Agenda item

In pursuance of Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, to confer the title of Honorary Alderman on Mr Mohammad Ayub, Mr Timothy O’Kane, Mrs Colette McCormack and Mr Terry Hurn, all having lengthy and distinguished former service with the Council and all being former Mayors of the Borough, thereby having rendered eminent services to the Council as past members of the Council.

Members were reminded that at the Annual Council Meeting on 23^rd May 2024, in pursuance of Section 249(1) of the Local Government Act 1972, the title of Honorary Alderman had been conferred on Mrs Colette McCormack, Mr Mohammad Ayub, Mr Timothy O’Kane, and Mr Terry Hurn, in recognition of them each having rendered eminent services to the Council as a past member of the Council.

The recipients were called upon in turn as follows:

The Mayor welcomed Mrs Colette McCormack, who had been an elected member for Immanuel ward for 8 years and was Mayor in 2011/12. Councillors Munsif Dad, Stewart Eaves and Judith Addison all spoke to support the granting of this honour. Mrs McCormack signed the Roll of Honorary Aldermen and was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a certificate by the Mayor. She then gave a short speech in which she recalled the highlights of her time as a councillor and thanked her husband, family and political colleagues for their support.

The Mayor welcomed Mr Mohammad Ayub, who had been an elected member for Central ward for 16 years and was Mayor in 2018/19. Councillors Munsif Dad and Judith Addison spoke to support the granting of this honour. Mr Ayub signed the Roll of Honorary Aldermen and was presented with a gift and a certificate by the Mayor. He then gave a short speech in which he thanked the Mayor and Mayoress and reflected upon his aspirations as a young man and the community spirit which had underpinned his time in officer. He thanked the Council for providing him with the opportunity to serve and expressed his wish to see Hyndburn continue to improve for the sake of his children.

The Mayor welcomed Mr Timothy O’Kane, who had been an elected member for Clayton-le-Moors ward for 21 years and was Mayor in 2016/17. Councillors Munsif Dad, Melissa Fisher and Judith Addison spoke to support the granting of this honour. Mr O’Kane signed the Roll of Honorary Aldermen and was presented with a gift and a certificate by the Mayor. He then gave a short speech in which he thanked his political colleagues and reflected upon his work on the Overview and Scrutiny committees, his work to champion the relocation of Clayton-le-Moors Amateur Boxing Club to its new premises and provided some humorous anecdotes. Finally, he thanked Councillor Judith Addison for supporting him and his Mayoress, Melanie Storey, during his mayoral year.

The Mayor reintroduced Mr Terry Hurn, who had been an elected member for Baxenden ward for 14 years and was Mayor in 2023/24. Councillors Munsif Dad and Kimberley Whitehead spoke to support the granting of this honour. Mr Hurn signed the Roll of Honorary Aldermen and was presented with a gift and a certificate by the Mayor.  Mr Hurn’s grandson, Kaven Hurn, also spoke about his grandfather’s community involvement, which started from his work as an ambulance man, before drifting into the catering trade. He was known for taking families to visit loved ones in prison and for his work with the Probation Service, teaching young offenders how to bake and helping recovering alcoholics. The family bakery felt more like a community hub, with free food and charity buffets often provided. Mr Hurn continued to serve as a county councillor. However, none of this would have been possible without the steadfast support of his wife, Jean. The new Alderman added that he had moved to Accrington at age 15 from Ipswich, but that area was very special and was firmly his home.

At the conclusion of the presentations the Chief Executive noted the attendance of Aldermen Jean Battle and Sandra Hayes. He passed on the Council’s condolences for the loss their respective husbands, Les Battle who had passed away only a few years ago and form Mayor, Doug Hayes, whose passing was very recent.  Councillors and officers missed them both dearly.

All guests were invited to join the Mayor in a short while in the Ballroom for the Civic Celebration meal.