Weekly Column: Mayor Billy Sheerin
Date published: 02 July 2019
Mayor Billy Sheerin with the children who helped plant up Castleton station
This weekly column from the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Billy Sheerin, is about the places he has been and the people he has met during the week commencing Monday 17 to Sunday 23 June 2019.
Monday, I took part in one of the most enjoyable activities of the year – the Castleton Railway Station plant up. The first plant up at the station was in 2011 and since then, the blooms have been built up every year to make it a beautiful setting.
What made the event so wonderful this year is that all five schools from the Castleton ward took part; this was really pleasing to me as I’ve been a member of the Rochdale in Bloom committee for many years and there has always been at least one missing out.
With the help of the children and the wonderful gardeners from Bowlee Nursery, the station looks absolutely beautiful again, ready for another year ‘In Bloom’. All the children carried out super work.
I was invited by the Bishop of Salford, John Arnold, to Wardley Hall along with other Greater Manchester mayors, dignitaries and religious leaders and what an amazing place this was.
This early medieval manor house is the official residence of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford, was opened in 1500 and is a Grade I listed building. It has recently undertaken a number of renovations and the Bishop wishes to open it up to the public.
It deserves to be open; it truly is a beautiful, historic setting.
Tuesday morning (18 June), I was at Kingsway Business Park for Go Electric – Greater Manchester Electric Vehicle Showcase. On the same day, the council revealed that we have switched the mayoral car to an electric model for civic engagements.
Ran by Transport for Greater Manchester, there were many other cars at the event that were fully electric powered. I had some good fun trying out one of the battery-operated bikes. Council leader Allen Brett and other councillors also joined in the exercise.
The Great Science Share for Schools was held at Number One Riverside as part of a national campaign to inspire young people into science and engineering. I was amazed at all the intelligent children taking part, solving challenging problems and completing practical tests from 13 different schools. I was particularly happy to see St John’s CofE school from my ward in Castleton take part.
Wednesday, myself and my wife, Mayoress Lynn Sheerin, were invited for a tour of Springhill Hospice by Julie Halliwell, CEO. Julie welcomed us and provided us with a delicious lunch. The hospice is an amazing place and I am so glad I can support them as one of my mayor’s charities this year.
I went to Kentmere Academy and Nursery with councillor Kieran Heakin as the school was awarded a Pearson Silver Teaching Award and have been shortlisted for the Award for Primary School of the Year.
The whole school was clueless to the award, all apart from the headteacher Mrs Sarah Isberg, so when I announced the award in assembly and all the confetti cannons exploded, it was quite a surprise. We sneaked into the school playground in the DK1 and in through the back door, making sure we didn’t give the surprise away!
I must say a huge well done to the headteacher. She has completely turned the school around in the time she has been there. Congratulations.
Thursday, I visited a new business to the town – Tyne Insulation. Due to business growth, Tyne Insulation had to move from their original location in Walkden to a new 30,000ft purpose-built distribution warehouse at Crown Business Park, Rochdale. I hope they can continue to grow and be successful within our borough.
I was invited to a multicultural fashion show and charity auction at Hebron Church. This was organised by Brownhill Learning Community and I thought it was so wonderful. Well done to all involved for raising much-needed funds for Brownhill Learning Community and Moorland Children’s Home.
Friday, I attended a fun day at Bowlee Sports Centre with over 100 people enjoying activities and a Bikes For All session - accessible cycling for people with disabilities or special needs.
I went to St Margaret’s Church Hall in Heywood with my wife for ‘The Great Get Together’ inspired by Jo Cox. From 21 - 23 June 2019, The Great Get Together aimed for communities in the UK to celebrate kindness, respect and all we have in common. The church had butties to die for and we won five raffle prizes; we have decided to donate the prizes to other raffles, all apart from the box of chocolates.
Saturday, Heywood Town Centre welcomed the annual Heywood 1940’s Day and Armed Forces Day Parade. I watched the parade as it set off from Tilly’s Tea Room and then went inside the tearoom for a blackout experience, however it was decided it was too dangerous with my mayoral chains… We didn’t want an Agatha Christie moment.
I visited various stalls and spoke to members of the public with councillor for Heywood, Peter Rush. I particularly liked the idea of the children’s book giveaway stall by Rotary Club of Heywood, encouraging children to read more.
I visited Moss Row Community Allotments for a BBQ. What a fantastic afternoon, the work being done on the allotments is always great and their sausages and burgers were very tasty. The allotments are all beautifully blooming now since we’ve had warmer weather, ready for the upcoming Rochdale in Bloom competition.
Mayoral Invitations
The Mayor welcomes invitations to events held by local organisations and individuals. Due to demand, it may not be possible for the Mayor to attend every event he is invited to.
To invite the Mayor to your event please complete the Mayor attendance form and return it to the Mayor's Officer.
Visit: www.rochdale.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/mayors/Pages/mayoral-invitations.aspx
Email: mayoral@rochdale.gov.uk
Tel: 01706 924773
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