Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Josh Allen: November 2025
Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Josh Allen: November 2025
This month has been one of remembrance, reflection, and celebration. From heartfelt services to community gatherings, it has been an honour to witness the strength and unity of our borough.
As November began, we came together for Remembrance and Armistice Day services across Hyndburn. These are always solemn occasions as our borough falls silent in memory of those who have fought and lost their lives in wars gone by, as well as in respect for those serving today and their loved ones. It’s our duty to remember their sacrifice, remember what they died for and to collectively say “never again”.
I made it my mission this year to be the first ever Mayor of Hyndburn to attend every township’s Cenotaph and place of remembrance. Although I couldn’t attend every service due to conflicting times, I was proud to visit 10 areas. Each service was a fitting tribute to the brave men and women who gave their all for us. A big thank you to the Royal British Legion branches in Accrington, Church, and Oswaldtwistle for their superb organisation of the ceremonies, and to all the volunteers, Scouts, Cubs, and Cadets.
In addition to the Remembrance events, I had the pleasure of supporting the Poppy Appeal this month and attending the Royal British Legion Brass Band Concert at Immanuel Church in Oswaldtwistle. A special thank you to Church and Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion for inviting me to help sell poppies at Oswaldtwistle Mills and inviting me to be part of their inspiring evening of music and community spirit.
I was proud to cheer on everyone taking part in the Accrington Road Runners 10k and Family Race last month. My amazing Mayoress and wife, Robyn, completed her first ever 10k and absolutely smashed it! Well done to all participants and organisers for a brilliantly run event and fantastic turnout despite the bad weather.
In the spirit of friendly competition, I was pleased to support Great Harwood’s Town Crier, Rawden Kerr, at the annual Town Crier Competition. It was wonderful to see so many people celebrating this cherished local tradition.
As we move towards the festive season, I’m looking forward to light switch-ons and other Christmas event on the horizon. Nowhere does Christmas quite like Hyndburn, with no fewer than 11 Christmas light switch-on events supported by the Council taking place across Hyndburn. I’m delighted to have been invited to take part at the main Accrington event on 27th November, and I’ll also be helping switch on the lights in my home town of Oswaldtwistle on 4th December and in Fern Gore on 8th December.
Aside from traditional light switch on events, Hyndburn has numerous other Christmas themed events taking place, all proudly sponsored by the Council. On 6th December, a brand-new event for this year is taking place, as KSE Events bring Twilight to Rhyddings Park, Oswaldtwistle. On 11th December, there’s festive fun at the Community Solutions’ Christmas Markets in Gatty Park, Church.
Finally, the Great Harwood Christmas Extravaganza is back this year on 13th December and the Accrington Community Events’ Christmas Tree Festival will also be returning for 2025 between 27th – 30th November. However you celebrate Christmas in Hyndburn this year, I do know that these events are great for all the community to attend and I’m looking forward to seeing many smiles on many faces.
Staying on the Christmas theme, I’d like to thank everyone who entered the Mayor’s Christmas Card Competition. The artwork across all ages has been fantastic, clearly winter is a special time in Hyndburn. The winning and runner-up entries are: Julie Sharkey, Freya Holden, and Lou Haines. Congratulations to all three! Their artwork will be used to create my Christmas card this year, and will be displayed at Haworth Art Gallery this festive period, so I encourage everyone to visit.