Mr Mayor's Diary: May 2011
Monday 30 May 2011
Today was the 212th Manchester and Salford Church of England whit walks. Unfortunately the weather could only be described as damp and dismal. Nevertheless, a good number of churches braved the conditions and assembled in Albert Square for an open air service before we paraded through the streets to the cathedral, where each church went their separate way.
Sunday 29 May 2011
Back in Manchester at the cathedral for a service of thanksgiving to commemorate the 40th anniversary of St Ann's Hospice.
Saturday 28 May 2011
We had only the one engagement today. We attended the Manchester Camarata's seasons finale at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, which was delightful.
Friday 27 May 2011
Friday morning saw us in the parlour, as part of the judging panel for the Heart of Salford awards. What could have been a long and arduous task had been made easier by all members of the panel having read the nominations beforehand and it was surprising how similar our choices were - I look forward to the awards night.
In the afternoon we were off to Islington to unveil a mosaic that had been restored, after 20 years of wear and tear, by the children of three local primary schools. It was interesting to see and speak to some of the parents who were the children who took part in the original project.
Thursday 26 May 2011
The daytime was free, enabling us to catch up with other things. In the evening we attended the Salford and Swinton Rotary Club's event "Doing the Right Thing". This asks the high schools in the city to nominate a boy and a girl who, in their opinion, have gone that one step further that marks them out as someone special. After the ceremony we were able to spend time with the families and chat about the awards.
Wednesday 25 May 2011
The afternoon saw us in the parlour where we met Stephen Morrison who had just received an international award for accounting.
Then on to the Gaddum Centre for an "open house". It gave us an opportunity to see the work being done by carers and associated bodies, not just in Salford, but across the conurbation.
A cup of tea back at the ranch and then on to the Beacon Centre for an evening of celebration of the "Youthbank" and to see some of the projects that had been undertaken with the grants allocated. There were a wide range of activities including music and film making and the examples on display were of a very high standard.
Tuesday 24 May 2011
We were invited to a civic reception and buffet by the presidents of Greater Manchester Churches Together, which was held at Wardley Hall, the residence of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford. Apart from being a very enjoyable and relaxing evening, it gave us a chance to meet some of the new mayors of the district.
Sunday 22 May 2011
My Mayoral Sunday and the weather was not looking too good. It stops raining and everybody gathers at Little Hulton shopping centre car park. At 10.13am thirteen the parade commander decides it is time to set off. Off we go, two minutes early and arrive at the church and just as the Mayoress and I arrive at the door of the church (at the rear of the procession) the heavens opened! So the decision to set off early proved to be the right one.
After a beautiful service conducted by the Venerable David Sharples, Salford's first ever Archdeacon, we led the parade back to the church hall where Citywide caterers had laid on their usual superb refreshments.
Saturday 21 May
This morning was spent at Worsley College presenting awards and certificates to adult learners.
In the evening we spent a very pleasant two to three hours at a concert given by the Irlam Male Voice choir, a very accomplished group of singers.
Thursday 19 May 2011
Straight in at the deep end with an early meeting in the parlour with primary school teachers from Bratislava, Dublin and Holy Cross and All Saints RC Primary school in Salford. They have been working together on an Arts and Creativity programme funded by the European Union.
Next stop after a light lunch was to visit the "Dying Matters" event being held at Buile Hill Park. The idea was that dying should not be a taboo subject but should be talked about. This included completing a "bucket list", as in the film of the same name. My list was on display alongside stars from Shameless and Coronation Street. An interesting and thought provoking visit.
On to the evening and a pleasant time spent with the Salford Freemasons. After a buffet and time chatting to old friends we came to the main event of the meeting. This consisted of various sections of the Masons giving cheques to various charities, including my own.
Wednesday 18 May 2011
My inauguration went well, so I am told. I did not think that I would be as nervous as I was but we managed to get through it.
Wednesday 18 May 2011
The Mayoress and I have really enjoyed being the civic heads and are pleased to be able to hand on to Councillor Eric Burgoyne and his wife Councillor Valerie Burgoyne as the new Mayor and Mayoress. I just hope they enjoy themselves as much as we have done in this really important civic role.
The last day consisted of chairing the annual meeting of council which went reasonably well, although we overran which caused problems for the Mayoral Installation ceremony.
I installed Eric as the new Mayor and then after his speech I was able to say my goodbyes and thank yous both to the staff of the council and the people of Salford who had made the year so fantastic.
Tuesday 17 May 2011
The Mayoress and I attended the monthly Citizenship ceremony today where we welcomed many people who were gaining British citizenship.
Monday 16 May 2011
The Mayoress and I had a tour of the area of Irlam which was affected by the gas explosion today. We started at the Acorn Centre on Cutnook Lane with a tour led by City West. We then visited one of the ladies who had been hospitalised by the blast but was now back home in her bungalow. Lastly we visited the Tiger Moth public house to speak to residents who had experienced the blast.
Sunday 15 May 2011
I attended the Greater Manchester Track and Field championships at Longford Park stadium, Stretford. There was a good turnout of present and future international athletes with many exciting events amongst the young age groups.
Saturday 14 May 2011
We began today by visiting Fit City Ordsall to watch an inter-centre gymnastics competition. The standard was very high and the Mayoress and I presented medals to the children who had done well in the competitions.
Following this we visited Dunham Park scout camp for their celebration of excellence which was an activity based day for all beavers, cubs and scouts. I handed out certificates to award holders from Salford. It was great to see all members of the organisations working together and enjoing themselves.
In the evening we attended the Mayor of Rochdale's Ball which was held at Rochdale Town Hall.
Thursday 12 May 2011
I had a guided tour of the Greater Manchester Police Museum and Archives in Manchester along with other Greater Manchester mayors. The Chief Constable of Greater Manchester hosted the tour in appreciation of me hosting the Long Service and Gallantry awards in September.
Wednesday 11 May 2011
I chaired a final meeting of my charity committee today and thanked all members for their hard work during my year of office.
Tuesday 10 May 2011
The Mayoress and I visited Ordsall Hall for a 'sneaky peak' of the refurbished building which has been closed for two years. It was a delight to see it restored as it is undoubtedly Salford's "jewel in the crown".
Following this event we visited the Clapperboard awards ceremony at the Lowry. Many people gained awards for things like best make-up, best script, best actress, best actor etc.
Sunday 8 May 2011
The Mayoress and I attended Yom Hazikaron at Prestwich Hebrew Congregation. This was a community commemoration for fallen Israeli soldiers and was attended by many people.
Wednesday 4 May 2011
We went along to Rowsley Manor in Ellesmere Park, Eccles, for an informal visit. We toured the building and it was interesting to see how the building had changed since I last visited in my capacity as a councillor on the former Social Services committee.
In the evening we attended the Lieutenancy reception at the Orangery, Heaton Park. We were in the company of Mayors and Mayoresses from the Greater Manchester area.
Monday 2 May 2011
The Mayoress and I went along to a Mayfest event at Buile Hill Park. We toured Buile Hill and talked to stall holders and the public. We also judged the dog show and presented prizes.
In the evening we went to the Yom Hashoah Commemoration 2011 at King David school, Crumpsall. This is an annual event which commemorates the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust.
Sunday 1 May 2011
I went along to Clifton Country Park to wish Andy McMememy from Challenge 66 good luck on his 47th ultra marathon. Andy is attempting to establish a guiness world record for the number of ultra marathons run in consecutive days. He is raising money and awareness for the Army Benevolent Fund the soldiers charity.
This page was last updated on 10 June 2011
