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Chairman's updates from a busy January

03 February 2025

The Chairman at the Holocaust Memorial Day, the Katherine of Aragon event, and the opening of The Lowdown

I hope everyone is having a wonderful start to 2025. I wanted to share an update on some of the activities and events I have attended this month:

Reopening of Lowdown: I attended the grand reopening of Lowdown in Northampton on January 23, celebrated the revitalisation of this important community resource which provides free and confidential support services for young people aged 8-25. 

The Lowdown's newly transformed youth space, made possible by a grant from Youth Investment Fund, includes an extension and modern facilities designed to support positive emotional health and wellbeing. The reopening event was led by the Lord Lieutenant of Northamptonshire, James Saunders Watson, who cut the ribbon on the new facility. We were taken on a  tour of the new space and met with some of the staff and young people.

Katherine of Aragon Service at Peterborough Cathedral: Held on January 24, this event commemorates the life and legacy of the former Queen of England, who is buried at the Cathedral. The service included readings, prayers, and the laying of wreaths on Catherine's tomb by school pupils and visiting dignitaries. The event is part of the larger Katherine of Aragon Festival, which features a week of historical reenactments, guided tours, and family-friendly activities celebrating Tudor heritage.

Holocaust Memorial 80th Commemoration Event: I joined the 80th Commemoration of the Holocaust Memorial on January 27 at the Guildhall. This year's theme, "For a Better Future," emphasised the importance of remembering the past while striving to build a more inclusive and compassionate world. The event included reflections, tributes and lighting of candles, and the laying of wreaths at the memorial. The commemoration served as a poignant reminder of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the need to combat hatred and intolerance.

I was delighted to be invited to the Shrieval Lecture by High Sheriff of Northamptonshire, Amy Crawfurd. The lecture this year was delivered by John Sutherland, who served as an officer in the Metropolitan Police Service for more than 25 years. Since leaving the Met, John has become an established author, and his lecture was very interesting.

On 31 January 2025, I attended the Teamwork Trust Charity Concert at Core Theatre in Corby. Teamwork Trust is supported by the Chairman of North Northamptonshire Council, Cllr Lora Lawman, as her nominated charity. The Trust are a day service provider for adults with learning disabilities, autism and/or mild mental health issues.  

The concert was headlined by the outstanding Britain Got Talent Finalists, Northants Sings Out Choir, with performance from Deep Roots Tall Trees Choir (under direction of Gareth Fuller) and the Tresham Musical Student Choir.

Most recently, I attended the Royal British Legion Annual County Conference. The aim of the Conference is to celebrate the achievements of the Royal British Legion in Northamptonshire during 2024, and we heard from a number of guests who spoke about the wider role of the Legion across the country.

These activities are my commitment to some of the community engagements I have attended and to highlight and promote historical awareness and remembrance.

Thank you for taking the time to read my January update. Please remember you can find out more about the Chairman's role, my chosen charities for this year, and information about how to invite me to your function or event on the Chairman's page

Cllr Jo Gilford
Chairman of the Council
 

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