A new direction for Bury South

Last night I attended the Israel Remembrance Day at Whitefield Hebrew Congregation which was superbly lead by a group of young people from Israel.  Memorial prayers were sung by Chazan Muller and the synagogue choir and the National Anthem and the Israeli National Anthem were both sung.  Last night was to remember not only those who have died defending Israel but also those whose fate is not known and we spent time also remembering the kidnapped soldiers whose families pray each day for their safe return.  I was also pleased to be able to welcome The Mayor and Mayoress of Bury and the Deputy Mayor and Mayoress of Salford to my synagogue.

I went along to the Town Hall this morning when the Mayor of Bury raised the flag to celebrate St George’s Day.  I was joined by Bury North parliamentary candidate David Nuttall.  The Mayor gave a short welcoming speech which was followed by prayers from Rev John Findon of Bury Parish Church.  Breakfast was then served in the Peel Room at the Town Hall.  A very pleasant way to start the day.  Unfortunately I am unable to attend the Mayor’s Ball tonight but I am sure that the 160 guests will have an enjoyable evening.

Last Thursday afternoon, which was the last day of Passover, I walked to Radcliffe Town Centre to meet William Hague MP who was making his third visit to Radcliffe in less than two years.  He spent time meeting local campaigner Samantha Davies and local traders.  Thanks must go to Richard Anthony who is Chairman of the Radcliffe Traders Association for spending time with us introducing us to some of the local business people and for taking William on a tour of Blackburn Street to highlight the problems the closure has caused.

Yesterday I spent the early part of the morning helping members of the Old Hall Park Residents’ Association litter pick along Copper Lane and surrounding areas.  We managed to collect over 8 bags of rubbish - a large amount of which was bottles and cans and which went straight into our recycling blue bins.  It is a shame that visitors to the area cannot take the same amount of pride in it as the people who live there.

This week will be a short working week with the Jewish festival of Passover starting on Wednesday and Easter this weekend.  Last week I met with William Hague MP at a fundraising dinner at The Last Drop in Bolton which was well attended and William entertained the guests with his own style of political humour.  On Friday morning I attend the Zionist Central Council (ZCC) Business Breakfast where Michael Gove MP was the guest speaker. The weekend was spent catching up with case work and preparing for Passover oh and managing to find time to go out with my family to eat.

I wish everyone an enjoyable Easter break.

I attended last night’s Council meeting during which the resignation of the Leader of the Labour Group, Cllr Wayne Campbell, was announced.  Glowing tributes were paid to him about his contribution to the Council over the last 25 years and in particular his dedication to Radcliffe – I leave it to the residents of Radcliffe to make their own decision.

Tonight I am off to a fundraising dinner in Bolton where William Hague MP is the Guest Speaker and a business breakfast in Manchester City Centre tomorrow morning with Michael Gove MP – I will certainly be looking forward to a rest on Saturday.