Barnsley and Beyond

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Just look at who was awarded the Freedom of the Borough last month alongside our phenomenal Intensive Care Unit… That suffering will live long in the memory but so too should the resolve of those who pulled us through – our NHS

Romero Communities – a wonderful organisation, who have provided invaluable support to countless people in Barnsley. workers, carers, delivery drivers, shopworkers, posties, transport staff, and many others. Too often taken for granted but I am however acutely aware not everyone always shares my enthusiasm for when the winds of change begin to blow!

Our town centre has undergone remarkable transformation in recent times – praise rightly goes to the Leader of our Council, Sir Steve Houghton and his team for the incredible progress we have seen.

Let me be candid, many people were surprised at my decision to stand down, but I said from the beginning that being a Mayor and an MP wasn’t a long-term arrangement. I strongly believe that identifying and engaging people who have achieved something in their own lives is now more important than ever. For youngsters to hear someone, who had greater obstacles than they personally face, say – “Well I did it – so why can’t you!” You only have to walk around our community and speak to the people who make it so special to know that holds true. I first met her when I was a fledgling author and trying to network to get my name out there. There were plenty of folk who wouldn’t give me the time of day who are all over me now like flies around the proverbial… but I never forgot those first people who extended their hands of friendship because they wanted to help me, not because they wanted help from me and they always get first call on my available time. Mel was right at the top of that list and because of that, any favour she asked of me was one I was glad to meet. And Hey! – who do so much for our children and young people suffering with their mental health by providing the care they need when they need it most.

More clips from Howard Pressman

The response to the crisis from our community has been incredibly moving – we opened our hearts and our homes. Barnsley is blessed beyond belief with people who can do that; people who in sharing their own stories inspire others to follow suite. In virtually every outlying village, and the town itself, there is someone whose achievement has been nationally or internationally recognised. While the Pals’ struggle took them to foreign soil, the miners’ struggle was brought to their very doorstep.