Memorial to Ann Metcalfe unveiled

Councillor Jim & Jane Gartside; Joan Williamson; Sarah & Theo Whitehead; Alan Barlow & Felicity Whitehead; Emma Metcalfe; Andy Dunham; Kat Metcalfe; Dave Baker; Geoff Wilkinson

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A memorial plaque dedicated to former Norden councillor Ann Metcalfe was unveiled on Wednesday 12 March at Whittaker Moss Primary School, where she had been a governor.

The plaque was revealed by Ann’s partner Alan Barlow, daughters Sarah Whitehead and Emma Metcalfe and grandchildren Theo, Felicity and Whittaker Moss pupil Jonty.

Whittaker Moss Head Teacher Joan Williamson joined members of the school’s Gardening Club, Eco Council and School Council to mark the unveiling. She said: “As a governor, Ann told me: ‘I’m always at the end of the phone’. She was always there for us and interested in what we were doing.

“She was a keen environmentalist and absolutely dedicated to the people of Norden, which is why we felt remembering her as ‘Grower of the Community’ was so fitting.

Attending the ceremony was fellow local Conservative councillor Jim Gartside, councillor and fellow governor Jane Gartside and Chairman of Governors Geoff Wilkinson. Dave Baker and Kat Metcalfe from Rochdale’s Youth Service were also present, in recognition of the support and encouragement provided to the service by Ann.

Councillor Jim Gartside said: “It’s appropriate that the plaque is outside. Ann was an outdoor person, and was hugely keen on encouraging youngsters to get involved in environmental projects. She would have been thrilled to see the children here today who have taken such an active interest in nature.”

Ann’s daughter Emma said: “Before she was a councillor, my mum was a teacher of both primary and secondary school pupils and specialised in environmental education. We’re really pleased that she is being remembered in this way by a school that was so close to her heart.”

Ann died in February 2013 after serving as a Conservative councillor for Norden for eight years.