Letter from Parliament – Jim Dobbin MP

Jim Dobbin MP

Let me begin by commending the efficient planning and presentation of the Service of Dedication and Remembrance in Heywood on Sunday 24 August.

Harry Mills, Chairman of Lancashire Veterans Association; Councillor Alan McCarthy, RMBC Armed Forces Representative; Councillor Farnell, Leader RMBC and Major GVA Grant Baker led this special service with deep respect.

It was fantastic to have the First Battalion Band of the Grenadier Guards lead this service in memory of Private Anthony Palmer VC, who is buried in Heywood Cemetery and now has a street named after him adjacent to the Civic Centre.

Father Daly was the officiating Priest.

The March Past Salute and celebrations in the Heywood Pub created a brilliant atmosphere that the people of Heywood will never forget.

Middleton is, of course, about to begin its’ Rich Heritage Programme. This will include a ‘Grand Day Out’ on Saturday 13 September when a land train will take people around Middleton’s famous Heritage Trail. More of that nearer the date.

I sponsored Middleton Cricket match on 17 August and shot up to Queen’s Park, Heywood, to unveil a plaque in memory of Sheila Hill. Sheila, who did so much as Chair of the Friends of Queen’s Park, is well remembered. The bandstand in this wonderful, Victorian park is dedicated to Sheila. I know that Walter Lomax, who succeeded Sheila, will carry on her good work.

On bank holiday Monday, I was privileged to be present at the charity cricket match in Heywood. The proceeds went to CRY, a charity set up in memory of Tom Cry, with the aim of raising awareness about Sudden Death Syndrome. Tom died of an undiagnosed heart condition. This is a charity worthy of community support.

MPs have been back almost a week now in Parliament and colleagues are wondering what on earth is happening in Rochdale at the moment. The way in which Rochdale has been focused upon recently has dragged the town into disrepute and created a skewed perception of Rochdale.

I hope that people, including politicians, are mindful of the need for balance as well as transparancy in their communications about the community of Rochdale.

It’s time to support our community and businesses. It’s time to present the Borough of Rochdale as a good place to live in and visit.