Mayor’s Speech

Below, you can read the Mayoral speech of Councillor Ben Jancovich, delivered on 25th May 2023 in the Council Chamber at Todmorden Town Hall on the day of his Mayor Making Ceremony.

Thank you very much. To say this is an honour would be an understatement. Indeed, if anyone had told me a year ago I would be standing here dressed like this, I would have worried about their grip on reality

But then again, maybe it’s not so strange… 0ne of my earliest memories is my mother driving me from Keighley – where she grew up and my grandparents lived – over moors to Hebden Bridge, then down to Todmorden and beyond. I don’t remember that final destination, but I do remember the journey – the sense of the contrasts – from the grey back-to-backs of Keighley, the desolate yet magnificent expanse of moorland, the precipitous houses of Hebden and then Todmorden… What stuck in the memory of this, maybe, 8 year old was the grandeur of the Town Hall, looking like it has been transplanted from ancient Rome or Greece. So often what you see every day ceases to be special, but approaching this building for the first time with open eyes….How glorious. And here we are I won’t say how many years later.

My intimidatingly impressive predecessor, Tyler, was born in Todmorden, raised and educated here, seems to know everyone and has lived its history. He is also an accomplished drummer with a liking for Heavy Metal music. I was a proud Londoner when my wife, Cheryl, and myself moved here 17 years with our very young and precious daughter, Ella. We knew no one and had no idea how this new adventure would develop. Since then, our family has expanded to include Freddie, a proud Yorkshireman who plays cricket for our local club. He is sitting here with his lovely girlfriend, Srishti, and her parents Gheeta and Vivek. Whilst not a acquiring Tyler’s taste for Heavy Metal or the ability to keep time, I now feel we have found a real home in our adopted town.

The sense of continuity and revival is what makes Todmorden so special. One would be hard pressed to find somewhere with characters who manifest a stronger connection to place; a stronger sense of belonging. But as I have discovered this is coupled with a welcoming character, an openness to renewal and assimilation. When we moved here most of our closest neighbours had lived in their houses for around 40 years. We now find ourselves the second most established residents as younger families move in, some from down the road, others from much further afield. The longest standing resident, David McCauley, worked in this very building over 50 years ago. He is here with us today with his wife Barbara.

These are exciting times for Todmorden with more concrete initiatives for renewal. It’s not for me to describe the plans afoot, let alone to sell the vision. But I do believe that we live somewhere with so much potential, its history, geography, architectural heritage, cultural diversity and most of all creative and supportive community. However, prosperity and material opportunities haven’t always kept pace with the changing needs of the town’s infrastructure. I share the hopes of all residents to see the potential of our town realised by development that maintains the character and spirit of the town while injecting fresh energy and a dash of modernity.

The position of Mayor is an adaptable one. But at its heart it is about providing a platform and a focus. A platform for those people and organisation who can be gently supported to move to the next stage. A focus so that Todmorden becomes the story, not one person or organisation. The economic struggles so many face are a scar on our town and country, but as I look to a new political future, what strikes me is also a generation who need to be given opportunities, experiences and hope. To this end I have chosen two organisations as my Mayor’s charities for the year ahead; Music for the Many has a wonderful track record in providing music training for children who might otherwise not be able to experience the liberation of artistic expression. Likewise, Todmorden Hippodrome has a wonderful youth development programe that encourages engagement on both a performance and technical level. I hope with a bit of support they can both continue to offer young people an outlet and opportunity. I also hope that my Deputy and I can help develop Todmorden’s reputation as a leader on environmental issues and reducing our carbon footprint.

I have many people to thank today. Obviously my family, Cheryl, Ella and Freddie, I love very much. I am so sorry if you may spend the next year missing some of my brilliant sense of humour as I wander round town in chains.

Cllrs Skelton and Carrigan who were the first to encourage me to stand in what they lead me to believe was the be an unwinnable seat in the Stoodley Ward. How naive I was. This is also a good opportunity to thank those electors in Stoodley Ward who unexpectedly put their trust in me.

I would also like to say what a pleasure it is working with all the other councillors whatever their affiliations. So often one hears a cynicism, if not outright hostility directed to elected officials. But I have seen nothing but a dedicated wish to help the residents of Todmorden to the best of their powers.

And Finally a word about the Council’s wonderful staff – Naomi, Nicola, Susan and Colin – without you nothing would ever really get done. Your knowledge, imagination and commitment is awe inspiring. I fear I may be leaning rather heavily on your expertise and support in the year ahead.

Thank you.