Alison's mayoral role

06 May 2009

Library Development Officer begins year of office as Lord Mayor of Manchester

Alison Firth of the John Rylands University Library takes up her role as Lord Mayor of Manchester this month.

Alison will fulfil her duties during her year of office while on secondment from the Library. As Library Development Officer, she was involved in fundraising for the new extension on the Deansgate Building and the current exhibition programme.

A teacher for 20 years in Manchester, Alison has been a Liberal Democrat Councillor for Withington since 1984 and is a governor at two local schools. She has also been a Trustee of Ladybarn Community Association for 25 years. She is a member of the Friends of Ladybarn Park and serves on the Executive of Withington Civic Society.

Alison's consort will be fiancé Andrew Fox.

Alison said: "I am looking forward to the year ahead, during my year of office I will be focussing on young people, with a particular interest in how music and singing can build confidence and promote emotional resilience".