Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Mike Booth: November 2024
With our clocks turned back once more and the autumn season moving into winter, it’s time to reflect on what has passed and look forward to a brighter future.
It is once more that time of remembrance and attending the services at Oak Hill Park and Oswaldtwistle on Remembrance Sunday was indeed a solemn but contemplative occasion. There is much to be grateful for in our lives today, brought about by selfless acts of bravery and courage through honourable deeds.
The Mayoress and I have met many good people in organisations throughout the borough who offer help and give support to those in need. At this time of the year, the Royal British Legion become highly visible in our towns, but their army of volunteers operate right throughout the year to help those whose lives have been torn by war. There are also many other services and voluntary organisations within the borough working together to lend a helping hand to those finding themselves in distress. We all know that it brings out the best in people when kindness is offered.
Throughout Hyndburn, young people in cadet forces, scout troops, girl guides, Rainbows, Church youth groups, along with sports teams and schools, are supporting others in their community. People need people – it’s that simple.
Launching the Hyndburn Mayor’s Youth Challenge has been well received. It’s an old principle: invest in the youth of today, and focusing on the younger generation of Hyndburn is our future. Returning to Rhyddings as part of the launch reminded me of the energy and vitality waiting to be given the opportunity in the next generation of Hyndburn citizens. We have a duty to encourage them to recognise the importance of their role in our communities and their responsibilities to others.
On Thursday November 14th, the Town Hall was the venue for the Lancashire User Programme and hearing how people have changed their lives around from drug and/or alcohol addiction was wonderful. Support organisations like Red Rose Recovery, Inspire, AA and many more in Hyndburn help to provide a better understanding of the causes of addiction and provide tangible support to people on their journey to recovery.
This coming month, the Mayoress and I will be switching the Christmas lights on around the borough. The celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ reminds us of the power of compassion, caring for others and how fellowship can bring comfort, joy and peace into our world. This is the time when we appreciate the good things in life; our families, our homes and our lives, and we are both looking forward to sharing the upcoming celebrations with residents immensely.