A number of Rossendale people who have died recently, including two Second World War veterans, former councillors, a church minister and former MP Janet Anderson, were remembered at the borough council’s latest full meeting.

Mrs Anderson is associated with work including bringing in new laws on drivers using phones in cars, tackling stalkers and establishing a national register of paedophiles.

She also made the news headlines in the late 2000s with her expense claims as an MP, as part of the wider focus on MPs’ expenses at the time.

Born in the north-east of England to a Methodist and socialist family, she later moved the south. She worked as a newspaper secretary for The Scotsman and The Sunday Times for some years. Later she worked for Blackburn MP Barbara Castle and then Jack Straw. She was elected Rossendale & Darwen MP in 1992 and was in Tony Blair’s government including a tourism and film remit.

Janet Anderson, former MP for Darwen with Rossendale.

The Mayor of Rossendale, Coun Anne Cheetham, highlighted Mrs Anderson’s and other people’s lives at the latest council meeting.

The others included former councillor and mayor Trevor Unsworth, past mayoress Madge Tennant and the Rev Les Hallam, a Ramsbottom and Edenfield Church of England minister who was the current mayor’s chaplain.

Councillors observed a minute’s silence in tribute to them all and also to mark the 12-month anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

Coun Cheetham said: “Trevor Unsworth was a councillor for Hareholme ward from  2002 to 2011. He had extensive committee service during his nine years as a councillor. He also served as mayor from 2010 to 2011.

“He was a remarkable man in his own right. He ran the Co-op in Whitworth and later gained a degree at the Blackburn campus. We went to the graduation ceremony where he was looked-after royally. He was so delighted to get that certificate. I remember his face beaming.

“Madge Tennant, who was Mayoress to David James Tennant from 1977 to 1978. Les Hallam was appointed mayor’s chaplain for my mayoral year in May 2022. And Janet Anderson was the Rossendale and Darwen MP between 1992 and 2010. ”

Coun Cheetham added: “Janet Anderson never missed a thing.  She became part of Rossendale and got to know it extremely well. You might say she did her training with Barbara Castle and later with Jack Straw.

“Janet Anderson was also one of the first MPs who got a private member’s bill at Westminster regarding the law on people using mobile phones while driving cars. She pushed awareness of the dangers of being distracted and the need for hands-free mobile phone operations in cars. That is part of her legacy.”

The Mayor added: “We also remember two Second World War veterans, Bill Pearson, and Lewis Bayham.

“Bill , who was aged 100, was part of the Regiment of the Royal Corps of Signals. Lewis was a D-Day Veteran from Weir. Both were active members of the monthly veterans breakfast club in Haslingden.

“I met Bill at a veterans’ breakfast and he was in good spirits. Lewis was unable to attend that day. Bill remembered riding a motorcycle between Berlin and Hanover, and the roads being covered in holes. His wartime stories were very clear. We could all picture the scene and almost feel the sensation of riding a motorbike along those routes.

“We also remember Michael Tipper, a former mayor’s attendant for many years. He recently passed away in Cyprus.

“All these people will all be greatly missed.”

Independent Coun James Eaton said: “I will always remember Janet Anderson as a warm and generous person. She always supported me in my fund-raising activities for many years.

“At the end of my mayoral year, I completed a triathlon from Blackpool to Bacup. Janet completed the swimming at Marl Pits with myself and others. We raised £30,000 to buy a new mini bus for Rossendale Hospice. Janet served Rossendale well. Myself and Janet will always have fond memories of her.”

And Labour Coun Alyson Barnes, the political Leader of Rossendale Council, said: “Janet Anderson always supported members of the council and fund-raising activities. She supported the council regardless of who was in control. She will be sadly missed.”

“Also I can remember Trevor Unsworth sitting on the major’s chair at Rossendale Council meetings. It doesn’t feel long go but, in fact, it was quite a few years ago. I last saw Trevor in sheltered housing in Waterfoot. In typical Trevor fashion, he was always up for a chat even though he was struggling with his sight. He was a real character and I know he’ll be missed.”

Regarding Rossendale’s links with the war in Ukraine, Coun Cheetham said:  “Rossendale residents have supported 84 people from Ukraine to settle into the valley. All have stayed with local families who have opened-up their homes and helped them. We thank everyone who has helped or provided support during this difficult time.”