Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Noordad Aziz July 2026
Mayoral Viewpoint: Cllr Noordad Aziz July 2026
I am discovering very quickly that one of the real joys of being Mayor is supporting the fantastic community events taking place across our borough and I have thoroughly enjoyed attending an array of engagements, each celebrating a different aspect of our community.
Beginning with Community Solutions North West Summer Fair, where we met so many of the people and organisations that help shape our communities every single day, this month has also seen the official opening the new pavilion at Great Harwood Bowling Club (a club that has a proud history and is a vital part of the sporting scene in Great Harwood, bringing people together through sport, friendship, health, and wellbeing) and Stanhill Village Fete, which boasted a fantastic atmosphere, plenty of stalls, and local residents coming together to support the school and wider community.
At Accrington Railway Station’s Community Day, organised by Community Rail Lancashire, I joined volunteers for some planting and saw first-hand the fantastic work of the Stations of Welcome group in creating a welcoming gateway to our borough. Their dedication is a brilliant example of community pride.
This month also saw the return of the ever-popular Oswaldtwistle Carnival, with the streets packed with families, community groups, performers, and volunteers, all coming together to celebrate. I also had the joy of attending the Pride in Place International Football Celebration event, the Accrington Stanley Community Trust Sunrise to Sunset Walk Challenge, a Mayors Welcome Event at Mercer Hall highlighting the best of Great Harwood, the Mayor of Ribble Valley’s Civic Sunday event, and more.
Supporting local businesses has also been a highlight. I was honoured to speak at the Hyndburn Business Awards and celebrate the ambition, innovation and commitment of businesses across our borough. Congratulations to every nominee, finalist and business represented. It was a pleasure to come together and recognise the contribution you make to our borough every day. I’m proud that the Council sponsored this event.
I was equally pleased to join GS Social Care as they celebrated 20 years of serving our communities. Family businesses like these are the backbone of Hyndburn, making a genuine difference to people’s lives.
I was also honoured to attend Armed Forces Day commemorations and the 10th Padiham on Parade 1940s weekend, where we remembered the sacrifices made by those who have served our country, including the Accrington Pals. These occasions remind us never to take our freedoms for granted and to remain grateful to those who have dedicated their lives to protecting them.
I’d like to reflect on the pride I felt when I was formally appointed as the Mayor of Hyndburn at the Mayor Making Ceremony at Accrington Town Hall, and there was no greater honour than sharing the stage with the sixteen individuals recognised for their services to Hyndburn who received Freeman of the Borough and Honorary Alderman awards. Those awarded the Freeman of the Borough include Judith Addison, Pam Barton, Anne Ellwood, Saeeda Farooq, Barbara Fielding, Marlene Haworth, Gwen Mayor, Dave Parkins, Tracy Simmonds and Mohammed Yaseen. The title of Honorary Alderman was conferred on Josh Allen, Bernard Dawson MBE, June Harrison, Susan Haworth, Joyce Plummer and Dorothy Westell
Finally, I would like to thank the volunteers, organisers, charities and community groups I have met throughout the month. Your work strengthens our communities every day and makes Hyndburn a wonderful place to live.