Mr Mayor's Diary
Wednesday 1st March
We held a meeting of my Charity Committee in the Mayors Parlour, to go through events that had been held and looking at future events. Following this I chaired an extraordinary meeting of the Council this was to set the Council Tax Budget for 2006-2007.
Thursday 2nd March
We attended The Lord Mayor's Prayer Breakfast at Manchester Town Hall, the High Sheriff and most of the Mayors from the Greater Manchester area were there and there was a representative from all the religious denominations in Greater Manchester. We went from here to attend a Halle Youth Concert at the Bridgewater Hall Manchester. The Mayor of Rochdale and his Chaplin and roughly about 2500 school children were in the audience. We had a great time here really joining in with all the children. It was good to see so many children enjoying the music. Later in the evening we hosted a Sportspersons Dinner at The Willows Variety Centre, Salford which was in aid of my chosen charites. May I thank everyone who turned up to support this and I hope you all enjoyed yourselves.
Friday 3rd March
We attended the Women's Day of Prayer at The Church of the Holy Rood, Moorside Road, Swinton. This was a very interesting service, the theme being Signs of the Times, prepared by Christian Women of South Africa. The reflection on the theme was given by a vicar from South Africa who spoke about first hand experience on what is happening out there. After the service we had a chat with other members of the congregation who commented that to hear it from someone who has experienced first hand is far better than how the Media cover it. Many thanks for the welcome you gave us.
Monday 6th March
I chaired a meeting of the Council Agenda Setting Group at the Civic Centre to go through the agenda of the next Full Council Meeting. Later in the evening we attended the Faraday Lecture and Reception at The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, also in attendance were The Lord Lieutenant of Manchester and The Lord Mayor of Manchester. This was very interesting showing you different forms of power i.e., Nuclear, Solar and Wind, it did not recommend which one was the best but it gave food for thought as at the moment this is a global issue.
Tuesday 7th March
We attended a meeting of the Narbonne Town Twinning Committee at the Civic Centre. This was their AGM and we stayed for the rest of the meeting. This twinning partnership began with the old Eccles Council and the 50 year anniversary is coming up next year so if there is any one out there who has any memories of Narbonne over the last 50 years, could they contact Cllr David Lancaster with any information they have. I found it very interesting especially when it was mentioned that they are a very big producer of red wine.
Wednesday 8th March
We met with members of Salford Swimming Club in the Mayor's Parlour. There were approximately 30 young people in this club and for the past 4 years they have won the finals. In April they enter the final in Sheffield and if they win it they will be the first team to win it 5 consecutive times. I feel sure I can speak for all the citizens of Salford when I say good luck to you all - we will all be wishing you well that night. We also spoke to some very proud parents and why not, it's not every day that children reach such heights as this. Our congratulations also go out to the management and coaching staff - well done to everyone concerned. Come on you young people go to Sheffield and show them what Salford is all about.
Thursday 9th March
We visited Swinton Victim Support Office, Fountain Square, Swinton. The work these people do is unbelievable, they explained in great detail what happens when for example a witness goes to court, the help they get during the trial and after. So if there is anyone out there who would just like to sit down and have a chat over an issue that is bothering you, please get in touch with these people, they are only too pleased to listen. Many thanks to you all at the Victim Support Office for the welcome you gave us. Later in the evening we attended a reception for the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Cadet Poppy Appeal, Awards trophy Competition, at Ashton Town Hall, Ashton Under Lyne. Also in attendance were The High Sheriff, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Manchester and all the Mayors and Mayoresses of Greater Manchester. This was a very interesting event as we met the cadets from all over the Manchester Area who sell poppies every year and how much money is actually raised.
Friday 10th March
We visited Salford's Children's Holiday Camp at Prestatyn and Lledr Hall in North Wales. I have had the honour of visiting these places quite a few times since I have been a councillor but I think it is about 5 years ago that I last visited. We first of all visited The Children's Holiday Camp, where I had the honour to open a new play area and when we finally got Cllr Pennington to stop trying everything out we moved onto Lledr Hall. What a shock I had when we arrived here I thought we had come to the wrong place it is now a really fantastic place, it has been brought up to 21st century status and congratulations to every one concerned. To all you young people that regularly attend Older Hall you are in for a big surprise. Later in the evening we attended The Mayor of Bolton's Civic Dinner at Bolton Town Hall. We were also in the company of the High Sheriff and Mayors and Mayoresses of Greater Manchester. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
Due to me feeling unwell over the weekend we cancelled all events for Saturday and Sunday. May I just pass on my apologies for not being able to come and meet you all.
Tuesday 14th March
We attended the Fairtrade Easter Egg Design Competition at The Ellesmere Sports Club, Walkden Road, Salford, organised by Salford Fairtrade Steering Group. The event was Salford's way of celebrating the annual Fairtrade Fortnight and the winner was Rebecca Burgum aged 11 from Broadoak Primary School. Congratulations Rebecca and well done to every one else who took part in the competition. A speaker was present (provided by the Fairtrade Foundation) Shailesh Patel from Agrocel Industries. He informed every one in detail about how Fairtrade works after which the children asked some very serious questions. To finish the afternoon off we were entertained by a rappers group called CAFOD Justice and Peace Youth Group from Oldham, which included youngsters from four different schools in Oldham. Most supermarkets now sell Fairtrade products so may I on behalf of the Fairtrade Foundation encourage you all to buy these products. Many thanks to every one concerned for a lovely afternoon.
Wednesday 15th March
We visited the Brain and Spinal Injury Centre, Eccles New Road, Salford in the presence of HRH The Princess Royal. Also in attendance was The Lord Lieutenant John Timmins and Lady Timmins and The High Sheriff David Wimlott and his wife Ann. The Princess Royal had come to have a look round the Centre and to unveil a plaque to officially open the country's first Assisted Exercise Therapy Centre. The centre has pioneered the new treatment which uses power assisted machines to give brain disorder sufferers much needed exercise, a vital part of recovery for those suffering from brain tumours, spinal injuries or illnesses such as multiple sclerosis. Myself and the Mayoress have visited the centre a few times over the past 2 years and will continue to do so after our term of office has finished. You can see the magnificent work that goes on here. Later in the evening the Mayoress attended the Civic Mayor of Tameside's "At Home" event at the Town Hall, Ashton Under Lyne. This is an annual event where all the Greater Manchester Mayoresses attend.
Thursday 16th March
We hosted a reception for Swinton Victim Support Volunteer Workers in the Mayors Parlour. We had a good chat and they explained the work that they do after which we took them into the Council Chamber and explained how the system works. Many thanks to you all for coming and keep up the good work that you do. Later in the evening we hosted a reception following the Town Twinning Forum in the Mayors Parlour.
Saturday 18th March
We attended an Afternoon Spring Concert hosted by The Evergreens in aid of the Mayor's Charity Appeal at Cadishead Methodist Church, Lords Street, Cadishead. Many thanks to The Evergreens for a lovely afternoon, the singing was fantastic together with the poetry that was provided. Many thanks to every one who turned up to make it all a success. After the concert we went into the church hall for tea and cakes, a lot of hard work went into all this and I am sure everyone enjoyed it. Many thanks also for the money raised for my charity I am very grateful for the substantial amount raised. Later in the evening we attended an Evening of Classical Indian Dance at The Lowry, Studio 1, Salford Quays. The theme of the evening was Aarambh (The Beginning) which presented an intense Indian philosophy in Sanskirt in an audience-friendly manner; with original, new music in the traditional Carnatic (South Indian classical) style, Aarambh explores:
- The interplay of dualism merging into one ,
- The creation of the world itself and most importantly
- The almighty in each compelling respect to all and everything.
After the performance we met with everyone who had taken part - a very enjoyable evening.
Tuesday 21st March
We attended the Laying of the Foundation Stone at Salford City Academy, Northfleet Road, Eccles. Also in attendance were the Chief Executive, Leader of the Council, governors and Trustees of the Academy, local councillors and members of the clergy. We had a great time here and after the unveiling of the foundation stone we had a very interesting talk with the school council comprising of pupils from each year. We then went back to the Civic Centre to attend a Citizenship Ceremony. This month 36 people received the honour of becoming British Citizens. After the ceremony they joined us in the Mayor's Parlour for a drink and a chat. In the evening we attended the League of Jewish Women AGM at Stenecort Synagogue, Holden Road, Salford, together with the Mayor and Mayoress of Bury. These women do a fantastic job looking after people, they work in hospitals, elderly peoples homes and are involved with Victim Support, to name just a few. After the AGM we had a chat and a drink. May I on behalf of the City Council wish the League all the best for the future.
Thursday 23rd March
We attended the Greater Manchester Mayors International Disaster Fund meeting in the Mayors Parlour, Civic Centre, Oldham, together with Mayors from the Greater Manchester Area. This was to discuss the earthquake which happened in Pakistan and the help that each authority are giving to this disaster, in Salford's case a tent, sleeping bags and clothes have been donated.
Saturday 25th March
We attended The Seedley and Langworthy Festival at Chimney Pot Park, Salford. We had a great time talking to different people and the event ended with a local band called 'Hanky Park' providing the entertainment. Later in the evening we attended The Mayor of Rochdale's Civic Dinner and Ball at the Town Hall,Rochdale. We were in the company of The Vice Lord Lieutenant, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Manchester and all the Mayors of Greater Manchester. We had a great time here, thank you to all concerned for making it a good night.
Sunday 26th March
We attended a football match at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Birmingham City, need I say any more!
Monday 27th March
We attended the Launch of Telly Talk at Cadishead Library. This was very interesting, what you do is sit in front of a computer, just touch a screen to your right, pick the phone up and you are connected to somebody at the Civic Centre who will try to sort whatever problem you might have. I tried it out and spoke to a girl at the civic, after that a local woman had a go and got her problem sorted out, she said she was very impressed. After this we visited Vera Brooks on the occasion of her 100th birthday at Brynheys Elderly Persons Home, Cleggs Lane, Little Hulton. A good do was put on for Vera. She told me all about her life and that she worked till she was 70. She was the third of 12 children and she still has one brother alive who is 83 and he was there at the party. It must be something in the water down at Little Hulton. All the best Vera. Later in the evening we attended a Retirement Dinner for Mr. John Willis, Chief Executive, at Buile Hill Banqueting Suite. Many people turned up to say their farewells including councillors, representatives from the police force and a host of others. Tributes were made to John from Myself, The Leader of The Council, the Leader of the Conservative Group, the Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group and David Wilson, Vice Lord Lieutenant. May I take this opportunity on behalf of the City Council and all the people of Salford to wish John and his Wife Val all the very best for the future.
Wednesday 29 March
We opened a new Cycle Storage area at Wentworth High School, Eccles. It is good to see pupils today cycling, more like they did in my day. It is far more healthier. We had a word with one of the pupils and he was telling us that he does a lot of sponsored bike rides for different charities. Many thanks for the warm welcome you gave us. Later in the evening we hosted a reception in the Mayors Parlour as part of an Agents Conference. This was to meet agents representing Countries from all over the world, who send international students to complete their education at Salford University. We had a really good time with them showing them into the council chamber and explaining how the system works.
Thursday 30 March
We attended the Launch of a Community Cohesion Project at Manchester Town Hall. The project called Peacemaker was set up after the riots in Oldham a few years ago. There were talks on schools programmes, community programmes and strategic programmes. The aim of the afternoon was to get other Local Authorities interested in what they had to offer. We went from here to to attend The Roadwise Project Film Premier event at the Red Cinema, The Lowry Outlet, Salford Quays. We were shown three films that the children appeared in regarding road safety, it was very interesting and these films are going to be shown to most schools in Salford. It really drives the message home well done to every one concerned.
Friday 31 March
We attended the Swinton Lions Rugby League Club Gala Dinner at The Marriot Country Club, Worsley. This was a good evening as it was used as the Launch of a joint bullying initiative between Swinton Lions and Salford Local Education Authority.
This page was last updated on 4 October 2009
