Serving as Mayor of Rossendale has been one of the greatest honours of my life. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting incredible people from every corner of our borough—volunteers, community groups, charities, businesses, schools, faith organisations, emergency services, and residents who work tirelessly every day to make Rossendale such a special place to live. I have been proud to represent the borough at celebrations, fundraising events, school visits, and community gatherings.
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to my Mayoress, Jackie Oakes, my family, friends, and everyone who has supported me throughout this incredible year. Your encouragement and patience have meant more than words can say. Thanks also go to my fellow councillors, council officers, and all those behind the scenes who work so hard to support the Mayor’s role. As I hand over the chains of office, I do so with immense gratitude, wonderful memories, and great optimism for the future of Rossendale. Thank you to everyone who welcomed me, supported me, and shared this journey with me. It has truly been an honour and a privilege to serve as your Mayor.
Here is my last round-up of the events I have attended over the past month.
Civic Tour of Ribble Valley
On Wednesday, April 22, Jackie and I attended the Civic Tour of Ribble Valley. Starting at Thwaites Brewery for a site tour, where we met their beautiful, friendly Shire horses. Next, we stopped at Stonyhurst College for a photo opportunity, then moved on to Backridge Farm to visit local small businesses, including Kushboo, The North West Jewellery School, Pendle Witch Distillery, and Melt. After an excellent lunch at the Calf’s Head, we toured Downham Hall, where Lord and Lady Clitheroe kindly showed us their beautiful gardens and St Leonard’s church. We finished the tour with cakes and coffee at Greendale Teahouse and Rooms.
Final Mayor's Charity Fundraiser
That evening, we went to Kashmir restaurant in Rawtenstall for the final Mayor's Charity Fundraiser. We enjoyed delicious food and raised another £400 for my charities. Thank you to everyone who attended.
Mayor of Whitworth 80s Disco
On Saturday, April 25, Jackie, Christine Lamb, and I attended the Mayor of Whitworth 80s Disco. It was a great afternoon filled with fantastic 80s music, wonderful outfits, charity fundraising, and lovely food from Bacup Balti.
Mayor of Burnley's Regency Ball
The next day, we attended the Mayor of Burnley's Regency Ball at Towneley Hall. Jackie, councillor Judith Driver, Kathryn, Julie, and I enjoyed a lovely evening with great food and company. Many guests arrived in stunning regency costumes, which perfectly suited the Hall's Regency rooms. Having worked at Towneley Hall for over 20 years, it was a true pleasure to attend as a guest and appreciate its beauty.
Mayor of Blackburn's Civic Tour
On Friday, May 1, Deputy Mayor councillor Liz McInnes and I joined other regional Mayors for the Mayor of Blackburn’s Civic Tour. We started with a delicious breakfast at The Wellbeing Farm Wedding and Events Venue. Next, we toured Blackburn Museum to view their extensive collection of art and antiquities, followed by a tasty lunch and guided history tour at Blackburn Cathedral. Finally, we visited Whitehall Distillery at Springbank Manor, where we had great fun tasting signature gins and blending our own. Councillor Liz McInnes, Donna O'Rourke (Mayoress of Ribble Valley), and I were delighted with our "award-winning" creation, "Magnificence," and were able to take a bottle home.
Tour de Manc and Dansworks Awards
On Sunday, May 3, Jackie and I went to Marl Pitts to welcome cyclists participating in the Tour de Manc. It was great to hear their stories; many had never visited Rossendale before and were highly impressed by the valley, even if they found our hills a bit gruelling! Later that afternoon, we were delighted to attend the Dansworks Awards at Trinity Baptist to celebrate the achievements of their talented students. Well done to everyone involved.
Charity Cheque Presentation
On Thursday, May 7, it was my absolute pleasure to present cheques to my chosen charities: Bacup Pride, Carers Link, and Kids in Rossendale. Together, my fundraising committee and I raised £7,750, alongside a further £10,000 donated earlier in the year by Bauer Media. Thank you to everyone who supported us; this money will directly help families and communities across Rossendale.
Afternoon Tea for Beacon Dementia and Wellbeing
On Saturday, May 9, my guest Barbara Ashworth and I attended an Afternoon Tea in support of Beacon Dementia and Wellbeing. Organised by the community champions at Tesco in Rawtenstall, Haslingden, and Accrington, the afternoon featured delicious food and great company. We enjoyed wonderful entertainment from the Rossendale Male Voice Choir and the Rossendale Ukulele Band, with everyone joining in for a sing-along.
Mayor of South Ribble "at Home" Event
Later that evening, Sean Serridge and I attended the Mayor of South Ribble "at Home" event in Leyland. This was a bittersweet night, marking the final time all the Lancashire Mayors would gather after a wonderful year together. We enjoyed a delicious supper and dancing. While my own term officially ends on May 22, I will not see these colleagues again, so I wish them the absolute best of luck.
2nd Rossendale Scouts Afternoon Tea
On Sunday, May 10, my guest councillor Judith Driver and I enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea hosted by the 2nd Rossendale Scouts. Supermarkets kindly donated the food and entertainment was provided by the Junior Band and the community band, who played a fantastic variety of music that had everyone clapping along.
East Lancashire Railway Rail 200 Exhibition
The following day, I attended the opening of the East Lancashire Railway Rail 200 Exhibition in Rawtenstall. This brilliant exhibition details the birth and development of the railway. After seeing the train in Bury earlier this year, I could not resist taking another look during its visit to Rawtenstall. While there, I met visiting students from Tor View School and loved seeing how excited they were to explore the interactive displays.
Friends of Bocholt AGM
On Wednesday, May 13, Judith Driver and I attended the Friends of Bocholt AGM. We discussed plans for the 2027 75th twinning anniversary and met youth camp attendees. The 2nd Rossendale Scouts Band provided excellent entertainment ahead of their upcoming Germany trip.
Carers Link Curry and Quiz Night
On Friday, May 15, Barbara Ashworth and I joined the Carers Link Curry and Quiz night in Barrowford. The evening featured tough trivia, great music, and delicious food. It was wonderful to speak with volunteers and service users about how vital this charity is to Rossendale.
