A month of immense sorrow and immense pride as Mayor of Preston
5 October 2022
September has been a month of immense sorrow and immense pride for me and my Consort, Dan.
As you are all aware, Her Late Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, died on Thursday 8 September just a day after we welcomed her son and daughter-in-law, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, to Preston.
Both me, my fellow councillors and indeed the whole of Preston City Council were very saddened by the news.
As some of you may remember, Preston welcomed The Queen to the city on numerous occasions including as Princess Elizabeth in 1949 and as The Queen in 1955 as part of a Royal tour of Lancashire, 1974 to visit Preston railway station and the BAC works, Strand Road, in 1977 for the Silver Jubilee and of course in 2002's Golden Jubilee when Her Majesty granted Preston with City Status. I'm sure many of our local communities will be holding the memories of these special visits closer to their hearts.
Although I never met Her Late Majesty, her legacy will remain. Queen Elizabeth II was a source of hope, inspiration and unity for millions around the world throughout her long reign. She served her country and the Commonwealth with complete dedication, devotion and matchless dignity for more than seventy years.
Moving tributes from the Book of Condolence
Following the announcement, I opened a Book of Condolence at Preston's Town Hall. I'd like to share a couple of moving tributes that I read within its pages:
'I watched you crowned, l was seven, l heard you pledge your life to us, you can let go now, your promise us fulfilled. God has your soul, as you reunited with those you love, who went before. Death is an illusion, the soul never dies. Forever with God, through Jesus Christ. Whom you served with true faith. '
'Your Royal Highness, I am 75 years old and I've only known you as my Queen, my only Queen and that will never change.
Your service to this nation, Commonwealth and the world will never be forgotten by myself, my family and by generations to come.
Your dedication, honesty and service to the United Kingdom will never be replicated by anyone. The loyalty to our new monarch King Charles III will continue as I am sure you would wish. Please rest in peace with your beloved Phillip
God Save The King.'
'I'm a Prestonian and an Elizabethan. My whole life has known the Queen as the Head of State. I was fortunate to have met the Queen once for the placing of her hand, and she was delightful. I remember my father taking me to Preston station to see her opening the electrification of the West Coast Main Line. I'm sad today about the passing of Her Majesty. She gave Britain an honourable place in the world after World War II. God Save The King.'
Lancashire's Proclamation for the accession of King Charles III
As was protocol, Preston hosted Lancashire's Proclamation for the accession of King Charles III from the steps of the Harris Museum, Art Gallery and Library where dignitaries from across the region gathered to be part of the ceremony - a tradition dating back many hundreds of years.
Although part of a sad occasion, I'm sure I was not the only Proud Prestonian there on the day. Hundreds of people attended the Flag Market to witness history being made. My huge thanks go to everyone who was part of such an auspicious occasion.
Other Mayoral duties
Following the national period of mourning, Dan and I got back to Mayoral duties.
Derian House visit
It was good to see the outstanding facilities and incredible work being done at Derian House last month. While based in Chorley, they cover Preston as a part of their area for children and young people needing hospice care. Thanks to all of them for their hard work and taking the time to show us around the centre.
LBGTQ+ community
It was a pleasure to visit the Rainbow Roses exhibition in partnership with Lancashire LGBT and the Women and Non-Binary, Peer Support Group. There were some inspirational speakers (not me!) but more importantly some incredible artwork created by talented collaborations inspired by people's lived experiences. Following in the same vein, it was wonderful to officially open Preston Pride on 24 September. The turnout was incredible - and the event was a credit to the organisers. Thanks to everyone who came along!
In opening, I spoke about visibility - it's important that people in the community can see themselves in the world around them. Those who are LBGTQ+ are valued in Preston for who they are.
Life-saving hero at Preston Markets
Did you know we have a life-saving hero at Preston Markets? I presented flowers to Maureen at Cherry Pie café on behalf of the people of Preston to thank her for her quick thinking and skills in saving regular customer Susan's life by administering CPR in August.
Delta Care Ltd Preston celebrated 30 years of work caring in the community. It was great to have to opportunity to visit again and to meet the carers and staff who help make it happen.
It was amazing to cut the ribbon to launch the brand new St Catherine's Hospice, Lancashire store in Preston city centre too. It's a lovely space and great to see an empty shop brought back into use - and for a good cause.
Preston 10k
This month, I dug out my running trainers to compete in the Preston 10k. Thanks to all who have already donated to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity and Intact Centre. I finished the Preston 10k in under 50 mins and I was technically on the podium - but only to award the prizes for people much faster than me!
It was a real pleasure to greet the 050 Friendship Group at Preston Town Hall recently. It was a wonderful chance to talk to them and share the history of our wonderful city - including our official regalia and show them the Council Chamber and Mayor's Parlour. If you would like to visit with your community group, school, scout group, or any other group from Preston - please do not hesitate to get in touch with the Mayor's Office and I will be delighted to try to host you. Get in touch at themayor@preston.gov.uk or call 01772 906443.
Preston Mela
At the Preston Mela, held at Avenham Park over Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee weekend, members of the public helped to create three wonderful silk banners. They celebrate twenty years since Preston was appointed the Golden Jubilee City, twenty-five years since the first Preston Mela, and what is now a particularly poignant memory of Her Majesty's Platinum Jubilee. It was an honour to officially have these presented to the Mayor's Parlour and we look forward to proudly displaying them. Thank you to everyone involved in the making of these wonderful banners and to Preston Mela for presenting them to us.
Rugby League World Cup trophies
The Rugby League World Cup trophies have been displayed in Preston! We are excited to host the Wales men's team in the city for the tournament!
It was so inspiring to hear Jodie Cunningham and James Simpson talk of their passion for the women's and wheelchair games too! It's a huge positive step to have all three tournaments - men's, women's and wheelchair rugby league world cups - running side by side with equal importance. England are showing how a modern sports tournament should be hosted!
I'm looking forward to seeing more over the coming weeks with the trophies coming back to the city and the Wales men's team arriving soon. The tournament starts on Saturday 15 October.
Preston Sports Awards
I'd like to also say a huge congratulations to all the winners and nominees of the recent #PrestonSportsAwards. It was a pleasure to host the awards in the Council Chamber at Town Hall. All inspiring people doing amazing work boosting sport participation for all across our city!
