Mayor of Pendle Nadeem Ahmed marks five months in office with charity fundraising and civic engagements

The Mayor of Pendle has reflected on a busy first five months in office, with a packed programme of community events, charity fundraising and civic engagements.

Councillor Nadeem Ahmed, who was elected Mayor in May, said he was committed to representing the borough and supporting local communities throughout his year in the role.

A key focus has been raising awareness and funds for his three chosen charities: East Lancashire Down Syndrome Support Group, Pendleside Hospice and the NK Foundation, which supports charitable projects around the world.

Coun. Ahmed said: “In my Mayor-Making speech in May, I promised to serve this borough with humility, dedication, compassion and pride.

“I have been delivering on this promise. I am absolutely dedicated to my Mayoral role in every sense of the word.”

Among his engagements, the Mayor officially opened the Home-Start in East Lancashire Family Fun Day, which raised funds to support local families.

He also visited Pendle Community High School and College’s Vocational Education Centre and Café, where students gain practical experience in a welcoming environment and have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Other events on his diary have included the Eid in the Park Festival, Colne Grand Prix, Colne Gala, Nelson Food Festival and Pendle Festival of Culture.

He has also attended the Pendle Business Awards, Trawden Agricultural Show, Bancroft Mill Steaming Day and celebrations marking the centenary of Colne Dramatic Society.

His civic engagements have included the Armed Forces Day flag-raising ceremony, the Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale Sea Cadets Awards Evening and AGM, Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service’s King's Trust Community Project Handover and the 100th anniversary of Foulridge War Memorial.

Coun. Ahmed has also presented certificates to Barrowford In Bloom Environmental Group, attended the annual procession from Ghausia Mosque and visited Sunday church services in Newchurch, Higherford, Barrowford and Fence.

He has taken part in Mayoral visits to the Armed Forces Support Group and the new Pendle Police Station.

The Mayor also welcomed civic heads from across Lancashire to showcase Pendle, including a visit to Pendle Heritage Centre in Barrowford and the surrounding villages of Fence, Spenbrook, Newchurch, Barley and Roughlee.

Last month, he organised and took part in a sponsored walk from Nelson Town Hall to the summit of Pendle Hill and back to raise money for his three chosen charities.

Describing the walk as challenging but enjoyable, Coun Ahmed said he was looking forward to attending more events and engagements over the coming months.