IN my capacity as the retiring Town Mayor of Horwich, I would like to say a very big thank you on behalf of myself and my Mayoress Alison Brookes, for the huge support which we have received from everyone in Horwich and beyond whom we have met.

The roles of Town Mayor and Mayoress are entirely voluntary positions, so it has been an honour and a privilege to have been able to visit, get involved in and support many of the charities, voluntary organisations, faith groups, businesses and associations in Horwich.

We have received a great welcome wherever we have gone over the past year. In my inauguration speech, I said that Horwich is a buzzing town with a great deal going on. I certainly stick by those words. I am particularly pleased that I have been able to make substantial donations to local Horwich charities including , Horwich Parish Church Hall Appeal, Horwich Parish Namibia Fund, Horwich Widows, Horwich Visiting Service, Horwich Wildlife Hospital, Bolton West Stroke Association, Horwich Fairtrade and Horwich In Bloom and been able to help out the Bolton Mountain Rescue Team by holding a ‘World Zombie Day’ Charity event at Bengal Cottage last October. I have given donations to many others along the way and Mayoress Alison organised her own ladies Charity fashion show.

At my own expense, I also visited the street of ‘Horwich’ in Texas last November whilst in the State to watch the US Grand Prix. This was great fun as the residents decided to organise a street party and barbecue to welcome me.

I have also worked closely with the Town Mayor of Crowborough in East Sussex, Horwich’s twin town of 25 years, to celebrate this Anniversary and links between the two towns have been renewed and improved.

I also had the honour of leading our First World War Centenary Commemorations working with the staff at Horwich Heritage Centre.

I would like to thank Mayoress Alison, Deputy Town Mayor Julia Silvester, Town Clerk Carol Hutchinson and the staff of Horwich Town Council for all of their work but most importantly, to you the residents, business owners and volunteers throughout Horwich for your welcome and support, because without you, Horwich would not be what it is, ‘a buzzing town’. For me, it has been a perfect year of office. Thank you.

Cllr. Richard E W Silvester,

Town Mayor of Horwich 2014-2015.