Catch up with everything Mayor Judith Driver got up to during February
Well, I'm not sure if it is me, but does time seem to go faster, the older we get, where has February gone?
Sunday 2nd February - Concert in aid of NSPCC
Myself and Cllr Danielle Ashworth enjoyed two fabulous performances given by the 2nd Rossendale Scout Band and the Houghton Weavers which was held at Accrington Town Hall with the Mayor of Hyndburn.
Wednesday 5th February - Visit to Rossendale Hospice
Today saw myself and my Consort, Ian Driver, invited to a tour of our very own Rossendale Hospice, Rawtenstall, which is my main chosen charity for this municipal year. The minute you walk into the hopsice the tranquility of the builiding gives you a feeling of relaxation and calmness. The decoration, facilities, and staff make you feel you can talk about anything; from your own diagnosis, to treatment options. What a fantastic place this is.
Thursday 6th February - Physical Activity and Sports Strategy Launch
I attended, and opened, the launch event for the Physical Activity and Sport Strategy at Marl Pits with Rossendale Leisure Trust. It was wonderful to see so many different organisations in attendance.
Friday 7th February - Fundraising at Tesco, Haslingden
This week nearly over, I went to pick up a beautiful chocolate hamper kindly donated to my Charity Mayor's Ball from Wendy Haworth - Tesco Haslingden's Community Champion. Whilst I was there, I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely gentlemen called Kevin who volunteers for the Blood Delivery service in Greater Manchester. He is one of the many volunteers who carry anything from blood and platelets to plasma, vaccines, and even donor milk for premature babies.
Tuesday 11th February - Fundraising at Kashmir, Rawtenstall
Today was another busy day in preparation for my Charity Mayor's Ball. The food, service, and company of all who attended was fantastic. A massive thank you to the staff at Kashmir.
Thursday 13th February - Fundraising at Asda, Rawtenstall
Thursday once again saw me out and about, this time at Asda meeting their Community Champion, Laura Saxton. I picked up some prizes donated by the store for my Charity Mayor's Ball.
Friday 14th February - Meeting Carvansons
Friday afternoon I met up with Carvansons, one of Rossendale's award-winning businesses based in Haslingden. I carried out initial scent testing for candles which they are very kindly producing to be used at my Charity Mayor's Ball.
Saturday 15th February - Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn's Annual Ball
Saturday night was an official engagement where I attended the Mayor and Mayoress of Hyndburn, Cllr Mike Booth and Ms. Christin Sollis, Annual Ball at Accrington Stanley football ground. I attended the event with my guest and eldest daughter Ms, Nadine Jackson. What a great evening we had.
Sunday 16th February - PALS Memorial Service
Along with Cllr Danielle Ashworth, I was privlidged to attend the PALS Memorial Service held at St Johns Church Accrington to honour the 1,100 young men who joined up to fight in the First World War from Accrington and neighbouring towns. It was a very moving service which talked about the friendships that were formed out of adversity.
Sunday 23rd Febraury - Celebrating 2 Years of Stronger Together
After a week off engagements, I had a great afternoon at the Ashcroft, Whitworth to celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Stronger Together. This is a not-for-profit organisation set up to fill a gap in our social care system for carers and dementia sufferers. They have extended this organisation to anyone who has lost a loved one and is suffering from loneliness or anxiety. It was great to see the volunteers who always make me feel welcome, whilst proving me with information, advice, and signposting for anyone who needs it.
Tuesday 25th February - Barker Court, Bacup Visit
Diane, the manager of Barker Court, Bacup, asked myself and Deputy Mayor, Cllr. Michelle Smith to pop in and look at the new refurbishments which have taken place over the past 12 months. It was lovely chatting to some residents who are delighted with the work which has been carried out.
Thursday 27th February - Evening with the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn
I had a lovely evening at Blackburn Town Hall. We listened to a not-for-profit organisation called Maggie's Still Birth Legacy that was set up in 2015 to help families suffering with bereavement. They work for global awareness and provide support for still and infant loss. They raise money to try and ease the pain for parents who have lost their baby or child, providing cuddle cold cots, cuddle blankets, memory boxes, and foot and hand prints.
Friday 28th February - Afternoon out in Bacup, Waterfoot, and Rawtenstall
The final day of February saw me on an unannounced afternoon out in my chains around Bacup, Waterfoot, and Rawtenstall with Cllr Danielle Ashworth and Ms. Caitlin Chippendale, who is part of the fundraising committee. I spoke to local businesses and restaurant owners collectng donations for raffle prices or my upcoming Charity Mayor's Ball. I can't thank them enough.