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The Civic Pride Rossendale AGM took place at Rawtenstall Cricket Club on Tuesday, 18th February 2020.

The Mayor of Rossendale, Councillor Barbara Ashworth, the Mayoress Mrs Christine Lamb, and Mr Neil Shaw, Chief Executive of Rossendale Borough Council attended in addition to many CPR volunteers and supporters.

Outgoing Chair of Civic Pride Rossendale, Chris Blomerley, thanked everyone for their hard work over the past year, noting that as CPR enters its third decade, the Valley has never looked cleaner and brighter with groups now successfully operating in Bacup, Weir, Waterfoot, Crawshawbooth, Rawtenstall, Haslingden, Helmshore and beyond. Chris expressed his gratitude for all the support he has received as Chair over the past 10 years.  He was presented with a framed Certificate of Achievement by the Mayor, Cllr Barbara Ashworth for his outstanding contribution.

Neil Shaw expressed his thanks to CPR for all their efforts and pledged to support Civic Pride in his new role as Chief Executive of the council. He highlighted the role of volunteers within Rossendale and the passion they demonstrated in promoting a clean, beautiful environment.

Finance Reports were presented by Ms Charlotte Hocking which highlighted the generosity of our sponsors and supporters.

Voting then took place to elect a new Chair, Roger Grimshaw and Vice Chair, Helen Thomas. Charlotte Hocking was returned as Finance Officer, Lynn Smith as Administration/Volunteer Engagement Officer, Roger Roundell and Anne Dixon as Litter and Gardens Officers.  Chris Blomerley accepted the role of Projects Officer for 2020, with the task of coordinating the CPR entry for the Royal Horticultural Society Britain in Bloom Awards this summer.

Chris said that with the support of residents, local businesses and Rossendale Council, CPR are seeking to develop the award winning Corridor of Colour from the A682 layby gardens from the spur road laybys to Newchurch Road, Rawtenstall.

Also new for 2020 is the CPR greenhouse project, a greater emphasis on community engagement and the environment, plus the ongoing development of community gardens and litter picking teams. The new CPR website has all the details at www.civic-pride.org.uk

The meeting was closed by Roger Grimshaw as the new Chair, after which everyone enjoyed a delicious buffet and the use of the cricket club bar.