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Mayor of Wellingborough 17th May 2023 - 22nd May 2024, Councillor Valerie Anslow

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir International Women's Day, 15th March 2024

International Women’s Day was celebrated at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Road, Wellingborough.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring evening, which began with a delicious meal provided by members of the Hindu community.

There then followed a meditation on positivity, speeches by local women who have made a difference to the community in which they live.

The CEO of the Lewis Foundation, Lorraine Lewis, was the keynote speaker.

The Lewis Foundation website.

Baps 3
Baps 2
Baps 1
15th Beavers

15th Wellingborough Beavers, 14th March 2024

Members of the 15th Wellingborough Beavers and their leaders visited the Mayor and Consort, Councillor Erskine at Swanspool House to hear about the role of Mayor.

During the visit the Beavers tried on mini robes and chains of office, and said what they would do to improve Wellingborough for young people.

They then elected a Mayor and Deputy Mayor who wanted to help the homeless and to encourage democracy.

The Mayor said “What a wonderful group of young people they are!” and “It is good to see the uniformed organizations growing again in the town after the pandemic”.

Reverend Bishop Deborah Sellin And Cllr Anslow

Installation of The Right Reverend Bishop Deborah Sellin, 3rd March 2024

The Mayor joined civic leaders at the Installation of The Right Reverend Bishop Deborah Sellin as the 39th Bishop of Peterborough which covers Northamptonshire, Rutland, and Peterborough.

Cllr Anslow And Her Mother

World Day Of Prayer

World Prayer Day, 1st March 2024

World Day of Prayer service was attended by The Mayor.

This annual event is organized by an ecumenical group of women from a number of churches in the town, but the service was written by the Christians living in Palestine.

It was particularly poignant given the situation in Palestine, Gaza and Israel, although the service was written over two years ago before the current conflict.

World Day Of Prayer Display

Bleed Kits

Royal Visit, 16th February 2024

The Hind Hotel in Wellingborough was the venue for a visit by HRH Princess Anne on Friday February 16th, and the Mayor was honoured to be there representing the town. The reason for the royal visit was to hear about a local community interest company that is tackling the problem of knife crime in Northamptonshire. Off the Streets, Northamptonshire, place life saving bleed kits across the county, provide training on how to stop critical bleed with their partner Meditech Global, place Amnesty bins across the county, where over 2000 knives have been handed in so far.

The Mayor met the movers and shakers of this amazing group of volunteers who came together in 2021 following the fatal stabbing of a local teenager. She also met two inspirational students from Weavers Academy, who spoke about the fear of knife crime and their hopes for the future.

More information can be found at their Facebook page.

 

Visit to Croyland School, 8th February 2024

The Mayor visited Croyland Primary School to talk about the role of Mayor and  Councillor, and to answer their questions.

She thoroughly enjoyed the visit and was impressed by the range of questions the children asked.

She was reminded of her 38 year career as a primary school teacher and the keenness of the children to learn.

As a Governor of Croyland School, the Mayor knows how hard the staff wprk to provide the best for the children in their care.

The Mayor's Civic Service, 4th February 2024

The Civic Service was held in All Hallows Church, the Parish Church of Wellingborough, and was led by The Reverend Paula York and the Superintendent of the Nene Valley Methodist Circuit, the Reverend Lesley Dinham.

The Mayor, who is a Local Preacher in the Methodist Church gave the address based on the scripture readings on the theme of “Serving the Community”. The Mayor wanted to show that Hinduism, Islam and Christianity have the same Golden Rule, of serving others, and so Imam Mohammed Amin read from the Quran and members of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir sang the words of a prayer.

Following the service, a Quarter Peal of Grandsire Triples was run on the bells by a team of visiting ringers.

Babes In The Wood

Babes in the Wood, 1st February 2024

Wellingborough Pantomime Society has been performing every year in the town since 1967.

As a young person, the Mayor of Wellingborough, remembers her siblings being in the pantomimes and how it would dominate Christmas week for the family. She also remembers the Saxby pies that would be thrown for the audience to catch during one of the songs, something which stopped a few years ago.

The show continues to provide entertainment and laughter, and Babes in the Wood, this year’s production was full of jokes, wonderful dance routines, fabulous performances from the cast

Forest School Opening

Forest School opening, 1st February 2024

The Mayor was delighted to visit All Saints School in the town, to open their Forest School, a designated area within the school grounds, where the learning is child-centred  and creative.

The children learn to problem solve and manage risk which in turn increases their confidence.

The Mayor then visited each class and met the staff who are dedicated to providing the best education for the children.

Forest School Opening Feb

Youth Court Visit

Youth Court Visit, 23rd January 2024

A visit by a member of the Royal Family was postponed by the  high winds of January’s Storm Isha, to the Youth Offender Court in Wellingborough. The visit went ahead with the Lord Lieutenant, James Sanders Watson, being the guest of honour.

The Justice Centre in Wellingborough is the Youth court for the whole of Northamptonshire, and through the Youth Court Solutions project it is managing to buck the national trend in reoffending rates, by bringing them down from over 30% to 8%.

The Mayor met representatives from Service Six, The Crysalys Foundations, NYOS, CAMHS, The Children’s Trust Education team who offer support to defendants, victims, family, friends and witnesses.

Other counties are looking at the Court in Wellingborough for a way to bring down their reoffending rates.
Youth Court Solutions (crysalys.org)

Warehousing Event

Year of Warehousing Event, 10th January 2024

2024 began with  a new experience for the Mayor who was invited to attend the launch of the 80th year of UK Warehousing Association, at a warehouse, soon to be opened on the Park Farm Industrial Estate, Wellingborough.

Visku, is a new concept in warehousing –

“Think of it as a hotel for companies, the Booking.com of the warehouse industry.  Wellingborough is in the golden triangle for logistics, and this warehousing will result in more efficient use of the immense space and provide a variety of employment opportunities in the area from fork lift drivers to software engineers.”

For more information on the year of warehousing, please visit their website.

Carol Concerts

Carol Concerts, December 2023

2023 ended with the Mayor attending two carol services on the same day, in two very different venues but with the Christmas message of hope, love and peace evident in both.

The service at HMP Five Wells, attended by staff and prisoners, was led by The Bishop of Brixworth. The service at All Saints Church included the combined choirs of All Hallows and All Saints.

” What a fitting way to end 2023 by looking forward with hope into 2024. These two services gave me that sense as I saw the work that the resettlement prison, HMP 5 Wells is preparing those on the inside to life outside, and as I heard again the message of Christmas in the words and carols being sung.”

Curry Flavour Opening

Mayor's visits December 2023

The Mayor opened a new take-away, Curry Flavor, on the High Street, selling delicious curries and spicy Indian food.

She has lived in Wellingborough all her life and has seen the way shopping habits have changed and the affect it has had on local businesses.

That is why she met with the Shadow Chancellor and local small business owners to talk about what is needed to revive our historic town centre. Over coffee in the Hind Hotel they talked, about rents, rates, online training for shop owners and safety on our streets.Town Business Meeting

Urc Tree Festival

URC Christmas Tree Festival, 10th December 2023

“It was nearly impossible to choose a winning tree at the highly successful Christmas Tree Festival at the United Reform Church in High Street. But I chose this one as each on the small trees was made using different craft techniques. 

Looking at all 35 of the trees decorated by different community groups in the town, I say again, what a  talented town we are.”

Mayor's Christmas Carols for the Town, 9th December 2023

Rain did not stop the carols being sung for Wellingborough. Thank you to all who took part.

Nmpat

NMPAT Concert, 2nd December 2023

NMPAT Wellingborough invited the Mayor to their “Christmas Serenade” on 2nd December 2023 at Hallon School. She said, ” What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday afternoon listening to the talented young performers playing string instruments, recorders and voices.” The Mayor thanked the staff for their dedication,  the parents for their encouragement and the students for their dedication and perseverance

Nmpat Gordon Robinson Award Winners 2022 23

On Saturday 2nd December, Northamptonshire Music & Performing Arts Trust’s Wellingborough Centre (NMPAT Wellingborough) hosted its annual Christmas Serenade.

 The concert showcased performances from the Centre’s string ensembles, guitar and ukulele groups, a choir and recorder consort.  Students and adults performed as part of this end of term celebration, and, for the first time, this event was held in the newly built auditorium at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy.

 NMPAT Wellingborough meets each Saturday morning at Sir Christopher Hatton Academy (9.15am-12.15pm, term time only), providing music and arts activities for everyone age 4 years and upwards.  Classes range from no experience necessary, with instruments available for loan, to our senior bands and orchestras.  Some of the more advanced ensembles can be booked for external events – you may have seen our Concert Band at the Wellingborough Christmas light switch on last week, and our ‘Just Big Band’ at the Christmas Fair in the Library on Saturday..!

 We were delighted that the Mayor of Wellingborough, Councillor Valerie Anslow, and her colleague Councillor Sylvia Erskine, were able to join us for the festivities on Saturday.  The Mayor also presented two Gordon Robinson Awards, to Centre members Lucy Campbell and Grace Hopkins.  These awards are given annually, to students who have made a particularly positive contribution to the Centre, and we were pleased to celebrate the achievements of Lucy and Grace this year.

 Joanne Green Head of Centre commented: ” Hearing the groups rehearsing this term and then watching the performers faces light up on stage is pure joy. I am so proud of each and everyone involved.”

 We’re looking forward to returning to rehearsals following the festive break, on Saturday 6th January, for another fun-filled term of music and arts.  For details on how to join us on a Saturday morning next year, please visit the website.

Christmas Lights Switch On

Wellingborough Christmas Lights Switch on, 25th November 2023

The festive light switch on in Wellingborough town centre is the start of the Christmas period and hundreds of families filled Market Street on 25th November 2023 to be entertained and enthralled by the lights and firework display. The Mayor of Wellingborough’s treasure hunt competition was won by Archie Gillett and he joined her and the cast of Cinderella, on the stage, to turn on the lights and set the fireworks off.

Light Switch On Winner With Mayor

Mayor's visits, November 2023

“As a person of faith, I have enjoyed the opportunities I have had to attend different places of worship and experience a variety of festivals celebrated in the town. 

The Salvation Army has been in important presence in Wellingborough for 150 years, and the concert given by the International Staff Songsters lifted the spirits of the congregation. 

The  Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Mill Road, warmly welcomed everyone to their celebration of the beginning of the New Year, as they offered a magnificent annukut. 

Celebrations for Diwali continued with an event in the Highfield Centre organized by the Wellingborough and District Hindu Association and Northants Police, Fire and Rescue Services. A night of speeches, dance and of course was enjoyed by all who attended. 

All Hallow Church members held a successful Winter Fayre inside its ancient building. The sun shone through the stained glass, the choir sang, and Father Christmas arrived early to meet the children.”

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Remembrance Sunday, 12th November 2023

Dispite the rain Broad Green was lined with people to remember those that had died and that are still in confilct serving our country.

“Thank you to everyone who made yesterday’s service so memorable. The rain did not stop the people of the town turning up in their hundreds, and the cadets and older veterans were a joy to meet. I thought the students who read the poems and prayers were a credit to their schools and I hope that next year young people will be invited to take part again…. Their voices need to be heard.”

Armistice Day, 11th November 2023

It was a cold but blue sky day as we stood for two minutes silence, at The Cenotaph, to remember those who have died defending our freedom, and pray for those who are suffering from the trauma of war.

Cllr Harrington and I then visited the volunteers in the town who were raising funds for The Royal British Legion.

Northamptonshire Court Service, High Sheriff, 8 11

Northamptonshire Court Service with the High Sheriff, 8th November 2023

It was a real pleasure to attend the High Sheriff’s Courts Service at All Saints Church in Northampton.

My mother was a Justice of the Peace for thirty two years, serving on the Wellingborough Bench, and so it was a double pleasure to be able to take her as my consort.

NAYC AGM, 6th November 2023

Northamptonshire Association of Youth Clubs has trained youth-club leaders and provided support and facilities in its sixty two year history. And its work is needed more than ever for the young are not just the future but are important now.

NAYC’s Annual General Meeting was an opportunity to celebrate its work with young people and their leaders, to acknowledge the challenges that face the voluntary sector,  to thank the Trustees and pray for guidance in this changing world.

Nayc Agm 6 11
Nayc 6 11
Cransley Hospice Afternoon Tea

Cransley Hospice, Volunteer Celebration Afternoon Tea, 19th October 2023

A few weeks ago the Mayor ran the Northampton Half Marathon in aid of Cransley Hospice which provides care for patients with life-limiting illness, in the hospice and at home. This charity has provided this service for 25 years, working with Cynthia Spencer Hospice to cover the whole of Northamptonshire.

The life blood of such organizations is the volunteer base who were thanked and their work celebrated at the tea attended by the Mayor at the Corn Market Hall in Kettering.

Wave of Light, 15th October 2023

The Mayor was present at the Wave of Light Service at St. Peter and St. Paul Church, Kettering where parents and grandparents remembered those babies “born sleeping”, and those born but lost too soon.

The bereavement midwives from Kettering General Hospital Maternity Unity were present as the church became a space to remember, light candles and hear the names of babies read aloud.

The Mayor was there in an official capacity, and for personal reasons, as Twinkling Stars Bereavement Suite at KGH is one of her charities.

Twinkling Stars Wave Of Light
Twinkling Stars
Service Six Report

Service Six AGM, 13th October 2023

“I never fail to be amazed at the work local charities do to make our society a place for everyone. 

Service Six has provided life-changing and often life-saving services to children, young people and their families since 1979. It now works across Northamptonshire and parts of surrounding counties. So it was with great pleasure that I attended their AGM and heard about the past year and exciting plans for the future.”

Black History Month

Black History Month, 7th October 2023

“As part of Black History Month, it was a pleasure to unveil the picture of Mr Billy Walker, one of the founder members of Wellingborough Afro Caribbean Association in Rock Street.

He was instrumental in setting up the Supplementary School for children of colour in the town and his legacy is evident in the people who attended the event.

He was a influencer and a local hero.”

 

Wellingborough Sleep Out, 6th October 2023

The Mayor took part in the Daylight Centre Fellowship Big Sleepout in October.

” We chose to sleepout, but many do not have that choice. I have a home to go back to, but too many people are living in temporary accommodation, sofa surfing or sleeping rough on the streets.

The Daylight Centre is a life line for those in that situation and I thank them for their work.”

Daylight Center Sleep Out
Daylight Center Sleep Out2
Daylight Center Sleep Out3

The Mayor's Gala Dinner, 29th September 2023

The Mayor was pleased that the Gala Night in aid of her two charities, was so successful and great fun.

“It was good to see both town councillors and Unitary councillors, and representatives from the Royal British Legion, The Daylight Centre Fellowship, United Reform Church, and the Civic Society all enjoying the music and food at the Hind Hotel.”

Northants Carers Awards

Northants Carers Awards Ceremony, 28th September 2023

“It was a privilege to attend Northants Carers Award ceremony in September. I know from experience that caring for a person 24/7 can be challenging and at this ceremony, Northants Carers recognise and celebrate the amazing work carried out by families and community groups.”

The Masonic Hall In Mill Road

Discover Freemasonry, Open Day at the Masonic Hall, 23rd September 2023

The Mayor visited the Freemasons at thier Discover Freemasonry open day.

“An invitation to the Masonic Hall in Mill Road opened my eyes to the charitable work of the Freemasons, their history and their rituals. A fascinating and myth busting visit. “

Veterans Community Network

The Hatton Fun Run, 22nd September 2023

The Mayor joined children from local schools at St Christopher Hatton School for their annual fun run.

“I was delighted to attend a fundraising event at Sir Christopher Hatton School on where over a thousand children, from four schools in the trust, were running a mile in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Sixth formers demonstrated the warm up moves before I was given the glaxton to start the Yr 7 students off.

All the children from Victoria, Oakway and some from Ecton Primary ran or walked the mile course and they all finished with a smile.”

Hatton Fun Run Start
Hatton Fun Run

Wellingborough District Scouts AGM, 21st September 2023

The Mayor attended the Wellingborough District Scouts AGM.

“A worldwide organization that is close to my heart, and of which I have plenty of fond memories, is the Guide and Scout Movement. And so I gladly attended the Scout District AGM in Dale End Scout Hut and met some of the dedicated adults who kept the spirit of Scouting alive”

Scout Agm
Scout Agm 1
Cinderella

Castle Theatre, Cinderella Pantomime Lanch, 15th September 2023

The Mayor attended the press launch for the much anticipated pantomime, Cinderella at the Castle Theatre.

“It was a pleasure to attend the launch of The Castle pantomine, to meet the director and the actors.

I have already brought some tickets because I know it will be a funny, slick, audience engaging performance with local children taking part. Oh yes it will!”

To book your tickets, head to the Castle Thatre website.

Mavis

Visit to Lancome House, 12th September 2023

“I had the pleasure of meeting Avis, who celebrated her 104 birthday at Lancum House in Wellingborough. She was born in Finedon in 1919 and has lived in the county all her life.

Is she Wellingborough’s oldest resident?”

August 2023

“August is holiday time for school children which meant I was involved in opening and closing the beach on many occasions during the month, as well as taking the heritage bus to the Splash Park with my grandchildren. 

Chester House hosted the Air Ambulance Fundraising Day. What a fantastic life saving charity this is operating over four counties including Northamptonshire. The event was an opportunity for me to sign up to their weekly lottery, see the helicopter up close and meet some of the amazing volunteers. 

Teamwork Trust which is based in Wellingborough provides meaningful training and social activities for adults with learning difficulties. The trust are always looking for companies willing to work with them. The members have been busy making crisp packet blankets to use at the Daylight Centre Big Sleep Out. 

Wellingborough Street Pastors do a wonderful job helping to keep people safe on a night out in the town. Two new pastors were commissioned and will be joining the dedicated team on Friday and Saturday nights. 

The historic URC building on High Street has installed automatic glass door and accessibility ramp. I was very pleased to be asked to cut the ribbon on these improvements which show that the church is open and welcoming to all.”

29th July 2023

“29th July was exceptionally busy with the Town Council’s Disability Pride event, WACA’s Relaunch and the OG’s Community Festival. 

In the town centre, Wellingborough Town Council hosted the first Disability Pride event in Northamptonshire. This was the mastermind of Stephen Linely who is a wheelchair user and keen to raise awareness of the accessibility issues. It was great to see so many groups represented at this event, which will be built on for future years. 

At the Rock Street Centre, Wellingborough Afro-Caribbean Association (WACA) was relaunched with a day filled with activities for people of all ages. As a member of WACA, I was pleased to meet the trustees who are keen to develop the work they do within the community and I fully endorse their vision.

At Park House Care Home, I met with staff, residents and their families at their Summer Fete. The weather meant that the activities were held inside but that did not stop some residents being able to join in the dancing. 

The last event was at the OG’s Memorial Field on Sywell Road, where the Wellingborough Community Event was taking place amid the football and cricket matches. I was encouraged to dress up as a Viking with the re-enactment group, and then have my first archery lesson with Wellingborough Archery who have a dedicated space at the Memorial Ground. 

Wellingborough is buzzing and the Memorial Ground is a hive of activity.”

Quiz Night

Mayor's Charity Quiz Night, 28th July 2023

The Mayor held her first Charity event to raise money for her chosen charities for the year, All Hallows Bell and Twinkling Stars Appeal.

Over 80 attended and had a great time at the quiz and bingo evening. Over £700 was raised.

15th - 18th July 2023

The Mayor was busy this July visiting many organisations including the Interfaith’s AGM, Dukes Court and Northants Carers.

“As a committed Christian and a member of Wellingborough Interfaith Group, I was pleased to attend their AGM held at the Victoria Centre. Interfaith dialogue is an important way of dispelling misconceptions and prejudice.

Northants Carers are based in Wellingborough and has supported carers of all ages for the past 30 years. I attended one of their many drop-in cafes for carers and friends of carers, met the trustees and CEO. It is estimated that 1 in 3 people in the county are carers for friends and family. Northants Carers provide the advice and support they often need.

Many people are cared for by family members, but sometimes this is not possible, especially when specialist care is required. Dukes Court Care Home does just that and in a professional way as demonstrated at the Summer Fete that I visited.”

Nadia from Northamptonshire Carers said

“Thank you very much for visiting the Carers, Staff and Trustees at Northamptonshire Carers today. The Carers were so happy to meet you at their Carers Café. Thank you for taking the time to talk to everyone and hear their stories.

Everyone said what a lovely afternoon it was, and were very interested to hear about your work in the town.

I was delighted to welcome you to an organisation which I am so happy to support. I wish you well for your Mayoral Year.”

Interfaith
Interfaith 1
Northants Carers
Rpt

Saturday 25th June 2023

The Mayor raised and lowered the flag and visited stalls on Market Square for Armed Forces Day.

“Armed Forces Day and raising the flag to remember those who have, are and will serve in our armed forces. A time to remember those traumatised by the action they saw and ensure support and housing is available.”

Armed Forces Day
Meeting Cadets
Rbl Cadets
Rbl Stall
Speach At Lowering The Flag

Saturday 17th June 2023

The Mayor was invited to various events this weekend.

“Wellingborough was building communities on Saturday with fetes and fairs across the town from The Avenue School to All Hallows church, St Marks church to WACA.” 

Avenue Infant School
The Concentration!
All Hallows
Miss Teen Northampton

Continental Market, 14th - 17th June 2023

The Mayor popped by to the continental market that was in town and visited an array of food, crafts and goods stalls.

“Market Street Wellingborough was buzzing on Saturday when I visited the stall holders.

Without exception they said what a friendly town we are.

I enjoyed eating the noodles, the macaroons and the turkish delight and look forward to seeing the stall holders again in the Autumn.”

Continental Market, Clothes Stall
Continental Market Food Stall
Continental Market Noodles

When Robins appear, at Chester House, Friday 16th June 2023

The Mayor was invited to come along to the unveiling of the Robins appear when loved ones are near in-memory art installation at Chester House. It was the first event celebrating the 25th Anniversary of Cransley Hospice in 2023.

“It was a pleasure to meet artist who created the installation of 500 clay robin birdfeeders at Chester House.

Each birdfeeder has been brought by someone who has needed the care and attention of Cransley Hospice, which is celebrating 25years. 

The robin was chosen to symbolize the saying – ” Robins appear when loved ones are near”, which can be a comfort to those who mourn a loved one.”

Chester House Event Robin Feeder
Chester House Event Robins
Chester House Event
Rpt

Matilda Jr, 11th June 2023

The Mayor went to see the production of Matilda Jr at Glamis Hall.

“The wonderful, talented cast and crew of GLJ Theatre who performed “Matilda” at Glamis Hall.

I was mesmerised by the chocolate cake eating scene and found myself smiling all the way through.

Another example of the amazing actors we have in Wellingborough.”

Habeas Corpus

Habeau Corpus, 8th June 2023

The Mayor attended the performance of Habeas Corpus at the Castle Theatre.

“Never before have so many trousers been dropped in the cause of comedy as Alan Bennett’s witty writing with serious undertones had the audience in The Studio laughing out loud.

Thank you Wellingborough Technical Players for your skill, timing and energy. Another example of the excellent talent we have in Wellingborough.”

The Hired Man, 26th May 2023

“I have always enjoyed watching the local Operatic Society, now known as Wellingborough Musical Theatre Society, and this production was entertaining and thought-provoking. The cast and crew are a wonderful example of the talent we have in the town. 

Surprised by the way the church building was utilized for this poignant story, but not surprised that Wellingborough has the talent.

Well done Wboro Musical Theatre.”
Hired Man
Performance

Past Mayor and Consort Badge Presentation, 17th May 2023

Councillor Valerie Anslow presented Councillor Jon Ekins and Mrs Jackie Ekins with their past mayor and past consort badges at the Full Council meeting on 17th May 2023.

Past Mayor Badges      Past Mayor Badges 1