A year of listening, learning and lifting others up

As 2025 draws to a close, I want to offer a few reflections on my first seven months as Mayor of Rochdale.

From day one, my diary has been packed out. As I write this column, I have attended nearly 400 events across Heywood, Middleton, the Pennines and Rochdale. When I had the honour of becoming Mayor, I promised that every part of our borough would be visited. I have been true to my word and, across the community, I have been immensely proud to be representing you as the borough’s civic head. What I see is a thriving, happy community, with so many wonderful organisations, businesses, charities, groups, sports teams, charities, places of worship.

There is a common theme running through the many places I visit and that is volunteers. So many people are giving of their time, offering their services for free, helping to ensure so many organisations across the borough are not just surviving, but thriving. Our volunteers really are the bedrock of our community and, as the year draws to a close, I want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of you. Volunteers really are the bedrock of the community, who ensure the foundations are in place to make our borough an even better place to live, work and grow up in. To all of you, please keep on keeping on.

When I made my mayoral inauguration speech, I highlighted women and young people as being at the heart of my mayoral year. I set out my vision of visiting places where women and young people showcased their skills, their sporting prowess, their musical talents, creativity and artistic skills. What I have seen has been heartening and inspiring. There are so, so many talented women and young people in our borough, who are leading the way in inspiring the next generation. That’s why I have welcomed so many women and young people to the Mayor’s Parlour at Rochdale Town Hall, to congratulate each and every one on their successes,  but also to say two simple, but very important powerful words. Thank you. There is, of course, a long way to go in ensuring even more opportunities are in place, so that women and young people are not held back, and can display their talents not just on the local stage, but regionally and nationally. I will never stop campaigning on this issue, which always been central to everything I stand for, campaign for and believe in.

As we move towards Christmas, I will be taking some well-earned down time to relax with family and friends, spend time with loved ones, to continue to be a proud mother, to see my wonderful grandchildren and to gather the family together on Christmas Day to celebrate, exchange gifts and enjoy the simple things in life; love, happiness and cherishing those precious moments together. Prior to that, on Christmas Eve, I am looking forward to singing carols in Hare Hill Park and round the Christmas tree at Wardle village. This is always a lovely gathering, bringing all ages together to have a sing and to display the true meaning of community spirit. It will be a lovely evening, helping to ensure we all head in to Christmas Day on a high note.

Let’s also all play our part this Christmas in keeping an eye out for our friends and neighbours, especially older and vulnerable people. A simple phone call, or knock on the door, with a ‘how are you’? can go a long way. Everyone chooses to spend their Christmas in their own way, but no one should be alone if they don’t want to be, so please take a moment to check out what support is available in your local community. Together, we can look after each other the Christmas period, it’s a time of the year when we should all take a step back, to reflect and think of others. That leaves me to wish each and every one of you a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.

I want to say a huge and personal thanks to my dedicated charities.  Throughout the year my Mayoral work continues to raise funds for Springhill Hospice, Jolly Josh, Awakening Minds, Papyrus, Women’s Housing Action Group and the Johnny Alfrey Musical Memorial.

All these organisations do amazing work, supported by wonderful teams of staff and volunteers. Donations to my charities can be sent to:

The Mayor’s Office, Rochdale Borough Council, Floor 2, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU. If any organisation would like a visit, please ring 01706 924834 and my team will be happy to help. Further information on my charities and the work I will be undertaking can be found at rochdale.gov.uk/mayor