Mayor of Preston blog - July 2023

July has been another exciting month of engagements and here are some of the highlights.

Preston City Games

The month began with the Preston City Games. Businesses and charities were brought together for a day of friendly competition. There were rounders, football, netball and golf tournaments and everyone enjoyed competing with good spirit. If you are interested in joining next year's Games, registration is now open at Preston City Games - register.

Mobile Events Tent (The MET) opening

I had the honour of opening the Mobile Events Tent -The MET - at Morrison's car park, Blackpool Road, Preston. In its first outing this year, the space played host to a number of community events all of which were really well received. Well done to everyone involved. The MET will return in September, this time at UCLan's University Square.

Certificate presentation Best Baking Chef competition

At Headway Central Lancashire, at the Heartbeat Centre at Preston North End Football Club, I presented a certificate to the winner of the Best Baking Chef competition. Headway is the UK-wide charity that works to improve life after brain injury by providing vital support and information services. 

Certificate presentation to the pupils of Brookfield Primary School

I really enjoyed presenting certificates to the pupils of Brookfield Primary School, following a four-week practical cooking course delivered by the team at Kind Kitchen. The children enjoyed learning about cooking which will hopefully stay with them throughout their lives. What a useful skills to know!

University of Central Lancashire graduation ceremonies

I took part in this year's graduation ceremonies at the University of Central Lancashire with Vice Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin. It is wonderful to have such an esteemed university in the city centre and to witness graduates enjoying the completion of their studies before embarking on the next chapter of their lives.

Blue Plaque unveiling

Unveiling the Blue Plaque at 5 Camden Place, Winckley Square, supported by PCC and Friends of Winckley Square. A historically relevant building that was abandoned and derelict for 10 years. Originally built for Thomas Leach, local businessman and leading investor, in 1834, it has now been restored by Preston brothers Zulf and Oves Lokhat. The building is now open as a luxury hotel keeping the remaining features intact with the Blue Plaque has been supported by the Preston Historical Society and the Friends of Winckley Square.

Purple Flag accreditation

I also hosted the city's Purple Flag inspection team in the Mayor's Parlour. Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. It leads to Purple Flag status for town and city centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and nighttime economy. Preston has held the award since 2011 and remains the only place in Lancashire to have met the vigorous standards of the award.

Cultures Event at the Town Hall

Cultures Event at the Town Hall for the Preston City Council staff was a great event. There were a number of activities throughout the day that included cultural fashion, food, workshops and entertainment. It was fantastic to see everyone's pride for their many different backgrounds and it was enjoyed by all that attended. Congratulations to everyone involved!

Cheque for Rosemere Cancer Foundation

At Masjid-e-Salaam, Watling Street Road, Preston, we were presented with a cheque for £5000.00 for Rosemere Cancer Foundation, one of my Mayoral Charities. Along with Professor Munavvar and Mr Dan Hill, Head of Charity, the committee members from the Mosque made this amazing donation in support of Rosemere and the cutting-edge Lung Vision equipment they have recently funded to support Prof Munavvar's groundbreaking work in Lung Cancer diagnostics.

Lancashire Archives exhibition

I enjoyed visiting the Lancashire Archives exhibition at Bow Lane, Preston, with organiser Vicci McCann. The Shaping the Future: Lancashire Women's Lives, 1950-1980 exhibition looks at Lancashire women at work, in politics and civic society, in entertainment and recreation, home lives and fashion. Visitors are encouraged to come along and find out more about some of the women who shaped our present, with displays featuring collections relating to comedian Hylda Baker, politician Dame Barbara Castle, QC Dame Rose Heilbron and Wendy Simpson, a designer at Horrockses Fashions.

I had a lot of fun with the Over 60's Group from Ribbleton and Brookfield Ward. The event was about bringing the elderly together and allowing them to make new friends, and not feel isolated from the community. It was well attended, and everyone had a great time!

Join me again soon when I will share more details of my recent engagements.