Emotional farewell

IT WAS an emotional farewell for Councillor Fida Hussain yesterday as he ended his year as Mayor of Oldham.

Councillor Hussain, whose family came to England to seek work in the textile industry in 1969, had a tear in his eye when he handed over the chain to his friend Councillor Ateeque Ur-Rehman at yesterday’s Mayor Making ceremony.

Councillor Hussain said: “I have always asked myself the question of why my father chose Oldham to be his home town when we came to England in 1969 but these past 11 months have taught me exactly why.

“It really has been an honour and a pleasure to represent this great borough and the people that live in this great borough. I cannot speak highly enough of the warmth of Oldham’s people, it has been tremendous.

“Recently my youngest daughter told me she wanted to see me more often. I told her there are a quarter of a million people in Oldham and they are all our children, they are all our family.”

Councillor Hussain has raised £43,000 for his chosen charities as mayor but that total is still rising with funds still coming in. He has also attended more than 500 events.

Councillor Hussain said charities and the work they do were the backbone of our community. He added: “We should love where we live and I love Oldham — I will never let anyone talk it down.”

Councillor Hussain also paid tribute to his wife and retiring mayoress, saying: “I would like to thank my wife Tanvir for her incredible support.”

Oldham Council leader Jim McMahon said: “I think the mayoral process changes people, it gives them a massive understanding of the borough and just how united it is.

“The amount of money he has raised for charity this year is remarkable and all of his chosen causes are benefiting from his work.

“You have done it with great grace and honour and I think you have got an experience you can treasure for the rest of your life.”

Councillor Hussain’s trademark huge smile is something which councillors say will not be forgotten quickly.

Councillor John McCann said: “You arrive smiling and leave people smiling. I would like to say thank you to the smiling mayor and his smiling wife Tanvir. Thank you.”