Hello Beckworth. I hope this message finds you well, it is a reminder that today at 2.15pm the town’s traditional St Patrick’s Day Parade will be setting off from the recently-redecorated (at great expense) town hall. We are hoping that about five or six Paddy Power sponsored floats will take part alongside our very own “Irish” marching band, so there will be plenty for the whole family to see. The route will this year include a stop at the newly opened Paddy Power betting-office before ending up at the playing fields, where this year’s Shamrock Queen will be crowned. The parade will then return along the same circuitous route ending up at The Blind Badger pub car park where traditional ”Irish” refreshments and entertainment are being laid on. It’s bound to be a grand craic and celebrations in the pub will probably last most of the week as they’ve got an extension on their licence. So here’s to a wonderful sober St Paddy’s day. Thanking you most warmly. Aashif Ackworth. New Mayor. Beckworth Town Council