Mayoral Viewpoint: Councillor Josh Allen
What a month it’s been here in Hyndburn, packed with events, community spirit and the kind of people that make this borough truly special.
We kicked off with a brilliant little gathering over at Accrington Stanley, organised by the fantastic team at Viking Security. They were raising funds for Help for Heroes, and it was so fitting to be there around Armed Forces Day, supporting a local business that’s going above and beyond for our veterans and serving personnel.
I’ve also been out and about visiting some of our brilliant independent businesses in Accrington, and I’m sure all will agree that they’re the heartbeat of our town. From a hearty breakfast at Café Ri-An, to a celebratory glass of prosecco at All The Rage (who are marking an incredible 36 years in business – a true Hyndburn success story!). I then popped into Sweet Child of Mine Kids Wear, The Watch Workshop, Barbara Kays, and new arrival, Abbey Street Interiors. We must keep supporting our local traders – they’re not just businesses, they’re neighbours, friends and part of our daily lives.
It’s been wonderful seeing the positive changes in Oswaldtwistle too. The newly refurbished building on Harvey Street is now officially the home of the Accrington 1035 Air Cadets and Army Cadets – and what a transformation! As someone from Ossy myself, I couldn’t be prouder to see a previously unused building brought back into life for such a good cause. I also had the pleasure of stopping by the Stanhill Fete – a wonderful little community event full of local charm.
This month also brought some incredible borough-wide events that really highlighted the strength and diversity of Hyndburn. The Accrington Food Festival was a feast for the senses and brought the usual buzz to Accrington town centre, followed by EcoFest (showing how many people here are committed to building a greener, more sustainable future), the return of local music event Hyndburn Sound and of course the 100 year anniversary of Accrington Carnival. It’s great to see so many families, volunteers and community groups getting involved in making change happen, one small step at a time.
The Hyndburn Business Awards were another moment of celebration for the talent and innovation we have right here on our doorstep. From new entrepreneurs to long-established names, the room was filled with inspiring stories and proud achievements.
Community Solutions once again pulled out all the stops with their annual Summer Fair. Their work touches so many lives, and it’s always a pleasure to join them in celebration. I also had the privilege of attending Ribble Valley’s Civic Sunday, representing Hyndburn alongside other civic leaders – a proud reminder that our collective efforts really do make a difference across Lancashire.
To round off the month, I was humbled to attend the Duke of Lancaster’s Regimental Day on Waterloo Day. It was a moving and powerful reminder of the dedication shown by our Armed Forces past and present. These moments of reflection are so important – and so is our ongoing support.
That’s fundraisers, fetes, food festivals, new business visits, award ceremonies, cadet celebrations and community fairs – all in the space of one month! It’s been busy, yes, but it has also been a joy.
Thank you to everyone who’s invited me in, shared a story or simply said hello. I am determined to visit as many people as possible before the end of my Mayoral year so keep an eye out, I might be popping up near you soon!