Spring Time - Election Time - 'It's Time for a Change'!

Posted By: Ashley Dearnley
Date Posted: 27/04/2007

I have really enjoyed the election campaign this year. Not only has the weather been super, but also it’s good to see the Conservative Party so popular once again with the voters.

I have campaigned with Frank Mills in Littleborough, where many residents are saying ‘it’s time for a change’. With Ian Duckworth in Bamford, who works hard all year round for the area, where the voters are very enthusiastic of his aims, and with Ann Metcalfe in Norden who is so well known and respected for all the work she does in the area in which she was proudly born and bred.

In Wardle and West Littleborough, my own ward, I’ve helped Janet Darnbrough who is involved with so many local activities, and living and working in the heart of the Ward means she shares the concerns and understands the needs of the area.

Over the next few days I will be working with our other Candidates in Middleton and Heywood and other parts of Rochdale, where I understand the feedback on the doorstep is as positive there as in the areas where I have already been working.

Over the past month I have had two wonderful experiences. I felt particularly privileged on Maundy Thursday to attend Manchester Cathedral with my parents and, in the presence of Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh, to celebrate the giving of the Maundy Money. It was a wonderful and moving occasion, and The Queen and Duke looked marvellous, they represent all that is best of being British and are a constant force for good in an ever-changing world.

The other pleasant event occurred at Council, which is unusual these days, when I was presented with a framed certificate from the Mayor and Council in recognition of my 25 years of serving as a Councillor in Rochdale. I have enjoyed all of the time I have been a Councillor, it has been an honour to represent the area in which I have always lived for so many years, and I am very grateful to so many people, some of whom are not generally Conservative voters, who have supported me over so many years. My enthusiasm to continue to benefit my area, and Rochdale in general is as strong today as ever.

Finally, I am sure you would agree that out Mayor, Councillor Jean Hornby, has been a splendid ambassador for our town. She and Barry, her Consort, have carried out their duties with dignity and Jean has always looked elegant and professional throughout the year. I wish them both the very best for the future; they deserve everyone’s full support.