This week we help elect our youth MP, visit Merc Engineering, have dinner with Rotary, visit the Cyber Cafe and get close to Shirley Bassey

Monday 18 February
In the evening Pendle Youth Council held their hustings and elections for the National Youth Parliament at Nelson Town Hall.

The chairman gives the gavel a good bang

I gave a welcoming speech and also announced the successful candidate at the end of the evening. Roger Inglis of the Lancashire County Council Youth Service explained what the job involved and how the voting worked before handing over to the candidates. Each candidate gave a two minutes speech and then answered two questions from the audience. The quality and content of their speeches was excellent and with young people like this democracy will be safe in their hands.

The excellent young speakers from Pendle Youth Council

Here’s what I said;
"This is a great initiative to get Pendle's youth involved in politics.
"Most MP's recognise the National Youth Parliament and the aim is to have every constituency in the United Kingdom represented by a Young Member of Parliament (YMP).
"Local school's and youth projects are involved in the scheme and the elections are chaired by a young person so it is really a case of for the young, by the young.
"Pendle Youth Council is open to all young people in the borough and I urge everyone to get involved."

High five for the winner Shane Dickinson

Tuesday 19 February
In the morning I went in to meet with Stephen Smith at Pendle Community Network to go through plans for our Pendle Community Volunteer Awards. We are to hold the event on May 7th in the Council Chamber and we will have 11 awards to give out.

In the afternoon we went to meet with Les Nuttall Managing Director of Merc Engineering to see the Pendle Business Awards trophies in production.

I try to blow at the Pendle Business Awards Trophy at the request of the press photographer

They looked great and are based on the Pendle logo with engraved company names for the winners.

You press this button here and the trophies come out the other end

The prestigious first Pendle Business Awards event is at The Fence Gate is next Wednesday.

Wednesday 20 February
In the evening I went along in my dinner jacket to Towneley Hall in Burnley for the 81st Nelson, Brierfield & Reedley Charter Dinner.

Rotary Club officials welcome me to their 81st dinner

The hall is an absolutely splendid venue for this type of function and the dinner was held in one of the hall with impressive large pictures on the walls. I never expect to know anyone at these types of do’s but it always to be wrong and this time I met Colin Sanderson who used to have the Mayoress has his secretary many years ago.

Thursday 21 February
I had promised to visit the Brierfield Cyber Café after they had called to see us at the Town Hall a few weeks ago. So we went along in the afternoon to meet with the young people that use it and the voluntary group that manage it.

I show them the entry on the blog when they came to the Town Hall

The Cyber café is right in the centre of Brierfield and has 2 Internet rooms where anyone can drop in and use the Internet for free. They also have a music room for recording tracks and making cd’s and videos. And there is a games room set up where the young people can compete against themselves. They are open every day and over 70,000 people have used the facility since it started in 2004.

The town mayor of Brierfield, committee and young people at the Cyber Cafe

One of the groups that use the Cyber Café are also organising a charity dinner for the Mayoress’s Charities in a couple of weeks where they aim to raise £1000!

Friday 22 February
I had a meeting at Economic Development to go through the arrangements for the first Pendle Business Awards. I was told that we had sold almost all of the 250 tickets for the event, which is at the Fence Gate. It promises to be a great evening with over 30 companies being represented and we have been greatly impressed with quality and enthusiasm of our excellent local companies. We plan to continue the event every two years.

In the evening we went to The Pendle Community Credit Union, which was held at the SJS Social Club on Vaughan Street in Nelson. Pendle Community Credit Union is a non-profit making self help financial co-operative run by experienced volunteers, serving its members over the whole of the Pendle Borough, with savings and loans facilities. It started from Nelson Community Credit Union, which was launched on April 23rd 1982. They now have well over 2,500 members and collective savings of over £1 million and lend out over £10 million! Presently PCCU can boast of having over 70 volunteers.

The volunteers on the committee at Pendle Community Credit Union

I told them that; ''You should be very proud of our Credit Union for it represents people helping people in their own community to build a better future together”.
We met many interesting people including the founding member Mr Lou Gildea. We were really well looked after by the committee members and the potato pie was excellent!

Saturday 23 February
The Hyndburn Mayors Charity Ball was held at Accrington Town Hall. We joined by lots of Mayors from all over Lancashire.

Press call at the Hyndburn Charity Ball

The dinner was Vegetable soup, followed by roast beef and vegetables, and then strawberry cheesecake followed by cheese and biscuits.

Peter the Mayor of Burnley and I show that the two boroughs are united

It’s a good job that we have the long trek planned for tomorrow to walk it off. Coronation Street’s Ken Barlow attended as a guest and we were entertained a young Shirley Bassey from West Haughton!

We get close to shirley Bassey's "younger sister" from West Haughton

One of the fund raising events was to throw 4 6’s with dice to win a Mini. Now the odds against that must be very slim. But they had large dice and the Mayoress threw 3 6’s so we nearly won it. When we were leaving at the end of the night, we met a young woman had actually thrown 4’6s and won the car!

Sunday 24 February
I couldn’t have a lazy Sunday as I had to get to Letcliffe Park in Barlick for the 7 mile Letcliffe Trek led by Robert and some of the other young park keepers.

We all get ready to set off from Lettcliffe Park

The route took us from Barlick over Occupation Road (a moor land track) to Gisburn Track (the old road) past Blacko Tower then up to the summit of Weets Hill and back to the park.

Walkers group around the trig point on top of Weets Hill

Starting at 10.00 with a press picture we were back by around 1pm. The day started off rather wet but a bit of blue sky peaked through as we were getting thee end of the walk.

We had around 25 people doing the walk and enjoying good company and what would have been great views if the weather had been better. A good day enjoyed by everyone.

This week we visit The Lord Mayor of Manchester, welcome Southfield Action Group, are interviewed on FMFM school radio and judge Business Awards

Monday 11 February
We drove to up the M66 for a meeting with the Lord Mayor of Manchester Counc. Glynn Evans at Manchester Town Hall.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester

I had previously been there for the North West in Bloom awards lunch and at the time I had managed to have a quick look round but wanted to see a lot more.

We are met by the Lord Mayor's attendant

So when I met the Lord Mayor on the day, I asked if we could return for a tour around. The link with Pendle is that the same architect;

Alfred Waterhouse who built Manchester’s magnificent Town Hall also built Colne Town Hall.

One of the courtyards with interlinking corridors

Manchester used lots of building materials including 14 million bricks and was completed in 1887.

The Lord Mayor shows us one of the magnificent reception halls

I think that I am safe in my assumption that the budget was slightly larger for Manchester than it was for Colne!

The Lord Mayor demonstrates a chair that is so big that your feet don't touch the ground.

We were met by Glynn’s attendant, complete with his gold staff, who then took us up to the Lord Mayors Chambers.

In times past The Lord Mayor and his family used to live in the Town Hall for their period of office so the accommodation is very extensive.

Just one of the extremely large fireplaces from a time before central heating

We were taken into the drawing room for a quick cup of tea then shown around the Town Hall.

Corridors of power

It is really magnificent with many large or even enormous halls all with massive fireplaces and wonderful decorations.

The room decorations and pictures of previous Lord Mayors add to the impressive halls

In common with our own Town Hall in Nelson there was a Police Station complete with magistrates court and cells for prisoners.

The Manchester police cells host an interesting character

We were shown the extensive silver table ware including ice picks and grape scissors only used once for the visit by Queen Victoria.

The Lord Mayors bathroom

We even got to see the Lord Mayors bathroom! Afterwards we were taken back to the drawing room for a chat with Paul over sandwiches and cream scones. It was a wonderful visit and something that we will long remember.

The miles of corridors are decorated with floors like this

Tuesday 12 February
I walked down to Barnoldswick pensioners Club to congratulate them on their 3 year anniversary of the Lets Walk group. I was met my Edith Sheldrick who is one of the leaders for the walks. The walkers go out every Tuesday morning to sample some of the wonderful footpaths and tracks that we have around Barnoldswick. I gave a short speech to congratulate them and encouraged them to continue to keep fit, enjoy a chat and see spectacular views by going with the Lets Walk group.
At 4.30 I had to get the Town Hall for a visit by the Southfied Action Group. We did our normal presentation with me in my red gown and civic chains in the Council Chamber. I started by telling them a bit about Pendle Council and the Mayor’s office before inviting them to ask me questions.

We meet with Southfield Action Group

We then showed them into the Mayor’s Parlour before retiring to the Members Room for a glass of orange juice where I also showed them this blog.
When I got home we took a picture for Nelson Library Hero’s of Reading poster campaign. I enjoy reading and have over 500 books and it has certainly enlarged my understanding of lots of things. So I always read a chapter or so in bed each night.

Encouraging everyone to read more

This is what I sent with the picture;

I enjoy reading books by many different authors, mainly fiction but also about travel and biographies. Currently I am re-reading Imperium by Robert Harris, I enjoy his style of writing and have read all of his fiction books. I have learned a lot from books, it has broadened my understanding and allows me to experience different ways of looking at things. I tend to keep all of my books to re-read them, as I seem to enjoy them even more the second time round.

Allan Buck (Coun.) Mayor of Pendle, Mayor’s Parlour, The Town Hall, Market Street,Nelson

Wednesday 13 February
Over to St. John Fisher & Thomas Moore Catholic Humanities College in Colne to be interviewed on their School radio FM FM.

We join Ryan, Lizzie and Keith Fletcher from Radio Lancashire for FMFM

The school has a license to broadcast for 2 weeks and had invited lots of different people into their radio studio to be asked questions which the students had devised.

FMFM school radio interview me

I was asked lots of questions about how I became Mayor and what I did. We also met Mr Bowhills the head teacher who had a lot on his plate as the OFSTED inspectors were also there at the same time.

Mr Bowhills the headteacher, the Mayoress and I stand in front of Pendle Hill

That’s the first time that I have been interviewed on live radio and it was a very interesting experience.

Thursday 14 February
I went into the office of my business Printoff Graphic Arts Ltd to welcome the judges for the Pendle Business Awards. As my company had been short listed for the environmental award I was not involved in the judging of this section. My place was taken by Coun. Alan Davies, the leader of Pendle Council. So my roll on the day was to welcome them, introducing our Managing Director; Brian Hough and Operations Manager; Jason Aldred, then keep out the way and make the tea at the end of the visit.
Our company is serious about environmental issues and is moving towards being recognised as the number one Environmental Printer of the North.

Friday 15 February
In the afternoon we continued with the judging of the short listed companies for the Pendle Business Awards. We were again uplifted by the quality of the companies that we visited. We have lots and lots of great businesses in Pendle doing some exceptional things and we need to shout about it. So the Pendle Business Awards dinner on 27 February at the Fence Gate Inn will be our opportunity to do just that.

This is the full list of shortlisted companies;

Pendle Business Awards 2008

New Business of the Year
Blossom Tree Childcare, Colne - Children's nursery
Giddy Kippers, Nelson - Children's party and play centre
Old Rock Café, Trawden - Teashop and cafe

Small Retailer of the Year
Going Dutch, Nelson - Florist
Presentation, Barrowford - Gift shop
Jasmine Porschalink, Nelson - Sell new and used porsche parts

Most Outstanding Business of the Year - (small)
Axiom Imports, Trawden - CNC Engineering
Harvey Environmental, Colne - Pest control and washroom services
Garden Doctors, Colne - Gardeners, planning & landscaping

Most Outstanding Business of the Year - (medium/large)
Hartley's Farm Foods, Nelson - Food production
Hope Technology, Barnoldswick - Design and manufacture mountain bike disc brakes and accessorises
AC DC Lighting, Barrowford - Lighting specialists
R Kirk Ltd, Colne - Liquid management solutions

Business Commitment to Staff Training
H W Petty, Nelson - Estate agents
Merc Engineering, Barrowford - CNC Engineering
Arthur Padgett, Nelson - Plumbers

Business Commitment to Community
Loop Publishing, Nelson - Magazine
Hope Technology, Barnoldswick - Design and manufacture mountain bike disc brakes and accessorises
Essentials (RCS), Fence - Local community shop

Environmental Business of the Year
Euravia, Kelbrook - Aviation company
Printoff Graphic Arts Ltd, Nelson - Designers and printers
Malkin Tower Farm, Blacko - Holiday cottages

Business Woman of the Year
Blossom Tree Childcare, Colne - Paulene Hargraves - Children's nursery
PDS Engineering, Nelson - Annette Getty - High Accuracy CNC Engineers
Nail Studio, Colne - Abigail Hynes - Nail salon

Business Person of the Year
Machine Tool Technologies (MTT), Nelson - Peter Willoughby - Technical support/high accuracy engineering
Merc Engineering, Barrowford - Les Nuttall - CNC engineering
Panaz, Fence - Tony Attard - Design and manufacture textiles
Matthew Kibble Transport, Colne - Matthew Kibble - Haulage

This week we visit Pendle Businesses, open a solictors, launch new busses, have a great night with the Bradshaws and meet Eric Knowles at the new Spa

Monday 4 February
We held our third Mayor's Business Lunch at the Town Hall. This one was for the communications sector and we had representatives from The Leader Series of newspapers, Lancashire Telegraph, Asian Eye, Northern Life and Daisy Communications. The lunch went well, with wide ranging discussions on issues of mutual interest. The business lunches have all been successful and we have now also covered; start up companies and growing companies. We will be having another lunch for our larger companies probably in April.

I then nipped into our graphics studio to check the Pendle Business Awards designs.

An evening meeting with our group members meant that I got my tea at about 10.00pm.

Tuesday 5 February
We spent all day visiting companies short-listed for the Pendle Business Awards. We got around to 10 businesses ranging from shops and cafes to innovative manufacturers. All of them were excellent in what they were doing and it was very uplifting for my fellow judges Kelly Eardly from Pendle Economic Development and Kevin Clark from Pendle Enterprise Trust. At lunchtime we stopped at Pendle Heritage Centre for a spot of lunch and to chat about the excellent entrants.

Wednesday 6 February
In the afternoon we opened (with a sharp pair of scissors), David Philips Solicitors in Barclays Bank Chambers in Nelson. The opening was well attended and I gave a short speech on the changes that are coming to Nelson Town Centre. These include; a new Tesco store, the Bus/Rail Interchange, No 1 Market Street bringing in 300 new jobs, the ACE centre which will bring Nelson back to life at night, the road being re-instated through the centre and lots of “public realm” work. Nelson; I told them is on the up!

Straight after that I joined my fellow judges continuing our Pendle Business Awards judging. Yet again, the quality of the companies was inspiring.

Thursday 7 February
We joined with Peter the Mayor of Burnley at the Digital Centre to launch the new Transdev Starship buses.

I join the Mayor of Burnley cutting the ribbon to launch the new Starship bus

The company had invested millions in the new buses and they are more passenger friendly and use less fuel than the ones that they replaced. They have easy access step-free entrances for easy access, 8 cctv cameras and the latest technology engines.

The new space age busses will be very popular

We cut the ribbon to launch the bus after a smoke, light and music introduction. We then got on the bus for a trip around Burnley and Pendle where I met the manager of the old Burnley & Pendle Transport Company when it was in local authority hands.

Standing room only for a quick tour of Pendle and Burnley

Afterwards we went back to the Digital Centre for a quick sandwich and where I met Colin Tempest, a childhood friend who I used to play out with over 50 years ago!
I then got back to pendle to continue our Pendle Business Awards judging. Yet again we were staggered by the quality of our local businesses.

Friday 8 February
We met at the Town Hall for a meeting with Richard and Jacqui about Mayoral diary and other issues. Afterwards we then had a quick meeting with Jane and the committee clerks about the Mayors Black & White Ball, which seems to be going very well.

Buzz Hawkins greets us a for a great night out

In the evening it was our charity event; Buzz Hawkins meets the Mayor of Pendle. We met Buzz (the man behind the Bradshaws) and Jennifer his agent who were both very nice people.

We join Buzz and "rent-a-crowd" for a newspaper picture

The Nelson Leader came around for a photo before the show where we got most of our family as the “rent a crowd”.

Buzz making everyone laugh their socks off

At the interval we were selling Lancashire Hot Pot and as we didn’t know how many we would sell we guessed at 100 and would you believe it got the number dead right – we sold all of them. The night was a great success and raised around £3250 for charity. Everyone went home smiling.

The ladies of the Mayoresses Fundraising Committee who made over £250 on the raffle


Our chance to thank everyone for coming and supporting our charities

Here's the press release;
Buzz Hawkins and the Bradshaws met the Mayor of Pendle, Coun. Allan Buck on Friday, for a fund raising charity night at Colne Muni.
Buzz had everyone in stitches with his wickedly funny look back to the days of our childhood, when a brass band was always playing two or three streets away and convenience food was a sugar butty. The Bradshaws; young Billy, dad Alf and mother Audrey gave us their own brand of humour which warmed the hearts of everyone. “It was crackin’ night out, everyone really enjoyed themselves and I laughed so much my chain nearly fell off,” said the Mayor.
He added; “I stood near the exit as everyone was leaving, to thank them for coming and asked - did you enjoy yourselves? The resounding reply was; it’s the best night out in ages!”
Pendle Leisure Trust supported the event, which raised over £3000 for our charities and will enable us to get help to where it’s much needed.


Saturday 9 February
At 10.00am we opened up the Town Hall for a Mayors Surgery where anyone can pop in to discuss anything that concerns them. From there at 11.00am we went over the new Spa to meet with Eric Knowles from BBC Antiques Road Show to launch the new Discover Pendle Guide.

We managed to got out of putting the brown dressing gowns on for the photo

Eric is a born and bred Nelsoner and his parents still live here. Eric used to live at 20 St Paul’s Road in Nelson until he got a job at Bonhams the London auction house.

Eric and us with Mike the Tourism Officer getting in the road

We had photos taken in the spa and Eric even got his pants off for a publicity shot in the footbath. Afterwards we went for a buffet lunch and I gave a short speech about what Pendle has to offer for visitors.

Publicity for his show at the Muni which is Fun - Fun - Fun or thats what it says on the wall

I suggested as we had managed to drag a photographer for a publicity shot of me with my suit and chains up to the top of Pendle, they should do the same. We have such wonderful countryside here in pendle and with Boundary Mill opening and bring in 2million shopper we can encourage them to Discover pendle for themselves.

Eric and the twins - spot which is Jacqui and which is Anne

Eric followed this with a short talk on his memories of growing up in Nelson in the 60’s and interesting anecdotes on his life around antiques.

This week we meet St. Philip's school, the Sea Cadets, Brierfield Cyber cafe, celebrated Nora's 101st birthday and remembered Holocaust Day

Monday 28 January
I was still busy chasing promotion for The Mayor meets Buzz Hawkins and the Bradshaws.

Come and see The Mayor of Pendle meets Buzz Hawkins and the Bradshaws - only £10

We have been promised an item in the local paper and 2BR radio is putting it out before their regular afternoon Bradshaws spot. And Fresh radio is to put out an interview with me next week.
St. Philip’s Primary School in Nelson paid us a visit to the Town Hall. The children came into the Council Chamber where I told them a bit about Pendle and the Council. They were very impressed with the civic chains and asked lots of Questions. One was; who is the lady on the picture on the wall. They got the answer right – The Queen. We then asked them who’s picture it was on the opposite wall, of the man dressed in a kilt. They got the first bit right Prince – but when we encouraged them to complete the name they came up with Prince Charming. It was the Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh. From there I showed them around the Mayor’s parlour and then into the Member Room for a glass of orange juice.

St Philip's in the Mayor's Parlour

They asked me if we had any ghosts. (I have found out since there is one!). And they asked if anyone had died in the Town Hall. (I found out later that there had!)

We remember Holocaust Day

At 11.45 we joined with Building Bridges and local residents to remember Holocaust day.

Here’s what I said;

I wish that we didn’t need to have a Holocaust day.
I wish that we didn’t have to remember the terrible things that man has done to man.
I wish that these atrocities had never happened.
But they did and still do.

We know the Holocaust as the terrible occurrences in Germany in the last war, to Jews, Gypsies, the mentally handicapped, political opponents, homosexuals and others.
And many, many more people in large and small countries all over the world have continued to witness the terrible brutality of one group thinking that they have the power of life or death over others.

The lessons of history have still not yet been learned and even today we see yet more violence in Kenya and other countries.
Human beings are predominantly kindly and caring but we all need to stand up against them that would wish drag humanity to the depths of holocaust.
Mankind needs to continue to remember and to ensure that future generations do not make the same mistakes again.

At 1pm I chaired the Licensing Committee Meeting in the Council Chamber. This was to consider changes to Taxi operators and drivers rules. Including licensing of stretch limousines and a Code of practice on taxi Noise. They were approved with some minor amendments.

After a quick trip back home I returned to the Town Hall to greet the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Sea Cadets.

The Sea Cadets have a look at the Mace which could be used to protect the Mayor

This is part of their programme for community badges. They all wanted to know what the civic regalia was worth – I had to tell them that even I didn’t know that. I was asked lots of questions and after showing them around the Town Hall we went to the Members room for a cup of tea. I then took the opportunity to show them my blog on the projector screen.

Tuesday 29 January
In the evening a group from the Brierfield Cyber Café came to visit us at the Town Hall. I did my usual explanation of what the Council and I do. The young men from Brierfield are all on a Muslim Youth Leadership Course which encourages them to become good leader in the community.

These young men from Brierfield are offering to raise £1000 for the Mayor's Charities!

I told them that I had left school at 15 with no exams but had through lots of hard work had built my own company and had been honoured by being appointed Mayor of Pendle. I said if I could do it anyone can. The project manager Naheed Ashraf, told me that the lads are planning an Asian Lunch at Brierfield Community Centre to raise £1000 for the Mayoress’s Charities.

Wednesday 30 January
In the evening I attended the Barnoldswick Town Council meeting where I am vice-chairman. We set the Town’s budget for 2008/9 which includes supporting the community cinema and local events, including more on the Town Square. We also agreed to try to stop the closing of the Gisburn Road Post Office, which has recently come under threat.

Thursday 31 January
Just before lunch we called at Marsden Grange to congratulate Nora on her 101st birthday.

Happy 101st birthday Nora

We presented Nora with a floral decoration and a card. Although whilst we have been to plenty on 90, 100 and more birthdays – they have all been women. What a fantastic achievement and I hope that I am as active as her at that age! She told us about when she lived below the Imperial in Nelson at a time when she was wearing clogs. We also had a chat with some of the other residents and they all have a story to tell.

From there we had a meeting with Jane and committee section regarding The Mayors Black & White Ball. The committee section for the first time are organising the event and are making an excellent job of it. We just need to sell some tickets now.

From there I went over to the Pendle Enterprise Trust office to go through the Pendle Business Awards short listing. We had over 70 applications and found short listing was not easy. It really shows the energy and vibrance of Pendle’s businesses.

These are the shortlisted Companies

New Business of the Year
Blossom Tree Childcare, Colne
Giddy Kippers, Nelson
Old Rock Café, Trawden

Small Retailer of the Year
Going Dutch, Nelson
Presentation, Barrowford
Jasmine Porschalink, Nelson

Most Outstanding Business of the Year – Small
Axiom Imports, Trawden
Harvey Environmental, Colne
Garden Doctors, Colne

Most Outstanding Business of the Year – medium/large
Hartley’s Farm Foods, Nelson
Hope Technology, Barnoldswick
AC DC Lighting, Barrwford
R Kirk Ltd, Colne

Business Commitment to Staff Training
H W Petty, Nelson
Merc Engineering, Barrowford
Arthur Padgett, Nelson

Business Commitment to Community
Loop Publishing, Nelson
Hope Technology, Barnoldswick
Essentials (RCS), Fence

Environmental Business of the Year
Euravia, Kelbrook
Printoff Graphic Arts Ltd, Nelson
Malkin Tower Farm, Blacko

Business Woman of the Year
Blossom Tree Childcare – Pauline, Colne
PDS Engineering – Annette Getty, Nelson
Nail Studio – Abigail Hynes, Colne

Business Person of the Year
MTT – Peter Willoughby, Nelson
Merc Engineering – Les Nuttall, Barrwoford
Panaz – Tony Attard, Fence
Matthew Kibble Transport – Matthew Kibble, Colne

Friday 1 February
In the morning to my surprise I found a wren flying around the downstairs bathroom, how it got in I have no idea.. My efforts to catch it with a towel failed, so I opened all of the windows and it escaped. The day was threatening snow although we haven’t had much of a winter so far and we are now into February. Is global warming effecting Barlick?

I went over to Economic Development for a meeting to organise the first Pendle Business Awards event which is planned for Feb. 27th at the Fence Gate Hotel. The event will start with a champagne reception followed by dinner and then the winners will be announced. It promises to be really a great evening for our innovative local companies.