Rotherham Day

Hope that you could find some time to recognise, celebrate and enjoy the first ever Rotherham Day. What a brilliant idea – in my opinion.

Having spent a quarter of a century in this town and having seen some incredibly dramatic events play out; reported locally and in the national and international press, I’ve had the honour and privilege of working with some of this town’s brightest and best. It is absolutely clear to me that the people of this town should and do have much to be proud about.

This town has a long and illustrious history. Rotherham is an ancient town with civic structures that go all the way back to the Norman Conquest. An example of our quiet success can be illustrated by the Feoffees of the common lands of Rotherham (look them up) are only a handful of ancient town and city civic leaders (not to be found in Doncaster, Sheffield or Barnsley, for example). They have been established in Rotherham since the 14th century. Initially the Feoffees controlled and policed the common lands in Rotherham which was land upon which anyone could gain access to graze their stock. Through bequests, grants from the crown and other means, they also owned some land and premises from which they obtained rents. Today they support Rotherham people in their public endeavours; including supporting children on their educational journeys.

The problem, if there is a problem, is that we don’t shout about what it is that makes this a very special place to live, to work, to play. This town and the people of this town achieve so much and, as we look forward, have so much potential. Many of you in Rotherham wear your successes lightly and quietly. People from this town don’t feel the need to shout loudly about what it is that makes this place so special. There’s very much a feeling that we just get on with things. That’s fine. It’s a very honourable trait. But every now and again it’s important that we lift our heads up and shout a little louder.

This is a great place to live. This is a great place at work. This is a great place to be educated, in our amazing schools and college. We all have a lot to be proud of. Rotherham is wonderfully green and rural. Rotherham is urban and proud. Rotherham is growing; people are moving into the town; people want to live here. Rotherham has some amazing people who do amazing things. Rotherham has ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

Civic pride is important. Civic pride should be encouraged and celebrated. I have the honour to represent some of the great that this town does through my civic roles. I am proud to say that and I am proud to be associated with this town and the people of this town.

A decent Rotherham day strapline for us all to hold onto …

ps For the true fans out there I just wish The Millers were doing a little better.