Horwich Mayor’s Diary

7 Jan 2020 10:47
Published by: Daniel Almond

 

FIRSTLY, I would like to wish all the Advertiser’s readers and advertisers a Happy, Peaceful and Prosperous New Year. I suspect many of you share my concern concerning recent world issues and are praying that it does not escalate and get out of control.

The past month has been extremely busy in the run up to Christmas. The Mayoress and I have have been honoured to attend a number of a musical and other Christmas related events, commencing with a highly professional and well-attended concert from Horwich Community Choir and the Handmade Signing Choir at St Joseph’s RC High School.

The following evening we were entertained by the Blackrod Community Choir following the lighting of the Blackrod Christmas tree. We then rushed to Horwich Community Centre for their Christmas Special featuring the great music of local singer-songrwiter Pauline Barton. Move forward to Friday morning at Victoria Hall for the Mayor of Bolton’s Children’s Christmas Concert with wonderful young musicians, school choirs and the professional musicians from Bolton Music Service.

This was followed by the evening’s lighting of the Horwich Christmas Tree and carols which was well attended considering the weather on that day.

The following day saw my deputy, Cllr Steven Chadwick, attending the Christmas Party at Rivington View Nursing Home whilst the Mayoress and I were at St. Catherine’s Nursing Home for their Christmas Fayre.

Moving further afield, Sunday saw us travel to the magnificent Gorton Monastery for the Greater Manchester British Legion Christmas Concert. The quality of the musicianship of the Cadishead Public Band and the superb voice of guest soloist Iona Fisher made it a night to remember for everyone present including numerous local mayors.

Bolton Music Service presented a range of Winter Concerts across the borough and we chose to attend the one focussing on Rock and Contemporary Ensembles held at Horwich RMI Club with musicians ranging from the young to not so young. In addition to their work in schools, the organisation is also very pro-active in targeting adults who wish to learn to play.

We made our third visit of the year to watch the young actors of the Bethel Crowd at Westhoughton United Reform Church and saw them perform their Christmas Special “It’s A Party”.

The Wright Place Luncheon Club provide an excellent meeting place for the elderly and we were honoured to attend their Christmas Dinner. The final Mayoral duties of the year saw us first at the Christmas Lunch of the Horwich Visiting Service at Ridgmont House followed by a Festive Afternoon Tea for the elderly and vulnerable who were entertained by singers and musicians at Rivington & Blackrod High School. At both the Wright Place Luncheon Club and Horwich Visiting Service lunches, we were treated to the excellent carol singing choir from Horwich Parish Primary School.

One sad occasion was the passing of former mayor, Ken Thomson. I didn’t know Ken personally which was a shame as his choice of music (two songs from Joe Simon) at his funeral on December 18th showed that he shared the same musical taste as me.

 

Gordon Stone

 

You may be interested in