Mayoral Viewpoint: Councillor Mike Booth
The month of January is named after the Roman god Janus. A deity who had two faces, one looking backwards into the past and one looking forwards into the future. Early January has been a time of reflection for the Mayoress and I looking back on all that has been achieved.
We believe in partnerships working and cooperation. For example, we celebrated Christmas at a party in the former St. James’ School with the good people of Red Rose Recovery, who raised £182 for the Young Carers Christmas party organised by Lancashire Carers’ Link. Over the Christmas holiday, I also supported the ACT Street Angels on two Friday evenings, helping a number of young people who are homeless.
There is a complex problem with homelessness in our society. It is an economic and social issue that affects many individuals. This situation highlights our duty to look out for and care for others in need of help. Compassion and support for those facing hardship are essential values. Poverty can be caused by various factors, and it can happen to anyone. Fortunately, many organisations exist to alleviate poverty and suffering, recognising the importance of caring for others in our community. During my mayoral year, I have had the pleasure of visiting many of these organisations, including Maundy Relief, Inspire, Red Rose Recovery, Churches, Foodbanks, and many other community and voluntary organisations, and have seen firsthand the invaluable support they provide.
At the start of the Mayoral year, the mayoress and I selected a series of local charities and organisations to support this year, all of whom do fantastic work throughout the borough and mean something to us in their individual ways. The charities that we will be striving to raise funds for are: the East Lancashire Hospice, Carers’ Link, Macmillan Nurses, Accrington Stanley Women FC and the ACT Street Angels.
As we turn our attention to 2025, the Mayoress and I, supported by various charitable organisations, have been making preparations for the Mayor’s Red Charity Ball to raise funds for these admirable local causes, with all proceeds from the ball (including the auction) going towards our chosen organisations to support their everyday endeavours.
The event shall be held at the 1968 Hospitality Lounge at the Wham Stadium of Accrington Stanley FC on Saturday 15th February 2025, starting at 7:30pm. We look forward to welcoming the wonderful folk of Hyndburn to join us for an evening of celebration and fundraising.
With the support of friends and family, local businesses and donations from local benefactors, the Mayoress and I are providing light entertainment along with the usual fundraising activities: raffle prizes, an auction and some fun competitions organised by the Mayoress – a very talented and capable organiser!
Attendees can expect an evening of food, entertainment (with specially selected music from the likes of Abba, The Beatles, and Coldplay!), a charity auction and raffle prizes.
Tickets are now on sale at £45 per person and are available to book directly from the Mayoress by calling: 07522290747, or via the Mayor’s Office at Scaitcliffe House by calling 01254 380285. There is a concession for a group of 10 people at a reduced cost of £400 per table.
Finally, this past weekend saw Accrington Stanley represent the borough in their match against Liverpool FC in the Emirates FA Cup. Whilst we may not have come out on top this time, the team gave it their all and I know that everyone in the area is immensely proud of their efforts.
On behalf of the Mayoress and myself, I bid you all a happy and prosperous New Year in the belief that together we can make it so for others as well as ourselves.