For me, this month has been defined by opportunities to learn, whether that be deepening my own understanding of our area and heritage, or seeing our young people explore their future options.

At the Future’s Event in Hyndburn, I was able to meet Year 11 students eager to explore their future career, education and training options. It’s inspiring to see such enthusiasm, and I’m confident that many of them will go on to do amazing things. The future is bright!

Speaking of bright futures, I had a fantastic time at the North West Air Ambulance Enjoyment and Learning Day. The day included opportunities to meet the team, learn about the pre-hospital care they provide, and it was a privilege to see firsthand the incredible work that the team does to support our communities.

I also had the pleasure of visiting Mount Pleasant Primary School as part of their British Values Week. The manners and politeness the students had were exceptional, and you can see the teachers are doing an amazing job. It was lovely to see their curiosity about local government and some even got to try on my Mayor’s chains!

I also want to highlight a fantastic group visit organised by Church and Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion to Haworth Art Gallery and Artist Studios, where we had the opportunity to view WW1 and WW2 memorabilia usually hidden in the stores. Well done to the RBL in organising this event and a huge thank you to the Gallery team for teaching us about some of these brilliant pieces. It was a fitting moment of reflection as we head toward Remembrance.

This month also saw the unveiling of the British Textile Biennial at Haworth Art Gallery and Accrington Dome. As we know here in Hyndburn, we have a vast and strong history of the textile industry, and this year’s exhibitions showcases synthetic fabrics made right here in the borough. I also had the chance to listen to the artist of the evening, Ivan Forde, who’d come all the way from New York to display three of his beautiful pieces.

Moreover, I joined key partners and local representatives for the official opening of the Cath Thom Leisure Centre, named after former Councillor and Mayor, Cath Thom. It’s a fantastic new asset for the borough, and I’m excited to see it become a hub for fitness and community activities.

I’d like to give a big thank you to both the Great Harwood’s Women Institute for their Craft Fair to raise funds for their chosen charity, and to the mayor of Pendle for inviting me to attend a Civic Tour of Pendle. Thank you also to all of the wonderful community organisations that invited the Mayoress and I to share their special events this month.

As we draw towards November, I would like to invite all residents to join the Royal British Legion and I in honouring the brave men and women who have served our country, at this year’s Remembrance Sunday service in Accrington. This is a time to reflect on the sacrifices made in conflicts past and present, and to stand together in gratitude and remembrance.

Please also join us on Armistice Day, Saturday 11th November, at Accrington Pals Memorial Gardens on Church Street. The service begins at 10:45 a.m., with a national moment of reflection at 11:00 a.m.

Other services will be held across Hyndburn on Remembrance Sunday, including in Oswaldtwistle where I am proud to be attending. Full details are available at: www.hyndburnbc.gov.uk/remembrance-sunday-2025.

To close, here is a quick reminder to get your entries in for the Mayor's Christmas Card Competition! This year, the Mayoress and I want to see the very best Hyndburn winter-themed artwork inspired by the local area. The competition is open to all ages, and the winning entry will be printed and displayed at Haworth Art Gallery and Artist Studios, as well as being used on the Mayor’s Christmas card. The deadline for submissions is fast approaching on 7th November 2025 so please get your entries submitted by sending a photo of them to: marketing@Hyndburnbc.gov.uk. Good luck!