Outstanding year for retiring Mayor

The Mayor and Mayoress enjoy music from Wardle High Youth Band on the day that the Olympic Torch Relay came to Rochdale town centre

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Departing Mayor Jim Gartside described his mayoral year as “outstanding” by. In one of his final appearances as Mayor, at a local tea party in honour of Springhill Hospice, Mayor Gartside said life in Rochdale is “excellent and positive with a huge amount going on.”

With the past year involving events such as the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee, Councillor Gartside said: “The Olympics has got more people involved in sport and Link4Life is great for that.

"The Jubilee, despite the bad weather, also showed us that we are privileged to be led by a great figurehead.”

Mayor Gartside also expressed great delight about the impression that Rochdale leaves on people: “It’s great to see so many visitors who have gone away with a good impression of the borough,” he commented.

Describing one of his memorable moments, Mayor Gartside spoke highly about the Pioneer's Museum on Toad Lane: “It has been great to see everyone coming to the museum. We have had many visitors from abroad as well,” he said.

Mayor Gartside was also keen to discuss his admiration for initiatives such as the International Co-Operative Movement and the Rathbone Trust saying: “This isn’t money driven; it is about youngsters trying to make more of their abilities.”