Tributes to Sir Cyril

Sir Cyril Smith with Gracie Fields

Sir Cyril Smith turns 80 next week and tributes have already begun flooding in to Rochdale Online ahead of the big day.

You can leave your tributes to one of Rochdale's most famous sons on the Rochdale Online message board and the best ones will be read out at Sir Cyril's birthday celebration at the Town Hall next Saturday (28 June).

Sir Cyril's brother, Norman Smith MBE said: “Congratulations Cyril on your 80th – he often said that he would never make this day – I am absolutely delighted that he has. I hope that he can play such an active role for at least the next 10 years and beyond.

"Despite his frailties, Cyril never stops. I remember his last visit to Rochdale Infirmary – within hours of arriving, he was busy collecting signatures against the axing of services. Cyril has done a lot for the people of Rochdale and on behalf of Shirley, myself and all the family – we are truly grateful and immensely proud.”

Rochdale MP Paul Rowen MP said: “I have worked with Sir Cyril since I joined the Young Liberals over 30 years ago. He has been an amazing ambassador for our Town and a true inspiration for me personally. Although it is 20 years since he left Parliament, he has still been unbelievably active. Since I got elected to Parliament, Sir Cyril has been a great source of advice and help. Indeed, I am still stopped in Parliament on a daily basis from MPs from all political parties enquiring about Cyril."

Rochdale’s longest serving Councillor, Pat Flynn, said: “I first met Sir Cyril in February 1981 when he talked me into entering the political scene in Castleton. I was overwhelmed by his presence and his persuasive powers caused me to stand in the by-election on 2 April that year.

"I must stress that I was only the runner up in preference as candidate on this occasion - my husband, Ted, who delivered fuel to Cyril's address and was well known to the Smiths, was his first choice, but business had to come first.

"Over all these years as a councillor, I have been grateful to Cyril who has always been there to solve my problems, (even accompanying me to the High Court on one occasion in a libel case), to offer advice and generally look after my interests.

"He has never fallen short though of telling me straight when I've done something he didn't approve of.

"I look forward with pride and pleasure to the 28th June which no doubt will be an occasion filled with fond memories, most certainly for me."

North West MEP and former MP for Littleborough and Saddleworth Chris Davies said: "Liberal leaders over the years may have lived in constant fear of the next missive from Emma Street but I can scarcely remember a time when Cyril did anything less than provide a huge boost for our party across the country. He can be a formidable foe, and (speaking from experience) the most loyal of friends."

Bernard Manning Junior said: “I know that my father would have been delighted to celebrate with Cyril on his big day. They worked together on so many good causes and on behalf of my family I hope Cyril has a great night. He deserves it and I am very pleased to recognise this.”

Rochdale based Celebrity Life Coaches and Psychological Change Therapists Nik & Eva Speakman said: “Both myself and Eva are acutely aware that these days everyone seems to get their 15 minutes of fame! However the true meaning of the word Celebrity is to celebrate someone for their amazing talents or outstanding achievements and as such Sir. Cyril is a True Celebrity and we wish him all the best on his 80th Birthday. We personally admire Sir Cyril for all the great fund raising work he has done, especially for Children’s Charities and indeed feel that Rochdale residents should be proud of all the hard work Cyril has done for us all over the years.”

Visit the Rochdale Online message board to leave a birthday message for Sir Cyril. All of the kind words will be passed on to him on his birthday next Saturday.