The Mayor of Preston's February blog

Before I reflect on my past month's engagements, I wanted to tell you about an exciting event that you are most welcome to be a part of.

Mayor's Charity Ball

One of the highlights on the Mayoral year is the Mayor's Charity Ball. This year, as we welcome a new King, the event has been named The Mayor's Coronation Charity Ball and has a very royal theme.

The Mayor's Coronation Charity Ball takes place on 29 April at UCLan in the heart of Preston. Tickets are available for £45, or tables of ten can be booked for £400. Parking will be available on the UCLan Leighton Street car parks.

The Ball Reception will take place from 7pm in the Foster Building. Entertainment will be provided by the Intact Centre Choir, who performed to great acclaim for the Carols in the Chamber event at Christmas last year.

Guests will be seated in the main hall from 7.30pm where they will be served a delicious, local sourced three course meal. The menu will be confirmed shortly and will be a choice between vegetarian or non-vegetarian options.

Following dinner, there will be a raffle and charity auction, followed by live entertainment and dancing until midnight. Entertainment will be provided by vocalist and DJ Callum Thomas with a series of live performance sets, and magician Paul Sylvester who will provide entertainment at the tables.

All proceeds will go to the Mayoral Charities, the Intact Centre and the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals Charity.

Book tickets

To find out how to book tickets and exciting sponsorship opportunities, see The Annual Mayor's Charitable Ball. I do hope you can join us.

LGBT+ History Month

At the beginning of February, it was a pleasure and an honour to speak at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) as the Progress flag was raised to celebrate the beginning of LGBT+ History Month. As I said at Preston Pride last year, I take Pride in Preston as being a city where everyone matters, regardless of who you are. So be proud and encourage pride in those around you - and together we can be proud of Preston.

Planting a tree to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II

I joined the Lord Lieutenant, High Sheriff, and other mayors and dignitaries from around Lancashire to plant a tree to celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, in a short but moving ceremony. What a lovely way to remember our late sovereign.

Parliament Week scout badge

I was happy and surprised to receive my Parliament Week scout badge in the post from Central Ribbleton Scout Group after talking to their cubs and beavers! It was amazing to meet such polite and inquisitive kids. I look forward to seeing Preston and District Scouts again very soon!

Patricia launch

On February 6, I helped to launch Patricia - the new traveling sexual health bus! Keep an eye out for her around Lancashire. Don't forget to get tested regularly and ask about PrEP.

It was great to hear Renaissance UK talking about the target to end new HIV infections by 2030. It's no coincidence HIV testing week falls in LGBT+ History Month and it's great to see Renaissance and our local NHS working hard to help reduce infection rates. But don't forget, it's not exclusive to LGBT+ community - anyone can get HIV and it's important to get tested regularly.

Preston Roller Derby

I enjoyed a somewhat different Sunday afternoon joining Preston Roller Derby at their intake day! An incredible experience, I really recommend anyone looking for something active to do to have a go! They've got a really strong team spirit too and a great community. Thanks for a great day and I'll see you again soon!

Dance Syndrome

Also last month, I visited Dance Syndrome and carried out my promise to dance with them! Today they were joining with groups dancing around the world as part of the 2023 dance for V-Day calling for an end to violence against women. A great group joining a great cause.

Preston Pedals

I recently stopped by Preston Pedals as they held an event looking at the work they do helping people cycle around Preston - from repair workshops and helping with cycling equipment to discussing how the city can look more bike friendly in the future.

Preston Central Prince's Trust Team at Waverley Community Gardens

It was a delight to join Preston Central Prince's Trust Team at Waverley Community Gardens. You can see just from the picture what an incredible job they've done on clearing the place and getting it ready for planting!

Age Concern Central Lancashire fundraiser

I very much enjoyed attending the fundraiser for Age Concern Central Lancashire - I look forward to hearing how much they've raised! They're doing great work to help people around Preston, particularly important in these difficult times.

Disability Equality Friday chat session

We had the chance to stop by Disability Equality for their Friday chat session. It was great to have a friendly talk with everyone there - and enjoyed a lovely sausage casserole into the bargain! We look forward to seeing you again soon!

Ecoeyesuk store

I was invited to open the new ecoeyesuk store in the Fishergate Centre. It's always good to see new businesses opening in the city, and with such a green agenda. I wish them every success!

Ukraine Hub Preston

We visited the new Ukraine Hub Preston on February 12 at the Foxton Centre While we all hope for good news - and peace - from Ukraine, it's inspiring to see the hard work Ukrainians in Preston put in to help the community whilst continuing to support their country.

Preston Youth Council visiting Town Hall

We had some of the amazing members of the Preston Youth Council visiting Town Hall, talking about the history of our city and how they can make a great difference to our communities. They're going to change the world this bunch, starting with Preston - I can't wait to see it!

Jobs Fair

It was great to have the opportunity to open the jobs fair at The University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), helping former members of the armed forces find employment - with additional stalls and information available to provide support to their children and families.

Vigil for recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria

On February 16, we held a vigil to remember those who lost their lives in the recent earthquake in Turkey and Syria. We also think of those left to face the aftermath, many now injured or homeless. And we think of those in Preston with friends or family in the affected region.

Anyone who may wish to donate to help those caught up in the crisis may do so by visiting DEC - Turkey - Syria Earthquake Appeal.

Prince's Trust visit

It's always great to see teams from Prince's Trust - and we had the Preston Central team visiting Town Hall to talk about our city's history.

I look forward to seeing them again in a few weeks' time at their presentations. Good luck with the work placements everyone!

Memorial for the Accrington Pals

Dan and I joined dignitaries from across Lancashire for a memorial for the Accrington Pals - a Lancashire unit from WWI that is one of the forerunners of the The Duke Of Lancaster's Regiment based in Preston. Their sacrifices for the country are still remembered today.

Adrian Livesey's Butchers celebrating 40 years in business

A huge congratulations to Adrian Livesey's Butchers at Preston Markets on celebrating 40 years in business! A wonderful Preston business showing how strong an independent local business can be in our city. A big thank you on behalf of everyone in Preston for serving customers with a smile over the last four decades - here's to many more years in the future!

Parish Pantry

It was great to launch the Parish Pantry in Ribbleton. It's available for people to drop in and have a brew, with the pantry available for anyone who needs it.

Words to mark one year since invasion fo Ukraine 

To mark one year since the invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, I posted a few words on my social channels:

"Today we remember one year since the invasion of Ukraine began. And we remain, one year later, as shocked and appalled as we were in February 2022. The people of Preston have been proud to stand unequivocally behind the people of Ukraine, and we will continue to do so until peace finally returns. To all Ukrainians living in and around Preston: you are welcome here for as long as you want or need Preston to be your home. It is our honour that our city can be your city in your hour of need. And we join you in thoughts and prayers for those still in Ukraine. In particular our thoughts go to the city of Kamianets-Podilskyi, the Ukrainian city we are proud to call a friend.
 

I want to thank everyone in Preston who has helped over the last year, for so many have done so. From those donating money, to those who have taken supplies personally, to those who have so generously opened their homes to our Ukrainian friends. And I want to thank the Ukrainian community for all of their hard work. You may be here in the most tragic of circumstances, but you have found a place in our hearts and you have enriched our community with your presence.

Finally, I want to express my desire - in common with all of Preston, Ukraine, and the whole of the Free World - for peace. We hope that as soon as possible Ukraine will once again be at peace."

Prince's Trust Deepdale Team

I met Prince's Trust Deepdale Team 49 and saw them handover their group project. They've done amazing work painting and renovating the nursery playground on Meadow Street. Great to meet you all and look forward to seeing you again soon!

Disbandment parade

We attended the disbandment parade of 3 Medical Regiment at Fulwood Barracks, marked with a great display. Preston is proud of our long history as a garrison city and we wish members of the regiment the best as they move to new units.

And finally

It's been an honour to be able to speak a number of times over #LGBTplusHM on the importance of recognising the contributions of everyone in our community - focusing particularly on LGBT+ this month. A big thanks to everyone who has marked the month with events and visibility.

You can find out about my other visits on Facebook - Preston Mayor and you can also follow me on Twitter - @Preston Mayor.

There will be more detail about my latest engagements in my next blog so I hope you'll join me again then.

Neil