been completely refurbished and a much needed doctor’s surgery opened in September. The two ground floor rooms and the kitchen have been fully refurbished for multi functional use for the community and opened in November. A number of groups are already using the rooms; the Council’s Youth Service which will start to hold weekly sessions in the next couple of weeks.”

Councillor Hobhouse concluded: “None of this could be achieved without team work and many different people working together for the good of their community.

“I feel privileged to represent that community.”