Angela Steps Down For Rochdale’s New Mayor

Date published: 19/05/2005

The time has come for Cllr. Angela Coric and Kathleen Rowen-Pennington to step down from their positions as Mayor and Mayoress of Rochdale, as Cllr. Ashley Dearnley and Beryl Wright took their seats at the official Mayor Making Ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on Wednesday 18 May.

After a year of serving Rochdale, Angela was somewhat emotional when it came to passing over her chain. Coming to tears she said: “When I took the place as Mayor last year, I started off without a speech, because I wasn’t able to make one, and the same thing has happened to me tonight. I’ll try not to be too emotional!”

She added: “The past 11 months have flown by, and my year as Mayor has gone really well. There are many memorable events, the most important one for me being the introduction of the junior mayors. They have shown me that we have got a wealth of talent in this borough, and I know that we can nurture it.”

Angela passed over the Mayors chain to Ashley Dearnley, who said he was “proud” to stand as Rochdale’s Mayor for the next 12 months: “I have a lot to match up to this year and I am going to do my best as the Mayor of Rochdale.” He said.

“Angela and Katherine will be a hard act to follow, they have worked very hard for the borough and I’m proud to be taking Angela’s place tonight at the Mayor of Rochdale”

“Many people of all political parties have given me help and advice during my 23 years as a councillor, including Jim Dobbin, and Sir Cyril Smith, who I am proud to say are valued friends of mine. All councillors, officers and staff work hard and are working together as a team, which is why I’m looking forward to the next 12 months.”

Councillor Ian Duckworth appeared to be very fond of both Angela and Ashley: “Just less than a year ago I said that Angela would be an excellent Mayor, and I was certainly proved right, so thank you Angela, you’ve been wonderful. Ashley, I know you will be too, and I look forward to the next 12 months as I know you’ll do us all proud.”

Also in the audience to congratulate the new Mayor were the four junior mayors, who were elected by Angela this year, as she felt so strongly about the involvement of children in the community. Angela said: These four girls were one of my proudest moments as Mayor. I hope that the children carry on the way they are doing, because without them we would be nothing.”

This year, Ashley Dearnley Mayor of Rochdale will be supported by the Mayoress, Beryl Wright, and they will be raising funds for The Springhill Hospice.