Mayor’s column

Peter Britcliffe

OVER the years as Leader of the Council and now as Mayor I have become aware that Hyndburn works as a community because of the incredible number of voluntary organisations.

Whether it be the uniformed organisations like Guides, Scouts Sea Cadets, etc, various support groups and charitable organisations such as Rotary ,Lions NSPCC or many more, all working hard to make Hyndburn the wonderful place it is, raising monies and supporting various causes and providing social opportunities for young and old alike.

Over the mayoral year one of the most important duties Sara and I have is supporting these organisations in the efforts they make.

So this month I thought I would concentrate on just one of them ;Rotary, as a flavour of the work they do around the borough. There are five Rotary clubs in the area, Church and Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, Great Harwood and Rishton, Pendle View and Ribblesdale.

One of the first events Sara and I attended was the Church and Oswaldtwistle Annual Charity Walk where we started hundreds of walkers on their way.

This event raises a brilliant £40,000 pounds every year for charities and provides great social recreation.

Then later we attended the Accrington Rotary lunch for the installation of Helen Birtwistle as President.

At the event I was installed as an Honorary Member and I am very proud to be associated with them and to wear my Rotary badge.

Rotary do some amazing work in developing countries supporting water purification, schools and other much needed works. Here in Hyndburn we also benefit from their work throughout the year.

Between the clubs they are responsible for some great things.

Whilst Rotary have many projects in the pipeline, for instance the Church and Oswaldtwistle branch work hard to improve the railway station,and the Great Harwood and Rishton branch have been helping to improve the Rishton People’s Centre, as well as coordinating fund raising to provide defibrillators around the towns, they also bring pleasure to people in Hyndburn.

As I write I understand the clubs are well on their way to arranging the annual community bonfire, enabling us to watch a great firework spectacle in a safe environment.

In December the wonderful and heartwarming Rotary Christmas Sleigh will be visiting, bringing joy and delight to old and young alike. All the funds raised will support local causes and charities.

More widely Rotary have been actively raising funds for Blood Bikes for the district as a whole,and have made an amazing £35,000 pounds enabling the purchase of two new motorcycles for this very worthwhile cause.

Then when you see new crocus bulbs in spring it will be highly likely they were planted by Rotarians.

Just one organisation, like many many more around the borough, running thanks to the dedication of some fantastic people.

Have you ever thought of volunteering and being one of them?

One thing I know for sure is that we all should be very proud of them ….. I know the Mayoress and I are.