Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Terry Hurn
It has been wonderful this month for the Mayoress and I to get back into the swing of things and attend such a diverse range of engagements following the festive season. The weather may have been on the colder side, but a little snow here and there could not keep us away from spending our time meeting with the hardworking and dedicated members of the Hyndburn community that help to make these events and engagements a reality.
Last month’s engagements kick started with a warmly received invitation from the Hyndburn Centennial Lions Club’s 7th Charter anniversary lunch. It was fantastic to be invited along by Past District Governor and Club Treasurer – and my former Lancashire Ambulance Service colleague – Tony Clarkson to celebrate the anniversary of the club’s formation with a meal and speeches in what proved to be a great afternoon.
The Mayoress and I also had the pleasure of attending The King’s Award for Voluntary Service Award Ceremony, held at Preston County Hall. This event was a brilliant recognition of all the outstanding hard work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. We would like to extend a huge congratulations to all the groups who were recognised at this wonderful evening, including our own Official Accrington Stanley Supporters Trust (OASST).
In an out of the ordinary engagement, the Mayoress and I had the opportunity to join Accrington Christians Together (ACT) Street Angels this month on one of their late night Accrington town centre patrols to help with their fantastic work of looking after vulnerable people. The group of volunteers meet regularly from 10pm to 2am to provide assistance within the town centre to anyone who may need some help, whether that be first aid, bottles of water, a listening ear, or something else.
We also enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Accrington Town Hall for a charity fundraising concert in support of NSPCC. 2nd Rossendale Scout Group & Band and The Houghton Weavers created a fantastic event, and I am certain that their fundraising endeavours were well-received by the charity. Well done to everyone who took part and thank you for creating an afternoon of fantastic performances for all who attended.
Unfortunately, the Mayoress and I had to say goodbye to our former St Oswald’s Ward Councillor and Honorary Alderman, the late Doug Hayes. It was an honour to attend his funeral in a Mayoral capacity and it was heartwarming to see so many turn out to extend their sympathies to Doug’s family and loved ones. Doug was a much-loved, well-respected Councillor, and my thoughts are with all those near and dear to him during this difficult time.
I would like end by extending a heartfelt thanks to all who invited the Mayoress and I to share their special moments last month, from my fellow civic dignitaries like the Mayor of Blackburn to our brilliant community, volunteer-led organisations. It has been a pleasure meeting with you all and it is always such an honour to partake in these events.
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