Mayor Councillor Ali Ahmed column for Wednesday, April 5
This week's column with Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ali Ahmed
As always, my latest mayoral month has been packed with events, openings, visits and commemorations across all parts of the borough.
Firstly, Ramadan Mubarak to everyone observing the month of fasting and prayer.
Highlights of my last month have included the reopening of Smithy Bridge Primary School library, what a wonderful facility it is, the Commonwealth Day flag raising and attending Rochdale Borough schools’ dance festival. Well done to everyone involved.
In addition, I was proud to attend the Bangladesh Independence Day flag raising event and the Bangladesh independence dinner. It was also a great honour to have a visit by Ukrainian MP Halyna Vasylchenko.
I also attended the Heywood Lions Charter anniversary dinner at The Royal Toby, a cheque presentation at the wonderful Springhill Hospice, and the World day of Prayer at Mills Hill Baptist Church.
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I was also delighted to get on board the Flying Scotsman when it visited the East Lancashire Railway. It was a great thrill to have a journey on this historic and iconic locomotive. There have been a range of other events which, as always, have seen me visiting all parts of the borough.
I am now approaching the final lap of my mayoral term, which has been so enjoyable, providing me with the opportunity to meet so many wonderful residents, charities, community groups, teachers, care home staff and organisations.
You are all playing your part to make our borough an even better place to live, work and grow up in.
A huge and continued thanks to you all and I am looking forward to a really enjoyable final few weeks in a role that has been so worthwhile and enjoyable. There really is so much to be proud about in our borough.
I continue to be wonderfully supported by my wife Syeda Farjana Begum, as my Mayoress, and by my consort Sultan Ali.
I am grateful for their support over the course of my Mayoral year, as it really has been non-stop and a real team effort from us all.
In addition, I would like to thank my Mayoral staff for all their hard work during the course of the year and everyone who has played their part to make things run smoothly.
It’s been a year of hard work, getting to every part of the borough to meet as many people as possible. The biggest moment of my Mayoral year was, of course, the sad death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Her Majesty’s death saw the borough come together, as one, united in grief, to mark a rich and well led life. The tributes, memorial services and floral respects will live with me forever.
It really showed our borough at its very best and our tributes really did the borough proud.
Throughout the year, we continue to raise funds for Springhill Hospice, Jolly Josh, Parkinsons UK, Get Together After Serving, Rochdale Connections Trust and other local charities.
All these organisations do amazing work, supported by wonderful teams of staff and volunteers.
I am looking forward to giving them my support. Donations to my charities can be sent to: The Mayor’s Office, floor 2, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale, OL16 1XU.
If any organisation would like a visit during my remaining weeks, please ring 01706 924834 and my team will be happy to help. Further information on my charities and the work I will be undertaking can be found here.
I would like to end my last column with a huge thanks to the residents of our wonderful borough, who have been so helpful and welcoming over the course of the year.
It’s been truly heartening to meet so many inspiring people, groups and organisations. It’s been a year I will never forget. Thanks to each and every one of you.
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