Mike bows out as long-term community group secretary

A 400-strong residents’ association is gearing up for another successful year – despite bidding farewell to their secretary of almost a decade.

The Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents Association, formed in 1979, plays an important role in community life by pushing for improvements and providing activities for locals.

But there are changes in the air for 2014 as secretary of nearly ten years Mike Rooke has stepped down to concentrate on writing novels.

Mike will become external liaison officer to communicate with the borough, and is also secretary of the Tree Watch Group, while Louise Kay was elected as new GGRA secretary.

Dr Andrew Taylor will remain as chair, Graham Holliday as treasurer and Gill McCulley as minutes and membership secretary while Suzanne Ogden will cover the planning portfolio ably assisted by Sarah Plevin.

Mike, a former Head of Performing Arts, English and Humanities at Tameside College, said: “I’ve grown more grey hairs than ginger ones since taking over as secretary almost 10 years ago.

“It’s felt like a full-time job at times, but I have enjoyed the cut and thrust of arguing our case.

“It’s not all been straightforward, especially as I’ve not shirked away from asking awkward questions. I’ve beaten myself up a bit when stones have been left unturned or when I couldn’t help thinking that a different course of action could have been taken.

“I see this as a positive step for our organisation, allowing younger members with fresh expertise to join our team.

“If there’s one regret it is that the council does not appear to value groups such as ours, although our own MP has said how much we contribute to the life of the borough.”

“I wish to thank to everyone who’s helped me over the years. The biggest debt of all is owed to my wife for her loyal and loving support, especially during stressful times.”

Dr Taylor added: “As Chair of GGRA I am sorry to lose Mike’s hard work as Association Secretary, but as a friend I am happy that this is for a very good reason.

“We will be stretched to match his energy and enthusiasm, his determination, diligence and perseverance, for which I thank him personally and on behalf of the Association’s members.

“We hope that between us we can keep up the momentum – with his continued assistance – and offer him sincere thanks for his years of dedicated service.  We wish him well with his new direction.”

The association hopes 2014 will bring as many successes as last year when triumphs included securing the painting of yellow lines near Greenfield station and organising a public meeting about a new Saddleworth School.

Street Scene Greenfield, headed by Peter Lowe, lit up the village with a Christmas tree, carried out litter picks and installed a planter on Manchester Road.

Helped by volunteers, they have also been busy tidying footpaths along the Huddersfield Canal, which has included removing rubbish and laying almost 30 tonnes of gravel and stone.

Partner group Love Lydgate, chaired by Jennifer Greenwood, added competition to community spirit with their Lyd-gate competition, raised around £7,000 at their annual plant sale and planted 6,000 crocuses on Platting Road.

And a Tree Watch subgroup has recently been formed to educate residents and help protect the area’s greenery while a road group could be launched later in the year.

For more information about GGRA please email info@ggra.co.uk or call 01457 597666.