Mayor Making Ceremony 2005 - Councillor Ashley Dearnley is the new Mayor

Cllr. Angela Coric places the chain on the new Mayor

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Councillor Ashley Dearnley and Beryl Wright were sworn in as Mayor and Mayoress at the official Mayor Making Ceremony at Rochdale Town Hall on Wednesday 18 May.

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

“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.