Weekly Column: Mayor Billy Sheerin

Date published: 16 August 2019

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 5 August to Sunday 11 August 2019.

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Wednesday (7 August), I was invited to Crimble Croft Community Centre for their annual National Play Day event, traditionally held on the first Wednesday in August. It was absolutely pouring it down on the day, so when the poor children were bouncing on the bouncy castles the rain was bouncing off them too. Nevertheless, all had fun.

This was a free event with lots to do such as messy play, treasure hunts and stone painting. It was a buzz of activity with all the children entertained.

Argos had chosen Crimble Croft as their charity this year to give a makeover to. Anthony Boyle and Sue Bannerman from Argos were present on the day and Heywood Lions charity also helped out by serving the OAP Luncheon club at the centre.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129693/playday-at-crimble-croft-community-centre

 

 

 

Friday (9 August) I was invited to open McCarthy & Stone’s new development in Bamford – Butterworth Grange Retirement Home. The home consists of 30 apartments that are a mixture of one and two bedrooms and are what some could call luxurious living with a communal room for all residents and private parking. 20 of the rooms had already gone and 6 of them were reserved, so the new development has proven very popular with locals.

 

 

I then went to Heywood Cricket Club for Ken & Paul’s Walk for Parkinson’s. Ken Horan, who suffers with Parkinson’s himself, has completed the walk annually since 2006 to raise money for Parkinson’s UK, walking from Crewe in Cheshire back to Rochdale over a number of days. The group walked around 16 to 17 miles each day and stayed at Travelodge’s on their journey back.

The walk initially started with 19 people, including Ken, but as they got closer and closer back to home more people joined them. When they arrived back at the club, there were over 100 people taking part of all different ages. It was terrific.

I was among the crowd to welcome them back before presenting the original 19 who completed the full journey with medals. I was delighted to see them and congratulate them on their accomplishment. Well done to all involved.

 

 

 

Friday evening, I joined Heywood Veterans Association at their summer ball held at Heywood Reform Club. The veterans presented a generous cheque to the Mayor’s Charity Appeal, which I gratefully received. Councillor Janet Emsley was also in attendance as the portfolio holder for armed forces, as well as Heywood councillors Peter Rush and Peter Malcolm. We were all entertained by a singer and enjoyed the buffet; a great night was had.

Saturday (10 August), I opened new premises in Heywood for the Little Monkeys charity. A charity established in 1999 by Dr Michael Taylor, Little Monkeys helps disadvantaged children and families living in Heywood with everyday items that most of us take for granted.

I cut the ribbon to officially open the business which is bang on Heywood’s high street, so the charity will hopefully be selling a lot of second-hand clothing and other items to regular passers-by. Also present for the occasion were Vivienne Carter, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Manchester, Councillor Peter Rush, Township Chair and Father Paul Daly.

After six years on Adelaide Street in Heywood, Market Street is where you can now find the Little Monkeys charity shop.

 

 

Rochdale Feel Good Festival returned to the town centre this year on Saturday 10 August, filling the town with live music, food, drink and free family fun.

I visited the festival on three separate occasions over the day; the first time was in the morning when it was pouring down with rain, so I had to take shelter underneath different stalls. There were still lots of children there in the family zone, there were lots of activities to occupy them and inspire their minds. I even had a go at the virtual reality swing which was amazing. This wasn’t my first time using a VR headset, but it was the most enjoyable as this was the first time no one was shooting at me or trying to snatch me away into the dark!

I visited again later in the evening but this time I tried to go incognito and not as the mayor - I really wanted to experience what the festival was like because I’d never been before. So, I got a pint of beer from the Flying Horse and went to the main stage, what a wonderful night it was. It certainly made you feel good.

Sue Taylor did a sterling job at organising the festival this year and the volunteers were all fantastic – I congratulate and thank all of you for still smiling and helping even in the rain.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/news-archives?type=News&searchtype=Phrase&Criteria=feel+good+festival+2019

 

 

 

The Growth Project also had an open day on Saturday as part of the National Garden Scheme Open Garden. The Growth Project are a partnership between Rochdale MIND and Hourglass, helping those with mental health issues through gardening at the Kellett Street allotments. All the produce there is planted and grown by the service users and are taken home by the beneficiaries.

Homemade cakes, preserves, fruit and vegetables and gifts were for sale at the event and guided tours were given of the allotments, which stretch over an acre of land. The project was badly flooded for the second time this year on 28 July, but the gardens are still looking fabulous from the dedication of the service users who are referred by Rochdale and District Mind.

Thank you to Karen Hayday, Hourglass Director, for inviting me along and to Jim and Ann from the National Garden Scheme for joining us.

 

 

Finally, on Saturday (10 August), I went to Woolworths Social Club for a family fun day. It was a terrific event raising money for Andy Walker MBE who is quadriplegic and taking part in the Regain Cycle Kenya challenge in October 2019 – a 400km route through Rift Valley to Lake Victoria to raise funds for Regain, using only his chin and tetraplegic bike.

I was so happy to see all the support Andy has and assured him that I will support him too. The event had a great atmosphere and I wish him all the best on his journey.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/129694/family-fun-beats-weather-to-raise-hundreds-of-pounds-for-charity-challenge

 

 

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