MAYORAL CHARITY EVENTS:

CAN I begin by expressing my sincere apologies for not writing this column last week? Unfortunately I was ill at the time that I normally write it.

As I didn’t write a column that week I was unable to comment on the superb community that we have in West Lancashire that pulled together to support the Macmillan Coffee Mornings.

Many events were held in West Lancashire and I attended two and also popped into one which the council staff where holding on their lunch break.

Noel and I attended one at Abbey Lodge, where we had a fun time with the residents, and then we went over to Bickerstaffe.

The Bickerstaffe coffee morning was heaving with people and the village had once again pulled out all the stops to come and support charities.

One of the fantastic things about being mayor is getting the opportunity to go out and see how supportive our local communities are.

Perhaps the worst thing is that I keep being offered food and I’m rapidly putting the weight back on that I’ve lost over the last 18 months – not great for a slimming consultant!

The past week has again been one of supporting charities, I went with Noel to Chorley to give support to the Chorley Mayoral charities.

I have to say I’m in awe of the mayor, Doreen, who is 83 and had sky-dived the day before for her charities.

Unfortunately I’m not that brave but I’m open to suggestions for how to raise money for the West Lancs Mayoral Charities.

On Saturday the CD Music Academy, run by Caroline Darbyshire, held a fashion show, followed by an Oscars evening where local shops were showcased, and I’d like to thank them for their support. The evening entertainment was particularly enjoyable and £638 was raised from the two events, well done to Caroline and her team.

I’m really pleased to see that local schools are getting involved in the Mayoral Charities and I’m already seeing pictures of schools taking part in the Mad Hatters Tea Party.

Local children are designing a hat for a mayoral competition and the winners from each school will be coming to see me in the council chamber and having a tea party.

We’d be very grateful if any local business would like to sponsor this event by providing the food.

November 4 – 1980s Civic Disco – Tickets £5 from The Civic, Southport Road, Ormskirk.

December 1 – Bingo at The Civic Hall. Details to be confirmed

If you can help in any way with donations of prizes for the bingo, please call Jill Ryan on 01695 585033.