Mayor’s column

EARLIER this month I had the great honour of being elected as the Mayor of Hyndburn. I’m absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity to serve as first citizen of the borough and promise to give it my all during my mayoral year.

My wife Noreen will accompany me as mayoress and we’re both really looking forward to meeting as many people, community groups and organisations as we can. So please get in touch, we’d love to come and see you.

Of course a huge part of being mayor is raising money for local charities and the four I’ve chosen to support this year are; Hyndburn Dementia Action Alliance, Macmillan Cancer Research, East Lancashire Hospice and Accrington and District Blind Society. Hyndburn Dementia Action Alliance are radically improving the lives of people living with dementia and their carers. Macmillan Cancer Research helps anyone diagnosed with cancer through their treatment and beyond, giving people the energy and inspiration to help them feel more like themselves. East Lancashire Hospice offers a whole range of vital services for people with life-limiting illnesses. Accrington and District Blind Society works hard to enable local blind and partially sighted people to see a better future. Four very worthy causes and we’ll do our best to raise as much money as possible over the year.

Accrington is featuring in a national campaign to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War with the installation of a ‘Tommy’ figure, a life-size silhouette of a First World War soldier, in the Accrington Pals’ Chapel at St. John the Evangelist Church in Accrington.

It is part of a nationwide art installation aiming to raise funds for military charities. Please go along and support this campaign.

To invite us to your function call 01254 388111 or email themayoraloffice @hyndburnbc.gov.uk.