Madam Mayor's Diary
Monday 1st October
This was the International Day of Older People and I was invited to officially launch the “Young at Heart” week at Swinton Park Golf Club. The theme for the day was rethinking dementia - quality first. The launch was attended by many officers from Social Services and the Primary Care Trust but most importantly the older people of Salford, who together looked at improving the lives of people who suffer from dementia and their carers.
Later in the day my Consort and I attended Salix Homes Autumn Festival. It was a day organised by the officers of Salix Homes for the residents to have some fun and learn more about the work of Salix Homes in Salford. I enjoyed the time we had with the officers and residents and was impressed with information given out by the officers. I spoke to many residents and they said how happy they were with Salix and how much they had enjoyed the day.
In the evening I was invited to launch “We are Reading in Salford”, a citywide initiative to encourage people to read in Salford. 10,000 books will be released into schools, libraries and the community, the main book “Private Peaceful” the winner of the Childrens Book Award 2005. The idea is to read the book and pass it on. The book has also been adapted into a play and after the launch we were invited to the opening night in the Quay Theatre.
Tuesday 2nd October
I welcomed a band from Lünen, one of our twin towns, who were on an exchange visit to Salford. The band and their families had had a good time and looked forward to receiving a band from Salford in Lünen in the future.
In the evening my Consort and I attended the Youth Film Awards Ceremony at the Lyric Theatre, Salford Quays. This was the culmination of weeks of work with schools across Salford organised by the Fire and Rescue Service. The young people wrote and produced a short film about issues which affect them. The films were shown on the night and after enjoying them the awards were presented by celebrities from TV and film. A great night was had by all and congratulations to all the young people who were involved with the films - what talent we have in Salford!!.
Wednesday 3rd October
I had the honour of meeting and presenting a recognition of achievement award on behalf of Heartstart UK to a past pupil of James Brindley Primary School, Walkden. The young person had saved his sister’s life by putting into practice his life saving skills he had learnt at school through the Heartstart Programme. The Heartstart Programme is linked to the National Curriculum for Key Stages 3 and 4 in Citizenship, PE, Science and English. Thank goodness the school chose to sign up to receive training or else if they hadn’t his sister may not be with us today.
In the evening I attended the Rotary Club of Walkden’s Annual Charter Dinner at Worsley Court House. I had a very pleasant meal and enjoyed the company of the rotarians who do lots of good work and fundraising for the needy of Salford and the wider community.
Thursday 4th October
My Mayoress and I attended my Charity Committee meeting at the Civic Centre. In the evening we were invited to the Annual Awards Dinner for the Community, Health and Social Care staff held at Buile Hill Banqueting Suite, Salford. The evening went well and it was good to see the staff recognised for their hard work and dedication to the residents of Salford.
Friday 5th October
My Consort and I attended the closing event for Older People’s Week at Buile Hill. The residents and staff were entertained by Fred Fielder and I gave a short speech to round up the weeks activities. At 11 am I officially opened the Mobile Information Centre, a facility to bring information, advice and library service to the streets of Salford for people who cannot get about easily. In the afternoon the residents enjoyed a Tea Dance and in the evening I joined many older people from Salford at Buile Hill for a Baby Boomers disco to finish off the Older People’s Week. I am sure all the older people were exhausted at the end of the week but they all enjoyed themselves.
Sunday 7th October
My Consort and I attended a service to celebrate the appointment of Warren Smith, JP, DL, as Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, at Manchester Cathedral.
Monday 8th October
My Consort and I attended Salford College Awards Evening held at Salford University. I presented certificates to the students and delivered a speech congratulating the students on their success.
Wednesday 10th October
We visited Peel Hall Primary School to observe the pupils casting their votes for the school council. After the count I announced the winners and presented them with certificates. It was interesting to see democracy working in the classroom.
At 4.00 pm we went along to Salford City Radio at Radio House, Civic Centre Swinton, for an interview that lasted an hour. It was great fun and I hope many people were listening. Salford City Radio is a new station for Salford residents on 94.4 fm. Many of the presenters are volunteers and trainees in broadcasting. I wish the radio station well and am sure they will go from strength to strength in the future.
Later we visited St. Patrick’s High School, Eccles where the Bishop of Salford celebrated mass for the 50th anniversary of the school. Many past pupils attended and it was fun to see the display of old photographs and the past pupils looking for themselves.
Friday 12th October
My Consort and I presented the “Basic Skills and Quality Mark” Award to Irlam Primary School. The children were very excited to receive the Award. I had a question and answer session with them and the children were very interested in the Mayoralty and the work I do.
Saturday 13th October
We were invited to Puccinis Restaurant, Swinton to congratulate a very special lady who was celebrating her 100 birthday with her family. I presented her with a flowering plant and wished her well for the future.
Sunday 14th October
My Consort and I attended the Annual Service for H.M. Judges and all those concerned with the administration of justice at Manchester Cathedral to mark the beginning of the legal year. All the Judges and Mayors were fully robed and looked a grand sight processing into the cathedral.
In the evening we were invited to the Salvation Army Church, Eccles, to attend a “Songs of Praise” to round off a year of celebration for the building being 100 years old. The service was conducted by a former minister and Eccles Borough Band played the music for the hymns. Ian Stewart M.P. and his wife also attended and we all sang our hearts out. Congratulations to the church and I hope they continue for another 100 years.
Monday 15th October
My Consort and I attended the AGM of the Council of Christians and Jews at King David High School, Crumpsall.
Tuesday 16th October
Our first visit was to the Harvest Service of Thanksgiving at the Windsor Drop In Centre, Salford. Following the service we met many of the users and had a tour of the building, looking at the facilities available to the users.
In the afternoon I attended a Citizenship Ceremony for 9 people who had applied for British citizenship. After the ceremony I invited them and their families into the Mayor’s Parlour to congratulate them on becoming British citizens and choosing Salford as their home.
At 5.00 pm we made our way to St. Paul’s Church, Egerton Road, Eccles to attend a community reception and special service for the Bishop of Manchester.
Wednesday 17th October
My Consort and I paid a visit to St. Paul’s Primary School, Salford. The head teacher took us on a tour of the school where we had an opportunity to speak to the children about the work they were doing on citizenship. After the tour we met the school council in the staff room where, over a cup of tea, the children asked many questions about the Mayorality and the work I do. I hope it helped them with their work on citizenship.
Thursday 18th October
My Mayoress and I attended the Friends of Salford Museums Association Dinner at Hemsley House to celebrate their Golden Anniversary. Harold Riley gave a speech, reminiscing about his school days and the past 50 years of the museum. I also proposed a toast to the friends and to the future of the museum.
Friday 19th October
My Consort and I went to the Humphrey Booth Day Centre, Ordsall to attend the 25th anniversary celebrations where I presented certificates to the service users who have attended the centre the longest. It was good to see everyone enjoying the day and I passed on my congratulations to all the staff and users of the centre.
At 1pm we attended a church service at Hope Church to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Hope Hospital. Following the service we made our way to Hope Hospital where a time capsule was buried by 3 young people from Hope High School. We were then invited to afternoon tea with some of the staff and members of the Trust.
Sunday 21st October
Our first engagement was at Manchester Cathedral to attend a service of retirement from the ministry, for Canon Paul Denby who will take up the post of Clerk to the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.
After lunch we went to Broughton British Legion to watch the final of Salford Super Star. 10 young people aged between 11 and16 took part, each one singing 3 songs. It was an excellent afternoons entertainment and every one of the young people deserved a prize. What talent we have in Salford, well done to all the singers.
In the evening we attended the Youth Dance Showcase at the Lowry, Salford Quays. We were joined by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Manchester who enjoyed the performance as much as we did. The event featured youth dance companies from across Greater Manchester performing dance inspired by a professional dance company and celebrated the talents of local young people.
Monday 22nd October
My Consort and I attended the AGM of the Salford Royal NHS. Foundation Trust held at Buile Hill Park Hall. It was an opportunity for all who attended to hear that the Trust had achieved an excellent report and was one of the top Trusts in the North West. We also heard of the plans for the future.
Tuesday 23rd October
We attended the Broughton Trust and Pendleton College joint event at Mocha Parade. I presented NVQ certificates to successful candidates who had completed a Customer Care course over 12 weeks. Congratulations to them all.
Wednesday 24th October
Our first engagement was to bury a time capsule at Beech Court, Pendleton. The capsule contained information gathered by young people in the area to show how we live today, before the regeneration. It will be opened in 10 years time so the young people can compare the difference after regeneration.
At lunchtime we were invited to join John Wilkinson and the staff at the Willows Variety Centre for lunch with all the Salford City Reds sponsors. It was most enjoyable and I had an opportunity to talk to John about the future of the Club. I wished then all the best and look forward to the new season.
Following this we arrived at the Nicky Alliance Jewish Community Centre. My Consort and I had attended the centre on two occasions in the past, for AGMs. This visit was to look around the centre and meet some of the users. We had a very pleasant two hours talking to the users.
Thursday 25th October
My Mayoress and I attended the One Stop Shop in Little Hulton to open the Jobs Fair event and visit each stand to see what was on offer for residents who are looking for work or training. The event was well attended.
Later on we went to the Lancastrian Hall, Swinton to present certificates to candidates who had attended a Pre-Employment Course commissioned by Salford City Council’s Economic Development Unit. I was pleased to present them with their certificates and congratulated them on their achievements.
In the evening we went along to St. Luke’s, Weaste to see a production of Mother Goose, presented by St Luke’s Arts and Drama Society. It was good to relax and enjoy the show - well done to all.
Friday 26th October
Our first of five appointments on Friday began with a photo shoot of myself receiving a flu jab for the Flu Campaign, run by the PCT. I would encourage as many people as possible to have the vaccination against flu because it can be a killer and prevention is better than cure.
Following this my Consort and I attended a YMCA Training Presentation Day at Swinton Masonic Hall. I was pleased to present the certificates to all the students and congratulated them on their achievements.
In the afternoon we attended the Retirement Soiree of one of our directors after 37 years in local government. I wished him and his wife a long and happy retirement.
Our next appointment was at Oakhill Court, Higher Broughton to open the community room refurbished by the Princes Trust Team 15 and organised by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service. I congratulated the team for doing such a good job and cut a ribbon to open the centre.
In the evening, at the invitation of the Mayor of Wigan, we joined all the Mayors from Greater Manchester for a Mayoral Reception at Haigh Hall, Wigan. A most enjoyable end to the day.
Saturday 27th October
My Consort and I attended a service for the opening of Worsley Road United Reformed Church. The Minister, George McCleave welcomed all the guests and I responded on behalf of the guests and the community.
We had a lovely evening at the Midland Hotel, Manchester at the Salford City Reds Chairman’s Annual Ladies Evening, as the guest of John Wilkinson, OBE. I was very pleased to be invited and had a wonderful time.
Sunday 28th October
My Consort and I attended an Award Ceremony at Manchester Town Hall where the Investing in Voulnteers Award was presented to the Manchester Jewish Federation by the Chief Rabbi. The Mayors of Trafford and Bury were also in attendance.
In the evening I was invited to turn on the lights at the Sacred Trinity Church, Salford. The lights are stunning as they shine on the walls, they also change colour and complement the colours of the Vicar’s vestments throughout the year.
Tuesday 30th October
My Consort and I attended the launch of Campuswatch Project at Salford University. The project is a Home Office Scheme and is the first in Greater Manchester. It is run in partnership with the University, Police and the City Council and will provide greater security for the students. I am sure it will be a great success.
Later in the day we attended a reception to review the progress of Emmaus in Salford. I opened the proceedings with a speech and welcomed over 80 guests to the event. We received an update from the Chairman, Eve Murphy and Mr. Terry Waite who is the President of Emmaus UK Federation.
This page was last updated on 08 November 2007
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