The last six months have seriously whizzed by, and though it’s hard to believe, here we are already halfway through the mayoral year. As I write we are all looking forward to the Christmas season and our switch-on of the tree lights on Sunday December 7th with the traditional carols and festive fun for all.
Cllr Press at Todmorden’s Remembrance Service.
One of the most important dates in our annual calendar was last week’s Remembrance Sunday service at the war memorial in Centre Vale Park. I have had the privilege of attending this poignant event for 11 years as a local councillor and this year I was particularly honoured to present the wreath on behalf of Todmorden Town Council – and to join ex-servicemen and women at the United Services Club after the solemn prayers and hymns of remembrance. Many of us have parents and grandparents who served our country, and we shall never forget the sacrifices made by so many of them in two World Wars and all the many conflicts since across the world.
Todmorden’s rich cultural life continues apace, and I have been lucky to be invited to many events including concerts by the Community Brass Band at Central Methodist and the Choral Society who performed a programme of French classical music including the Duruflé Requiem at St Mary’s.
Great performances too from the fantastic team at Todmorden Hippodrome who continue to give us great drama amid the challenge of ongoing refurbishment work. They staged a great revival of 84 Charing Cross Road in October and just a few weeks later there was a splendid performance by the Hippodrome’s youth theatre of Disney’s Beauty And The Beast.
Cllr Press at the Prayers for Peace exhibition opening at Water Street Gallery.
Our town is home to many talented artists and offers space to many more seeking a larger audience. With Mayoress Liz Thorpe I attended a thought-provoking exhibition on the theme of Death and Dying at Natural Endings, and I also attended the opening of a new exhibition of artwork and sculpture at Water Street Gallery on the theme of Prayers For Peace which I thoroughly recommend.
The annual Todmorden Book Festival has been another great success and the official launch on November 7th was followed by my own stage debut conducting a Q and A with Guardian journalist John Harris, whose memoir Maybe I’m Amazed is an inspiring account of the challenges and rewards involved in being the parent of an autistic child. I’m pretty used to making speeches but that was quite a challenge – one however which I really enjoyed!
Fundraising for Age Concern Todmorden and Tod Support continues and our quiz at the Beer Necessities, concert at the Three Wise Monkeys in August and a Halloween Quiz at Fielden Hall have so far raised over a thousand pounds with lots more events to come in the next six months.
Cllr Press’ Civic Service.
I would also like to thank Father Allan Swift and parishioners at St Joseph’s Church, which is my local parish, for making our Civic Service in October such a memorable night, as well as the Mayors from Burnley, Calderdale, Saddleworth and Hebden Royd who all attended. This lovely evening which also included a pie and pea supper raised more money for our charitable causes via a retiring collection.
Cllr Press with Joan, at her 100th Birthday party.
Such is the variety of life in Todmorden that I am always learning more about the diversity of our community groups so thanks for the invite to the Healthy Minds Big Swim, Dementia Friendly and Age Concern coffee mornings and the annual Walsden Scarecrow Festival which was a big hit despite the awful weather. Rain certainly didn’t stop play for everyone enjoying the celebrations at Walsden Cricket Club. Finally, for now, can I once again say many happy returns to the wonderful Joan Baldwin who celebrated her 100th birthday in October with friend and family at Roomfield House. Thanks for inviting me to join in the celebrations – and here’s to lots more in the months to come!