Happy St Patrick's Day Wednesfield!

I wish to place my good wishes to all my constituents who will be celebrating St Patrick's Day today!

Its a grand day to remember your roots and your heritage! Wolverhampton has been the home of Irish people for a very long time. In the 1851 Census there was a record that showed Irish immigration had begun to appear in Wolverhampton by the end of the 18th century.

In his book "A history of Wolverhampton " Chris Upton informs that the Irish were drawn by engineering and a very sizeable Catholic community that was already in the town at that time. In 1851 there were already 6,000 Irish people then resident in Wolverhampton. In 1861 the number had doubled!

I have fond memories of St Patricks Day back in 2006, when I was Mayor. I arranged to have a St Patrick's Day in Wolverhampton then located the function in the Mayor's Parlour. It was a resounding success. I also spoke after Mass at St Patricks Church to a congregation of over 350. Followed by a visit to the Community Centre next door which was packed, and a further visit to the Emerald Club located just off the Cannock Road.