Mayor of Pendle officially reopens Samaritans bookstall at Colne Market Hall
The outgoing Mayor of Pendle, Mohammad Ammer, officially reopened the Samaritans second-hand bookstall at Colne Market Hall during his final engagement before stepping down from office.
Councillor Ammer visited the refurbished market hall on Wednesday, May 20, where he cut the ribbon to mark the stall’s return to its original home following a two-year temporary relocation during refurbishment works.
Samaritans was one of two charities supported by the Mayor during his year in office as the 50th Mayor of Pendle, making the occasion a fitting final engagement.
The popular bookstall first opened almost 20 years ago and has become a familiar feature of the market. Volunteers and traders returned to the newly renovated hall ahead of its official reopening earlier this month.
The stall is run entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, some of whom have been involved since it first launched.
The Mayor was welcomed by Pendle Branch director Andrew Buchanan and branch treasurer Pauline Hirons during the visit.
Mr Buchanan said: “We were delighted to be able to welcome the Mayor to the stall this afternoon. Pendle Branch is very grateful to all those who have supported the Mayor’s charities this year. The funds raised will help ensure the branch can continue to operate efficiently in the years to come.”
Mrs Hirons added: “We welcome donations of books to the stall and can arrange for books to be collected if that would help.
“We are open for business Wednesday to Saturday from 10am until 5pm and occasionally at other times.”
The Pendle branch, based in Nelson Market Square, is part of the national Samaritans charity, which works to reduce deaths by suicide through its listening services by telephone and online chat.
There are more than 200 Samaritans branches across Great Britain and Ireland, supported by more than 23,000 volunteers nationwide.
More information about volunteering or the charity’s work can be found at Samaritans.
Samaritans is a registered charity aimed at providing emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, often through its telephone helpline.
Anyone needing support can contact Samaritans free, day or night, on 116 123.