Mr Mayor's Diary July 2005
Friday 1st July
We met with representatives of Swinton Park Golf Club concerning my Charity Golf Day to discuss what arrangements have been made for the day. We then went to meet Lt Commander P L Allen, Commanding Officer of HMS Middleton for an official reception on his ship at Salford Wharf. We had a very interesting conversation with members of the crew concerning the work they do. They had to be reminded a few times that they were in Salford and not Manchester, I think they got the message in the end.
Saturday 2nd July
We attended the Monton Village Festival and had a great time talking to a lot of people about local history and keeping fit and healthy. Many thanks go to the organisers for the hospitality that they showed to us.
Later on we attended a reception in honour of The First Asian Lord Mayor of Manchester at Gita Bhavan Hindu Temple, Whalley Range, Manchester. This was an experience, the temple and the service was indescribable, it was wonderful.
Sunday 3rd July
We attended a farewell service for the Dean of Manchester, The Very Rev. Ken Riley, at Manchester Cathedral, in the presence of The High Sheriff , The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and other Mayor's of the area.
Monday 4th July
We attended the 37th Anniversary Party, of Higher Irlam Young Over 60s Club, at Higher Irlam Social Club. Mary Hopton MBE, looked after us and every one made us feel so welcome. The compare even had me singing, that’s a one off I can tell you!
Later on I attended the Rotary Club Charter Night Dinner at Swinton Park Golf Club. This was to celebrate the induction of the New President Carol Williamson, good luck Carol for the next 12 months. It was also to celebrate the merging of 2 rotary Clubs, Salford and Swinton, long may this Club reign.
Tuesday 5th July
We received a courtesy visit from Mr Louis Rapaport, president of the Jewish Representative Council, accompanied by Mrs B.D Gladstone, Mr S Baigel and Mrs B Ansel. We had an interesting discussion about various things, including functions that we will all be attending throughout the year. They also wished us good luck in our Mayoral Year.
We then attended the opening of an Art Exhibition by David G. Wilson OBE, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, at Broughton Library. This was very interesting, the exhibits were really good and we spoke to a lot of the people who had painted them.
Later we went to the Celebration of Swiss National Day in Bramhall, Stockport, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Manchester and other Mayors from the Greater Manchester area.
Wednesday 6th July
We were invited to a coffee morning at Bridgewater School, Worsley. This was a fundraising event in aid of St. Anns Hospice. We watched a presentation telling us all about St Anns and quite a lot of money was raised Many thanks to the Head Boy, Head Girl and Staff for making us feel welcome.
In the afternoon I hosted a reception in the Mayor's Parlour for the recipients of The Rotary Club of Walkden, Annual Citizenship awards. We spoke to and congratulated all the pupils who took part from various schools in Salford. They were told of the history of Salford Civic Centre and were then shown into the Council Chamber and told how the decision making process is undertaken.
Thursday, 7th July
We attended the launch of the Salford Schools Creativity Festival at The Studio at the The Lowry Centre. This was a great display of artwork from a few junior schools across the city. Some imagination went into all of the work. As we were leaving I met some of the pupils from St Philips School and had a few words with them. We then walked outside and were entertained to a fantastic dance display. Where they get their energy from is beyond me. We then left quickly to go to Ellesmere Park Eccles to see a Roman Road that has been discovered there. Many thanks to John Rabbitt from the Ellesmere Park Residents Association who explained in full detail what had been found.
Friday 8th July
We attended the Presentation of the Queens Award for International Trade to Varn Products at Varn House Cadishead, in the presence of The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester and Ian Stewart MP. This is the fourth Queens Award the company has won. May I pass on the City Council's best wishes to all the staff there - they must feel very proud. After the presentation we were taken on a tour round the factory.
Saturday 9th July
Today we attended the Open Day and Summer Fair of the Boothstown Community Centre. We were met by Councillor Beryl Howard who showed us around the centre. What a good job has been done on the Centre and it is good to see that it is used on a frequent basis. We were also entertained by some dancing, many thanks for an enjoyable time.
We then attended the opening of The BMX Track at Irlam. This came about by a group of young people raising a large amount of money towards the cost of this project, along with a grant from The National Lottery Big Lottery Fund. It took 3 years of hard work to make all this possible.
Sunday 10th July
We hosted a Commemoration Service at Salford Cathedral in the Presence of The Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, The High Sheriff, The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Manchester and Hazel Blears MP. It was good to see and talk to some of the old vetsThis we have got a lot to thank these people for. This year as you know is the 60th Anniversay of the end of World war two.
On 21st August 2005 I will hosting a Civic Service and Parade in Swinton. Every one is welcome to attend. If you would like more information please don't hesitate to contact me or my office.
Monday 11th July
I chaired the meeting of The Council Agenda Setting Group. This is a monthly meeting that is held before the full Council Meeting.
Tuesday 12th July
We attended an Open Day and Garden Party at Midfield Court, Northumberland Street, Salford. What a fantastic reception we received from everyone there, the gardens were gorgeous and all done by the residents themselves, something that you should all be proud of. Thank you all for a lovely time.
We then had to go back to the Civic Centre to host a reception in the Mayors Parlour for the Lunen, Twin Town, Youth Exchange Students. We spoke to the students who told us they had visited Blackpool and that they were due to go to York and visit Conwy Castle in Wales, amongst other things that they were going to do in the 2 weeks they were staying here.
Later in the evening we attended Saudi Arabian Days Summer Celebration at Heaton Park,in the presence of all the other Mayors from the Manchester area. There was plenty going on here. What was interesting was the culture of Saudi Arabia, seeing how they do things there. Dancing was also a big thing, plenty of it going on, I joined in a Sword Dance with the Mayor of Bury.
Wednesday 13th July
We welcomed the first Cruise Ship (Hebridean Princess) to ever sail down the Manchester Ship Canal. It left Oban, in Scotland, seven days earlier and sailed round some of the Scottish Islands then on to Peel in the Isle of Man. It then went on to Anglesey and on to Liverpool then Salford, to be met by us at the Quays. This was history been made, the first Cruise Ship to ever come down the Canal. I cant explain how proud I felt for Salford on this occasion. We went on board to meet the Captain and were then shown round the ship looking at the cabins and the facilities that were on offer. Luxurious beyond anyone’s dreams, this is the way to relax if one can afford it. May this be the first of many - we hope it will be.
Later in the evening we attended The City Light Trust Evening of Prayer in the Council Chambers. It was good to see people from different faiths joining together in prayer and hymn singing it was quite moving. Afterwards we spoke to a few people and the Council looks forward to providing the venue next year for this annual event.
Thursday 14th July
We attended the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace London. This was the icing on the cake we stood about 10 feet from the Queen but couldn’t get any closer. There were Mayors there from all over the country and we spoke to quite a few of them. A day I will not forget in a hurry.
Sunday 17th July
We attended Langdon College Annual Day at King David High School, Crumpsall. What a welcome we got when we walked into the hall. The work that is done here is marvellous, everyone pulling together, staff, governors and pupils, its really good to see. The pupils, despite their disabilities, go on to great things. One lad there is training to be a French Polisher. Then we were treated stage shows of Joseph. Thanks to every one concerned for a lovely afternoon.
Monday 18th July
We attended a production of Fanfare for the Common Man at Brenthall Primary School Northumberland Street. This was excellent and it showed life in Salford and Manchester from the Stone age days up to the present day. The children were fantastic and I feel sure some of them we will hear about in years to come, their skills were fantastic.
Tuesday 19th July
We received a delegation in the Mayor's Parlour from The City of Greater Dandenong, Australia. We compared the way their council works compared to ours. I had a talk with the Mayor and she told me that there are only 11 members on their council and couldn’t get over how we manage with 60. We later attended a presentation of certificates to Breastmate Graduates at the One Stop Shop at Little Hulton. This is run by Sure Start and it is to encourage mothers to Breast Feed their babies. 5 mothers received certificates. We stayed a short while talking to the staff.
We then went back to the Civic Centre to attend the Citizenship Ceremony in the Council Chamber 5 people received British Citizenship this time and we then went into the Mayors Parlour for drinks and a chat.
The Mayoress and I then separated as The Mayoress went to the Mayors Charity Committee Meeting and I went to another meeting with our visitors from Australia. This meeting was attended not only by the Australians but by the Council Leader, the Chief Executive and the Strategic Director for Customer and Support Services. The idea of this meeting was to explain to our visitors how Urban Vision was set up. Some tough questions were asked on this subject.
Later in the evening we attended Cassel Fox Primary School for the Annual School Concert of Pinocchio. We were met by the Chairman of Governors and some of the staff and it was a truly great evening. The children put their heart and soul into the performance, well done to every one.
Wednesday 20th July
We hosted a reception in The Mayors Parlour for the Mayors Citizen Award Winner for July Mr Robin Polack. Because Robin is critically ill, his wife Patricia and step daughter Fouzia Ghribi collected the Award on his behalf . Barry Briggs nominated Robin for this award because of all the work Robin has done to help reduce local transport problems in and around Swinton and 5 years ago he set up Wardley Community Association. Ivor Zott spoke about Robin and all the fantastic work he had done over the years. Congratulations to Patricia on receiving this award for Robin and please pass on my best wishes to Robin. This was followed by the monthly meeting of the Council.
Friday 22nd July
We attended the Langworthy in Bloom competition at Edward Onyon Court, Western Street, Langworthy, along with Hazel Blears, MP. This is the first time we have been to an 'In Bloom' competition - they are magnificent - there is a lot of thought goes into this and the community spirit here is fantastic. As for the judges; not a job I would like but upon speaking to them they told me that the presentation at Langworthy over the last 3 years has gone from strength to strength lets hope you win.
Later that evening we attended the City Wide Services Awards Evening at Buile Hill Banqueting Suite. What an atmosphere here it was electric every one was out for a good night - and why not. Awards were made for winners in various categories but in my mind you are all winners. Also present were 2 people from Wigan who came to see how the Awards Ceremony was done I'm sure you all showed them how to have a good time.
Sunday 24th July
We attended the Wardley Fun Day. You could sense the community atmosphere here every one was there to have a good time. I had a go at throwing the wellington enough said about that! Many thanks to Diane Butters and Barry Briggs for explaining what the day was all about we would have liked to have stayed longer but unfortunately we had other engagements to go to.
We went straight from here to attend Booth Charities Annual Humphrey Booth Commemoration Service at Sacred Trinity Church, Chapel Street. Hazel Blears MP and Ian Stewart MP were there as well to support the charity. We attended this service last year and it was a very nice service, the choir were again in very good voice. Many thanks to Bill Jones and Rev Andy Salmon for welcoming us also to Cannon David Wyatt for the interesting sermon.
Later that evening we attended the fare well service for retiring Minister The Rev Arnold Dixon at Glazebrook Methodist Church. Having known Arnold for a few years it was nice to hear the tributes that were made about him; a very well respected man. He will be very much missed in the area and I may I wish him his wife Hyacinth and their young son Jacob all the very best when they move to the Wallasey Circuit in September. May I also thank the Rev Roger Stubbings and all the congregation for the reception that we got, may God bless you all.
Tuesday 26th July
We attended a speech day at King David Junior School Manchester. We enjoyed a really good few hours - just to see the children's faces when they went up to receive their prizes was something I wont forget. The choir were very good to sing without any musical accompaniment - this was a great achievement which I commented on to the music teacher afterwards - well done to you all.
Thursday 28th July
We attended the official opening of Princes Park tennis courts, Irlam. It was a very wet day but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of every one who was there. After we had opened the tennis courts we were entertained to a tennis match between the Irlam champion Cllr Roger Jones and the Civic Centre Champion Bruce Jassi. It was an exciting match to witness, the Civic Centre Champion beating the Irlam so called Champion 5 games to 1. We then presented awards to all the children who won in their games.
Friday 29th July
We hosted a tour of the Old Town Hall building for the Worsley events group. They were shown the Mayor's Parlour, then the Council Chamber and back into the Mayors Parlour for a chat and something to eat and drink. We enjoyed their company and many thanks to City Wide for the buffet they provided.We then attended a children's library festival at the Lowry Outlet Mall, Salford Quays. What I had to do here was read a few pages from a book of Thomas the Tank Engine. It is years since I did anything like this but after a while I got into it and the children who were listening to the story seemed to enjoy it, or should I say I think they did!
Later that evening we went to the Pasta Night at the Lowry Hotel. This is where all the competitors who are taking part in the Triathlon meet first to listen to The Council Leader welcome them to Salford and then they tuck in to the Pasta Meals. What amazed me was how many people remembered us from last year when we were there as Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayoress. A truly great night and good luck to you all on Sunday.
Saturday 30th July
We attended a Community Event at the Watersports Centre Salford Quays. A great day for the children - there were lots of activities for them to take part in and comment was made to me to pass on the thanks, from some of the parents, for what Salford Council organise for the children during school holidays.
Sunday 31st July
We attended The One Community Event at Albion High School. This was a great event and it was good to see different cultures mixing with each other and learning from each other. There were also football competitions for the sports minded people - well done to everyone there. We left here to go to the Triathlon. When we arrived we had a good walk about - then there were panic stations because no one could find us to present the medals! When they finally found us we went to present the medals. The Mayor of Trafford presented the Bronze Medals and myself and the Mayoress presented the Gold and Silver Medals. This was a great day for everyone concerned - you have all done Salford proud. I was talking to some of the competitors and they were saying they can't wait for next year to come back to Salford for the Triathlon.
During the afternoon we went to meet Suzie Wong on her Tug The HMRT Golden Cross. She saved the tug from being scrapped in 1996. Suzie Wong appeared in such blockbusters as The Killing Fields, Full Metal Jacket and The Man With the Golden Gun. We spent about 1 hour talking with her and Captain Stuart White. The tug is crewed by unpaid volunteers from The Royal Air Force, The Royal Navy and the H.M Coastguard. Thank you all for a great time.
Later that evening we attended a celebration for the Countryside Properties ITU World Cup Triathlon at Manchester Town Hall. Presentations were again made by myself, the Lord Mayor of Manchester and the Mayor of Trafford. The evening was brought to a climax by The Leader of Salford Council John Merry making a speech in which he thanked everyone concerned for making the day successful.
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