Horwich Advertiser Issue 640

Page 4 October 2026 AD SALES 01204 478812 Kevin McKeon, the mayor of Horwich, gives us the latest update on his role as first citizen and looks back on a busy time for the town 10 11 Monday Tuesday The Mayor’s Diary THE MAYOR’S DIARY ACOMMUNITY ENERGISED BY EVENTS OVER the past few weeks Irene and I have had the privi- lege of taking part in some significant events on the Horwich social calendar. I’m thinking of the Festival of Horwich, the Rotary Club Beer Festi- val and the 20th anni- versary of the Horwich Heritage centre. This year the third Festival of Horwich took place. Each one has been memorable in its own way. During the first we were all drenched by a continuous downpour although, as I remember it didn’t stop the kids having loads of fun. Last year’s festival was bathed in sunshine. This year the afternoon events were unaffected by rain but unfortunately evening events had to be cancelled because of an electrical storm. That disappointment mustn’t be allowed to detract from the over- all success of the day. More than 3,000 people enjoyed the free activ- ities provided by the Horwich and Blackrod Community Events CIC who, supported by the Town Council, work so hard to put on this now annual event. Another annual event is the Horwich Rotary Club Beer Festival held at the RMI Social Club. The money raised at the festival helps Rotary support and sponsor so many Horwich groups and individuals. As I said in my opening speech, drinking at the festival is one of those rare occasions when it can be defended as a noble and honourable thing to do! The Horwich Heritage group is 40 years old but for 20 of those years its home has been in part of the building we know as the Community Cen- tre on Beaumont Rd. Irene and I visited for its 20th birthday. Horwich Heritage has some permanent exhib- its illustrating Horwich’s history and holds regu- lar talks and exhibitions. Like the Horwich Festi- val and Rotary Horwich Heritage depends on some very dedicated volunteers. The com- munity is in their debt. Another engagement took me to St Mary’s Junior Football Club at Bob’s Brow where Talk- ing Tables was holding a new initiative. Talking Tables has been in existence a few years now. Its groups usu- ally meet weekly in coffee shops or community cen- tres usually for about an hour. Its gatherings are open to all but have a special welcome for those, young and old, who may feel a little isolated. The clubhouse is very wel- coming and I was very pleased to join the new group. I wish them well. Finally, I was privi- leged to represent the Horwich Community at the installation of the Rev Stuart Samuels as Team Vicar. The service led by the Bishop of Bol- ton was held at St Eliz- abeth’s in the presence of numerous local clergy and a large congregation representing the Angli- can churches in Horwich and Rivington. I spoke at the service welcoming Rev Samuels on behalf of the Town Council and the Horwich community. I wish him and his ministry well and hope he has long service in the town.