A New Hebden Royd Mayor

On Wednesday 17th May, the Annual Meeting of Hebden Royd Town Council was held at Hebden Bridge Town Hall. The meeting saw Cllr Bernice Hayes take the chain for the Mayoral year of 2023/24, the Deputy Mayor will be Cllr Pat Fraser.

Cllr Hayes follows in the footsteps of retiring Mayor Cllr Jane Hoyle, who presented Cllr Hayes with the chain, before taking time to reflect on her busy year.

Cllr Hoyle has been delighted to represent the Town Council at a number of interesting events over the course of the year including Yorkshire Day, local productions of Chitty Chitty Bang Band and Nativity and to have opened the Film Festival. Particular highlights included the Queens Jubilee, her Majesty's passing and the subsequent declaration of a new monarch for the first time in 70 years, King Charles III, a truly historic moment.

The Town Council has achieved much in the last 12 months with important initiatives such as the completion of High Hirst Woodmeadow and the creation of a new Cost of Living Committee to support our community. Cllr Hoyle took the opportunity to thank the various committee chairs of the council who work hard to achieve the councils objectives.

Cllr Hoyle has been raising funds for her Mayor's charity, Calder Valley Search and Rescue Team and has held three events over the year including the Summer Fundraiser, Mayors Ceilidh and Civic Service, as well as a number of fundraising initiatives such as the sale of Christmas Cards painted by her very talented husband and consort, Kevin Hoyle. The retiring Mayor was delighted to be able to present Calder Valley Search and rescue with a cheque for £3000, which will go directly toward the operational costs.

Cllr Hayes on accepting the Mayors chain said it will be a privilege to serve the Hebden Royd Town Council and the people of Hebden Royd as Mayor for the coming year.

Cllr Hayes outlined her aspirations for the coming year, to create a council which is united in its goals, building a culture of openness and transparency. She is eager to learn from the experience of existing councillors whilst welcoming the diverse range of skills brought to the council by our seven newly elected councillors. And, in doing this she hopes to continue to build on the good work of Hebden Royd Town Council and encourage community groups across Hebden Royd to come together to celebrate everything that makes Hebden Royd unique.

She will raise the profile of Hebden Royd by attending a variety of events throughout the year. Cllr Hayes announced that her good cause for the Mayoral year is Calder Food Support, a cause very close to her heart which she was instrumental in establishing in 2022. Calder Food support now gives out over 60 food parcels to local families every week and events will be held over the coming year to support this tremendous work.

Hebden Royd Town Council also celebrated the best of our local community, presenting the Service to the Community Award to Roger Benn for his outstanding contribution, notably his work on many events such as the Duck Race, Vintage Weekend and most significantly Light Up the Valley bring a range of exiting events to our community post covid. St Michael's Amateurs Junior in Concert were the very worthy recipients of the Service to the Community Junior Award for their dedication in keeping live theatre alive in the Calder Valley and for their inclusive and encouraging approach welcoming children from across the area.

Added: Thursday, 18 May 2023

Photos from Hebden Royd