Your Local Independent 187

Page 18 November 2024 AD SALES 01204 478812 Rooms represent a compas- sionate response to the chal- lenges many face in these changing times. I look forward to seeing how this initiative develops and contributes to our resi- dents’ well-being in the com- ing months. SHARED LUNCH AND NAMIBIA SLIDESHOW THEmayoress and I attended a lunch at St Catherine’s Church, followed by a slide- show featuring the visit of Rev Caroline Tracy, David Tracey, Shaun, and Deborah Cooper to Namibia. The purpose of their trip was to maintain the connec- tion between Horwich and Rivington and the communi- ties of Okathitu and Ruacana. The group provided us with a detailed account of their expe- riences and activities during the visit. After the presentation, there was a raffle in which Janet, the mayoress, won a Namib- ian dress. to Cyprus. This incredible growth is a testament to the demand for community sup- port and connection. Marjorie’s dedication has been recognised with several awards, including the ‘Make a Difference Award’ from Radio Lancashire and a Points of Light award from Prime Min- ister Rishi Sunak in 2023. These accolades highlight the significant impact that Talkin’ Tables has had on combating loneliness and fostering connections within our communities. As your mayor, I am proud to support initiatives like Talkin’ Tables that bring people together and create lasting bonds. I encourage everyone in Horwich to participate in these gatherings and experi- ence the warmth of commu- nity first-hand. Together, we can continue to build a more connected and supportive environment for all. HEALING ROOMS I HAD the pleasure of attending the opening of the Horwich Healing Rooms in early September. The event, held at the Crown Hotel on Chorley New Road, marked the begin- ning of a new chapter in our community’s commitment to supporting the well-being of our residents. It was my honour to offi- cially open this compassionate venture, which aims to offer prayer and support for those facing life’s challenges. The Healing Rooms of Eng- land and Wales (HREW) has trained a dedicated team of local Christians who will be available every Monday morn- ing and Thursday evening to provide this valuable service. Dr Sara Hailwood, the director of the Healing Rooms and a retired Horwich GP, spoke eloquently about the timing of this initiative and the changing needs of our community. While not a church or coun- selling service, the Healing Rooms aim to complement existing support systems, including our valued NHS. The Horwich Healing IAN ALDCROFT, Mayor of Horwich, shares this latest update on his work in the community 10 11 Monday Tuesday The Mayor’s Diary THE MAYOR’S DIARY WE’RE MAKING GREAT CONNECTIONS Celebration: Talkin’Tables second birthday cake at Brewed Coffee Fundraiser: The Macmillan coffee morning Winner: Mayoress Janet Aldcroft collecting her Namibian dress I RECENTLY had the pleasure of attending two inspiring ‘Talkin’ Tables’ events that truly show- case the power of commu- nity connection. My first stop was at The Bridge, where I joined a start-up group designed for 18-30 year olds. It was heartening to see young adults come together in a welcoming environment, and I’m excited to share that this group will continue to meet every Friday at 7pm. I also visited Brewed Cof- fee for their second anniver- sary celebration. This event has become a beloved part of our community, taking place every Monday at 10.30am. It was heart-warming to see the friendships that have developed over the past two years. The roots of ‘Talkin’ Tables’ are found in a remarkable story of compassion and com- munity spirit. Founded by Marjorie Hay- ward in 2021, this initiative emerged from her earlier work with ‘Friends For You’, a befriending charity she established in 2016. Marjorie’s journey began when she recog- nised the loneliness many peo- ple face, especially those who are isolated or housebound. In response to the chal- lenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Marjorie launched Talkin’ Tables to help people reconnect after long periods of isolation. What started with just five tables in Chorley has now expanded into over 80 tables across the UK, reach- ing places from Cumbria to Essex and even extending MACMILLAN COFFEE MORNING WE had the pleasure of being invited to the Macmillan Cof- fee Morning at St Catherine’s Care Home, where we met some of the residents and were asked to judge a cake competition. The primary goal of Mac- millan Coffee Mornings is to bring people together for a social gathering centred round coffee and cake while raising funds for cancer sup- port services. At the conclu- sion of our visit, they kindly presented Janet with a beau- tiful bouquet of flowers. MOTHER’S RUIN! VERY kindly, The Bolton Gin Company has once again pro- duced an exclusive gin, and for every bottle sold, they will generously donate to the may- or’s charitable fund. The mayoress and I are sup- porting the Horwich Cleanup Brigade, Daytrippers, and Rock-it, and we hope to raise a substantial amount. We encourage you to buy plenty of this gin and enjoy it on every possible occasion! The Bolton Gin Com- pany can be found at Unit 9 Hampson St, Horwich. The company’s website is www. theboltongincompany.co.uk and their contact numbers are 01204 699096 and 07760 147 607.