The Fox and Hounds in Blackburn Pub landlords who have been at the centre of Blackburn s matchday drinking culture for more than 25 years have officially called time. Derek and Sue Haworth, who have run The Fox and Hounds in Ewood for the last 28 years, officially stepped down on Monday, amidst slowing trade and an uncertain future due to the coronavirus crisis. Mr and Mrs Haworth announced they would be leaving the Fox and Hounds back in September and even though retirement beckons for the couple, Mr Haworth said a lot has changed over the last 28 years with Covid only making things tougher for the industry.
SECRET Santa has been presented with an award for their contributions to the borough. The well known CIC, based in Blackburn Mall, were blown away when the Mayor visited to surprise the team with a Mayoral award for their “Outstanding contribution to Blackburn with Darwen”. Managing director of Secret Santa, Phil Boulding said: “Wow! This isn’t about us. We accept this award on behalf of our 5,000 Facebook members and all of the local people and businesses across Blackburn with Darwen who have really taken our mission to their hearts and support us endlessly.” Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen Councillor Iftikhar Hussain said: “It is vitally important that we recognise the wonderful work our volunteers are doing across the borough, and especially during these difficult times when help is needed more than ever.
A FORMER head of children s services at Blackburn with Darwen Council has been honoured with an OBE. Linda Clegg, who is now chair of the St Helens Children s Improvement Board and a Department of Education improvement partner, received the award as part of the Queen s New Year Honours list. The award was given thanks to Ms Clegg s years of dedication to children s services in both Blackburn with Darwen and St Helens which has made a real difference to the lives of children and their families across both boroughs. For Blackburn with Darwen Council chief executive Harry Catherall who worked closely with Ms Clegg, said: “I’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Linda at Blackburn with Darwen Council and more recently at St Helen’s Council. Children’s social care is a very demanding.