Changes at top as Greens look to the elections
Busy build-up that was filled with Christmas highlights
ROCHDALE Green Party recently held their annual meeting where changes to the executive officers were voted on and implemented.
Martyn Savin has taken on the role of chairman and Stephen Sharp has accepted the office of secretary.
Guy Otten, the Green Party Parliamentary Candidate, will concentrate on working across the whole constituency, bringing forward the policies of the Green Party to a wider audience, including highlighting that the Green Party are the only national UK Party demanding an immediate ceasefire and end to hostilities in Gaza.
Martyn Savin has lived all his life in Rochdale and is a retired aircraft fitter at
British Aerospace.
He is looking to drive the party forward as chairman by getting out in the community to encourage residents to support the Green Party and have confidence in electing Green councillors.
Stephen Sharp, Secretary, is a retired train driver and station supervisor.
He is looking forward to supporting all members of the Green Party old and new, increasing membership and being a point of contact locally.
Rochdale Green Party are aiming to field candidates across each ward in the forthcoming local elections, giving every resident of the borough an opportunity to vote Green. for the party where I was presented with an unexpected cheque for the Mayor’s Charity, the Rochdale Music Service concert in St Mary’s in the Baum and, last but not least, the Mayor’s Civic Carol service held in St Chad’s.
It was a lovely service, where I spoke about peace and Christmas and was indulged by the Rev Anne who allowed me to choose some of my favourite carols.
It was wonderful to see so many visiting dignitaries and, particularly, a large number of former mayors and consorts.
But the pride of place went to my 10-year-old granddaughter, Amy, who sang solo the first verse of Silent Night so beautifully and with so much confidence.
We attended the Veterans’ Christmas Lunch, the Paras’ Christmas Party and the Pensioners’ Christmas Lunch, all very enjoyable and with unexpected donations to the Mayor’s Charity.
On non-christmas themes, I attended two business visits in my continued effort to support some of the excellent businesses based in our borough: Dunsters Farm, which supply ambient, chilled and frozen food to schools and businesses throughout the North and 1st Contracts that supplies reactive maintenance and electrical services nationally, particularly to shops and supermarket chains.
I handed out GCSE certificates and prizes at the Rochdale Islamic Academy for Girls and attended a Passing Out Parade at Woodlands Community Primary in Heywood.
The school has been working with the Military School to boost the confidence, teamwork, resilience and determination of its children, which, from my perspective, certainly seemed to work. What a great idea! Finally, to end on a Christmas note, we heard the choir from the Sacred Heart RC Primary School sing carols and festive songs at Morrisons store on Kingsway at their Christmas Joy Day.
They were so confident and enthusiastic. Lovely! I hope you all had an enjoyable and relaxing festive holiday.