Madam Mayor's Diary
Monday 4 June
It was the start of Volunteers Week and I was invited to visit Ordsall Community Café to meet some of the men and women volunteers who provide a café service for the residents. I was asked to make a gesture towards volunteering so I was more than happy to help in the kitchen and to prepare and serve some meals to the residents. Before I left I thanked all the Volunteers for all their time and work they put in to help the communities throughout Salford.
Tuesday 5 June
My Consort and I visited the First Step Trust to see a project that was set up 1year ago to help people who have been excluded from employment for various reasons. The project provides training in recycling end of life vehicles, all aspects of automotive work, office and clerical work, retailing, warehousing and building maintenance. The workers gain qualifications including City and Guilds, N.V.Qs and Chartered Institute of Environmental Health. It has helped 75 people back into work, created 14 jobs for local people and helped 15 local people into paid jobs. We had an opportunity to talk to many of the workers and they clearly felt that the experience they had gained whilst working at First Step Trust not only prepared them for work but also gave them back their self esteem and confidence. It was a great visit and I was very impressed with the whole project.
Wednesday 6 June
We had an invitation from Persimmon Homes to the Launch of Living-i, a project in Irlam aimed at setting the standard for the future of Modern Methods of Construction. It was very interesting looking at the various constructions of 5 properties all built with sustainability in mind. From the Eco-friendly home to the Energy home all built with the latest materials and newest technology each and every one built to the highest specifications and standard. I am sure this important scheme will pave the way and set the standard for house building in the future.
Our next invitation was to hear the Inaugural Lecture by Professor Richard Knowles on Transport shaping space: when the professor outlined his views on how the changes in transport had reduced the distance and time between countries throughout the world.
Thursday 7 June
I paid a visit to the Salford Art Gallery to choose a new painting for the Mayor's Parlour.
Saturday 9 June
My Consort and I went to Salford Sports Village to kick off the mini Soccer Festival that took place over the weekend, organised by Salford Community Leisure Limited, New Deal for Communities and Manchester FA. 200 teams of boys and girls from across the region came together to play football. It was a very hot day and the youngsters played extremely well. I was very proud to present the first set of Festival Medals and a trophy for Fair Play to the boys and girls under 7 group. Each and every child who took part went home a winner with a medal and a goodie bag. It was good to see not only the youngsters but also Family and friends enjoying the day. Well done to all the young people taking part and also to the organisers who worked so hard putting the festival together and for all their hard work over the weekend.
In the evening we went off to Fulwood Army Barracks, Preston where we and many other Mayors and guests were invited to a cocktail party and to watch the Brigade Beating the Retreat. It was a beautiful evening and we enjoyed the event very much.
Sunday 10 June
We attended the Churches Together Open Air Church Service at Eccles Parish Church. I gave a message of greetings from the Council and the City of Salford to the Congregation who had walked in procession round Eccles before the service started. After we were invited into the church for tea and biscuits.
Tuesday 12 June
My Consort and I attended the opening of Fit City Worsley after it had been closed for refurbishment. Cllr Bernard Pennington did the honours. What a difference, the building and all areas inside are now fully accessible to all and the whole complex looks brand new.
At 3pm we were off to Manchester to attend the celebrations for Portugese National Day where we were greeted by the Consul General, Dr. Jose Macedo Leao, who made us and many of the Mayors of Greater Manchester very welcome.
Wednesday 13 June
My Consort and I attended the official launch of Media City where all the agencies involved with the planning and negotiations for the BBC to move to Salford gathered to celebrate the signing of the final documents. Congratulations to all who worked towards a successful conclusion.
Thursday 14 June
The Mayoress and I spent most of the day at Salford University with the children from 6 Salford schools and officers from G.M.P. who took part in citizenship day. 10 children from each school attended and they spent most of the morning understanding different aspects of citizenship and putting together and performing a short play about how they can make a difference to their and other peoples lives by being responsible for their actions. It was a very good day and many thanks to the Rotary Club of Walkden who plan and organise the event.
In the evening we attended the Twinning Forum held at the Civic Centre and invited the members of our twinning associations into the Mayor’s Parlour to thank them for all their voluntary work over the past year.
Friday 15 June
I was invited to officially open the new Bodycote Materials Testing Laboratory in Centenary Park, Eccles. I spent some time going round the labs and was most impressed with the work and I was very happy to see Bodycote had chosen Eccles to relocate two of their labs.
At two o’clock I was pleased to visit Annie Percival to congratulate her on her 100th birthday. We took her a box of chocolates - she had a lovely day and was very proud to receive a card from the Queen.
Saturday 16 June
My Consort and I attended St Augustine’s Church, Swinton for a requiem mass for the victims of the Clifton Colliery Mining Disaster of 1885 when over 150 miners were killed in an explosion, 64 of whom are buried in St Augustine’s graveyard. Fr. Ian hall is hoping to make this an annual event.
Sunday 17 June
My Consort and I attended a service of thanksgiving for Sir John Timmins to mark his retirement as Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, a position he held for over 20 years.
Monday 18 June
The Mayors of Greater Manchester held a Dinner in honour of Sir John Timmins and to wish him well in his retirement.
Tuesday 19 June
I welcomed 7 residents to the Civic Centre who were to be made citizens of Great Britain. For me it was an honour to take part in the ceremony and I was pleased to invite them into the Mayor’s Parlour for tea and to have a chat to them after.
Wednesday 20 June
This was my first Council. I am pleased to say all went well. After Council my Consort and I attended yet another farewell for the Lord Lieutenant, this time hosted by the Indian Community at the Britannia County House Hotel, Didsbury where many speeches were made to honour Sir John.
In the evening a Civic Reception was held at Wardley Hall, Worsley hosted by Greater Manchester Churches Together. The reception is to welcome all the new Mayors of Greater Manchester. We were welcomed by Bishop Terence Brain who gave us a potted history of the hall which was most interesting. We had a chance to meet all the church leaders of Greater Manchester and had a most enjoyable evening.
Thursday 21 June
I unveiled the “ Adagio” a striking new sculpture at City Lofts, Salford Quays. The sculpture was commissioned by City Lofts Building Group and sits at the entrance to their new apartment block. It is also one of the pieces that make up the Irwell Sculpture Trail and is well worth a visit.
After the unveiling the Mayoress and I attended the opening of a community project at St. Philip’s Primary School. The project was part of a 12 week programme for young people organised by the Princes Trust and run by the Salford Fire Service personnel.
In the evening the Mayoress and I hosted a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour to welcome a delegation from Narbonne who had come to Salford to celebrate the 50th year of twinning between Eccles and Narbonne. This was the start of a very busy 4 days of celebration.
Friday 22 June
My Consort and I attended a lunch and a presentation on the new Lancashire Fusiliers Museum at the invitation of Colonel Brian Gorski held at the Wellington Barracks, Bury. The new museum will be in the centre of Bury and I wished them well with the project.
In the evening we were invited to dine with the Narbonne delegation at Smiths Restaurant, Eccles when I learnt a great deal about Narbonne and the wonderful wine they produce. We also had an opportunity to sample the wine, a very pleasant evening was had by all.
Saturday 23 June
The Deputy Mayor of Narbonne and I opened a commemorative garden in Eccles as part of the twinning celebrations. It will be a lasting memorial to the 50 years of twinning and for the residents of Eccles to enjoy. Afterwards we looked round the French market and had an opportunity to buy some of their excellent wine.
At noon we left to attend the Salford Community Leisure Annual Dance Showcase held at Salford University where we were entertained by children from many schools. What talent we have in Salford, we really enjoyed the performance.
In the evening we went to Dinner at Salford Academy, Eccles where we were entertained by Irish dancers, the Salford Youth Band and the Yemeni dancers.
Sunday 24 June
My Consort and I attended a church service with the visitors from Narbonne and the congregation of Eccles at Eccles Parish Church. Following this we made our way to Delamere Forest School to attend their open day. The school is for young Jewish people with learning difficulties. We had a very pleasant visit and learned all about the school and what they do there.
In the evening it was time to say goodbye to our friends from Narbonne with a farewell Dinner. It was clear from speaking to them that they had enjoyed their visit and would be taking home some very happy memories of their time in Salford.
Monday 25 June
The President and three officers of the Jewish Representative Council paid a courtesy visit to myself and my Consort in the Mayor’s Parlour. We talked for about an hour discussing many issues relating to the Jewish community, my year of office and some of the events they wish me to attend.
At 5pm we went to the Lowry Hotel to welcome the X Factor Team and judges to Salford and Manchester.
Tuesday 26 June
My Consort and I attended the opening of the Hong Kong Photographic Exhibition in China Town, Manchester. The exhibition was to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the handing over of Hong Kong to China. It was an excellent exhibition and showed the many changes made in the past 10 years.
In the evening we were happy to present the certificates to the young people who had taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. We also had an opportunity to see some of the work undertaken by the young people who had attended the Gears Project. I was very proud of them all, they had worked so hard.
Wednesday 27 June
We attended Worsley Courthouse to present awards to long serving school governors, they received a gold pen and a certificate. It was a privilege to present the awards and to say thank you to many of our governors, all of whom give their time voluntary.
In the evening we attended Salford College, Worsley Campus, to see a very good performance of a play Behind Closed Doors. We enjoyed it very much and were most impressed with the standard of acting. I was happy to hear that most of the students are going on to Salford University to study drama. I wish them all the very best for the future.
Thursday 28 June
The Mayoress and I attended a lunch at Broughton House a home for ex service men and women. I was very impressed with the standard of care and the friendliness of the staff looking after the residents, many of whom are getting on in years.
In the afternoon we attended St. Bonifaces Social Club to join many of our older residents who were enjoying a tea dance. Everybody had a good time and it was pleasing to see so many taking part and dancing. The event was a culmination of tea dances at various sheltered housing schemes in Broughton.
We then went on to Broughton Jewish Cassel Fox Primary School, to attend their annual school concert. A good time was had by all and the children really put their heart and soul into the performance.
Friday 29 June
I welcomed seven ex service men into the Mayor’s Parlour to receive their Veterans badges from Barbara Keeley M.P. I was very interested in the many tales they had to tell of when they served in the forces.
In the evening my Mayoress and I attended an Anniversary Gala Concert to celebrate 25 years of “Call” ,a voluntary aid and listening service for anyone living with cancer as well as carers and families. Once again this service is provided by volunteers, I cannot thank them enough for all the time they put in to help others.
Saturday 30 June
My Consort and I were off to Sportcity, Broughton Park to see young people from Salford taking part in the Greater Manchester Youth Games. The weather was atrocious but it did not deter our youngsters. Well done to them all.
In the evening we attended a concert by the Salford Choral Society held at Peel Hall, University of Salford. We enjoyed the concert very much, many thanks for the invitation.
Sunday 1 July
The Mayoress and I attended Langdon College’s Annual Day at King David High School. The young people put on a showcase of song and certificates were given to the young people who were leaving the college. I was honoured to be asked to present an award to one young lady who had made significant academic progress throughout her time at the college.
This page was last updated on 16 July 2007
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