I’ve had a busy August attending a wide range of events and have loved meeting people from across and Hyndburn and beyond.  There have been some superb events here in Hyndburn, such as the recent Soapbox Challenge, which brought huge numbers into Accrington Town Centre and was great fun to watch.  Well done to all the competitors.  The Eco Festival in mid-August was a fun way of raising awareness about our environment and climate, with some fantastic stalls and entertainment on offer.  The Ron Hill Accrington 10k brought runners from far and wide and the sunshine (through making it harder for the runners) really showed off our Town Square and wonderful historic buildings in all their glory.  Do look out for our events, there is so much on offer, much of it free.  Thank you to those partners who have tendered for and delivered such high quality events.

I loved attending Great Harwood’s annual Crying of the Fair on 21 August, St.Lawrence Day.  This maintains a tradition started in 1338 when Adam Nowell, Lord of the Manor of Netherton, was awarded charter rights for the town.

I celebrated Pakistani Independence Day at an event held at Accrington Library and also at a flag raising event in Manchester.  It was also Ukraine’s Independence Day this month: it was a pleasure to meet some of our host families and Ukranian arrivals at an Accrington Stanley match.  I hope they all enjoyed it and know the value in such social get-togethers for people who have been through such a difficult time.

I was delighted to support the opening of a new business offering educational support for Adults & Children – Lancashire Education solutions.

I attended a Civic Lunch at Townley Hall organised by the Mayor of Burnley, a charity cricket match at Stonyhurst College, an Eid party in Manchester and Last Night of the Proms in Clitheroe.  It is a real honour for me to represent Hyndburn at these events outside of the Borough.

The Vaccination bus has been back in Accrington town centre.  Please do look out for details on how you can get up to date on your covid vaccinations, if you are not already.  With colder weather approaching it is important that we do our best to keep ourselves and our friends, families and colleagues in good health.