Mayor’s column

I HOPE everyone in Hyndburn had a pleasant Bank Holiday, especially if you were able to visit the weekend’s event at Accrington Market.

The ‘Bank Holiday Bash’ welcomed people during later opening hours on Friday and Saturday evening.

Between 4pm and

7pm visitors browsed pop-ups selling artisan food, jewellery, vintage clothing and more, alongside the permanent indoor stalls.

Other attractions that added to the atmosphere included kids’ craft activities, a licensed bar and live DJ.

This first event of its type was well received by people and families who came down to our beautiful Victorian market hall.

Another positive from the Bank Holiday Bash was the presence of the Council’s covid information officers.

The team were answering questions and raising awareness among residents of the need for over 16s to get vaccinated.

Visitors to the stall were given access to mythbusting booklets with simple answers to common questions about Covid jabs.

And anyone already vaccinated was encouraged to take a snap with a special selfie frame, to celebrate keeping Hyndburn communities safer.

If you’re over 18 and haven’t had your first jab - or have waited longer than eight weeks for your second - please visit HyndburnBC.gov. uk/CovidVaccination.

And for over 16s keen to get themselves vaccinated, details of walk-in centres are available via the same link.

Recently I was proud to attend the annual charity fair hosted by Great Harwood Civic Society on the Town Hall

Square.

At the event, local volunteer groups raised funds and awareness of the work they do in the area.

And, of course, the Great Hardwood town crier, Rawden Kerr, ‘cried the fair’, in full traditional regalia.

It was my privilege to co-present Mr Kerr with an award for winning a national competition organised by the Loyal Company of Town Criers.

I also presented an award to Maureen Tomlinson, chair of the Civic Society in recognition of their work.

All of the activities highlighted above show our communities in their best light and what makes Hyndburn special.

During difficult times, people pulling together and participating in local events makes me particularly proud to be Mayor.