Mayor's Viewpoint - Cllr Munsif Dad - December 2014

In this season of goodwill, it’s timely to tell you about my recent visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where I went with a delegation of fourteen other people from across the UK. I was honoured and humbled to meet some of the mothers of the victims of genocide, to hear their stories and to see the memorial and the museum there. The visit was not only very educational and thought provoking, but also a really emotional experience.

I’ve been proudly wearing my White Ribbon recently, as an Ambassador for the White Ribbon campaign.  The campaign takes a unique approach, by encouraging men to promote a change of attitude, using their voice to raise awareness and make a stand against gender-based violence. The Council is pledging to achieve the White Ribbon Award, further demonstrating our resolve to do all we can to raise awareness about domestic violence, whilst supporting services to reduce its incidence and help victims.

At the Council meeting last month we were pleased to recognise the achievements of a number of outstanding local individuals and organisations. Bernard Scully received the Church Ruby Award, as he and his wife, Doreen, have devoted much of their time to making Church a better place. More recently, Bernard founded, with others, the Hyndburn Heritage Museum, now situated in the Arndale Centre which has proved extremely popular and keeps the rich heritage of the Hyndburn alive.

Councillors also showed their appreciation of Sandy Lane Gardening Group who were  awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award possible for a voluntary group in the United Kingdom and What More UK Ltd,  who earlier this year was awarded the Queen’s Award for Industry in the International Trade category. Well done to all of them.

As a proud Lancastrian I was also pleased to be part of the Lancashire Day celebrations which took place across the county on Thursday 27th and to see the traditional proclamation being read at Accrington Town Hall before the raising of the Lancashire flag.

I recently attended a fundraising lunch for the Accrington and District Blind society organised by Paul and Sarah Barton at the Poplar club in Accrington which raised over £1000!  A big thanks to Paul and Sarah and to the ten other Mayors who came along, it was a great event, raising much needed funds for a great cause.

Now we’re well into the festive season it’s been wonderful to be involved in the switching on of the Christmas lights around our townships. From the big event in Accrington, which featured entertainment and fireworks, to the smaller switch ons which have been really well attended with enthusiastic crowds and great atmospheres.  We’ve been treated to local schoolchildren singing carols around the various Christmas trees along with much good cheer and mince pies.

And finally, best wishes from the Mayoress and I for a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.