During my time reporting on the political scene in Oldham there has been one particularly bright spot that has shone perennially through some of the darker moments of turmoil – and that is the Metropolitan Borough Council’s choice of their first citizens.
Ginny Alexander (2019/20 and 2020/21 left of picture), Cllr Jenny Harrison (2021/22 right of picture) and Elaine Garry (2022/23 centre) were not only outstanding Mayors, bringing great joy to every public event they attended, and dignity and pride when representing the Borough elsewhere, they made history as the first successive trio of female civic heads to serve Oldham in its long history.
They were always going to be a very hard act to follow but, as he promised in his first Mayoral speech in the civic chamber at the end of May, 2023, Dr Zahid Chauhan OBE, has brought a different perspective to the role and a tidal wave of overwhelming positivity with it.
A tall, imposing, ‘media savvy’ figure with a smile reminiscent of the ‘trademark’ of another notable past Mayor and long-term public servant, Riaz Ahmad, he has certainly made a superb impression in his first two months or so in the role.
Mayor Chauhan’s output on social media is also prodigious, spreading the joy on-line as well as in person: Leveraging his status as a nationally known health campaigner to take Oldham’s much-needed good news to a far wider, and highly receptive, audience.
Never more notable, it is respectfully submitted, than last week when marking the 100th birthday of a former Royal Navy servicewoman, and Second World War veteran, with a special get together hosted by the Mayor.
Margaret Taylor, from Greenacres, reached this extraordinary milestone on 1st August, 2023 as she attended the Mayor’s Parlour with her family to mark the occasion.
Upon arriving, Margaret was warmly greeted by members of the Royal British Legion Standards and the Mayor, a reception which, joyfully, brought tears to her eyes (and, doubtless, to others watching the film of proceedings).
Later on, as part of the celebrations, Cllr Chauhan presented Margaret with a special birthday card and a bouquet of flowers as they enjoyed conversations about her life over a cup of tea and some cake.
When asked what it was like to reach 100 years old, a fresh-faced Margaret simply replied: ‘I’m speechless and overwhelmed’ before she advised guests that a ‘clean living’ lifestyle was the best way to live so long. A proposition GP such as Dr Chauhan would heartily endorse.
Mrs Taylor served in the Women’s Royal Naval Service (popularly known as ‘The Wrens’) from the age of 16, before contributing to the Second World War effort in the Outer Hebrides, where her role in logistics involved overseeing supplies that went aboard naval ships.
Concluding proceedings, the Mayor of Oldham, who made the town his home after leaving university, said:
“I am honoured to have shared this amazing occasion with Margaret.
“It was so wonderful to meet with her in person and hear many of the great memories she has enjoyed over the years, and I’m sure there are many more to come.”
There will, doubtless be other similar days over the next nine months as the Mayor’s innovative “Truly Wished” campaign gathers momentum, and it will be a privilege to report upon them.
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Page last updated: Monday 7th August, 2023 at 09h15
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Picture credit: Oldham Council
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