31/05/2025
Today’s Mayor Making at Accrington Town Hall was a brilliant celebration of those who have given so much to Hyndburn.
👏 Congratulations to Councillor Josh Allen, formally installed as The Worshipful, the Mayor of Hyndburn, and to Councillor Noordad Aziz, appointed Deputy Mayor.
Those honoured as Honorary Freemen of the Borough included:
• 🏅 Zack Kerr, nominated by Cllr Kimberley Whitehead, for securing £30 million in Changing Places facilities across the UK. At 29, he is the youngest person to receive this award.
• 🙏 Pastor Anne Lincoln, nominated by Cllr Melissa Fisher, for 10 years helping the poor and vulnerable from Clayton Baptist Church, including running a daily foodbank.
• ⚓ Stephen Hutchinson, nominated by Cllr Zack Khan, for decades leading the Hyndburn Sea Cadets, helping thousands of young people learn life skills and prepare their futures.
• 📣 Rawden Kerr, nominated by Cllr Scott Brereton, for his years of service as Town Cryer, marked today with a special cry in full regalia. He has proudly represented Great Harwood and Hyndburn at many major civic and commemorative events over the years.
• 🇬🇧 Hilary Austin, also nominated by Cllr Zack Khan, for her long-standing role with the Oswaldtwistle Royal British Legion — leading on putting together community events, supporting our veterans, and helping raise vital funds to assist them.
🏛️ Also recognised were Peter Britcliffe, Abdul Khan, and Malcom Pritchard, appointed as Honorary Aldermen in recognition of their years of service to Hyndburn.
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Today, I was truly grateful to be given Alderman status from Hyndburn Council. I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way — family, my colleagues, and Doreen Pollitt.
The last 25 years have been about the public, about Hyndburn, and about our country. Helping people get on.
❤️ It was an amazing event — a real celebration of the best of Hyndburn. People who have quietly given so much, for so long, were rightly recognised and thanked. The strength of our borough lies in people like them.
Hyndburn Borough Council
Councillor Scott Brerton
Cllr Jodi Clements
Councillor Kimberley Whitehead
Kate L Walsh
Noordad Aziz - Cllr
Stewart Eaves
Accrington West & Oswaldtwistle Central