WHAT DO WE STAND FOR?
What does Oswaldtwistle Onwards stand for?
We’ve spoken to residents, volunteers, community groups and local businesses about what kind of organisation Oswaldtwistle Onwards should be.
The answer was simple…
People.
Everything starts and ends with people.
That’s why our logo isn’t just a logo.
Each colour represents a core value that we believe can help move our town forward.
Hope
Believing in a brighter future.
Supporting positive change.
Creating opportunities for generations to come.
Community
Bringing people together.
Building connections.
Celebrating what makes Oswaldtwistle special.
Compassion
Looking after one another.
Ensuring every voice is heard.
Creating a welcoming place where everyone belongs.
Together these values form the foundation of Oswaldtwistle Onwards.
Different backgrounds. Different experiences. Different ideas.
One shared future.
The future of Oswaldtwistle won’t be built by one person. It won’t be built by one organisation.
It will be built by all of us, working together with a shared purpose and a love for our town.
This is only the beginning.
OUR GOALS
MEET THE TEAM
CHAIRS - BETHANY AND DAMIAN HODGSON
I’m Beth Hodgson, Co-Chair of Oswaldtwistle Onwards, and for me, being part of this group is ultimately about one thing — people. Throughout my working life, I’ve always found myself in roles centred around bringing people together, creating opportunities and making sure people feel included. I previously worked as a Sports Development Officer for Burnley Council, helping to encourage people to become active, get involved and benefit from opportunities within their community. Before that, I worked overseas as a Kids Club Representative for Thomas Cook, looking after children and families and helping to create experiences and memories that people could take home with them. Today, I’m a landlady, and although that might seem like a completely different career, in many ways the heart of the job is exactly the same. It’s about people. Being a landlady has shown me just how important a sense of belonging can be. I’ve watched friendships form, seen a community rally around people during some of the hardest moments of their lives, and witnessed incredible generosity when someone else needs help. Some of my proudest moments haven’t been about what we’ve achieved personally, but about seeing what ordinary people can achieve when they’re given a reason to come together. Becoming a mum has made that feeling even stronger. I want my children to grow up somewhere they are proud to call home. I want them to know their neighbours, feel part of their community and grow up understanding that looking after the people around you matters. That is a huge part of why Oswaldtwistle Onwards means so much to me. I don’t want our children to grow up hearing stories about what Oswaldtwistle used to be. I want them to grow up excited about what it is and what it can become. There are so many wonderful people, businesses, organisations, schools and community groups already doing incredible things here. Oswaldtwistle Onwards gives us an opportunity to connect those people, listen to our community and make sure everyone has the chance to be involved. As Co-Chair, I want to help create something positive, welcoming and genuinely representative of the people who live here. Because ultimately, a community isn’t defined by buildings, roads or boundaries. It’s defined by the people who call it home. And I’m incredibly proud that Oswaldtwistle is ours. Different People. Shared Purpose. One Oswaldtwistle.
I’m Damian Hodgson, Co-Chair of Oswaldtwistle Onwards, and I’m incredibly passionate about our town, its people and what we can achieve when the community works together. My working life has been varied to say the least! I spent five years serving in the British Army as an Armoured Vehicle Mechanic, an experience that taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience, leadership and getting the job done. Since leaving the Army, I’ve worked as an HGV driver, DJ, social media manager and landlord — each role giving me different skills and experiences that I now bring into my community work. As a landlord, I’ve seen first-hand just how important community spaces are. A pub can be much more than somewhere to have a drink; it can be somewhere people meet, make friends, raise money, support one another and feel part of something. Over the years, I’ve gained extensive experience in organising and running events, from live entertainment and community events to large-scale charity fundraisers. Charity and community work have become a huge part of my life, and I’m extremely proud to have helped raise over £100,000 for charitable causes through various events, challenges and fundraising campaigns. My experience in social media and events has also shown me how powerful it can be when people, businesses and organisations get behind one shared idea. Sometimes all it takes is somebody willing to bring people together and turn an idea into action. Away from everything else, I’m a very proud family man. I have two beautiful boys and a baby girl on the way, and they are a huge part of the reason why I care so much about the future of the place we call home. For me, Oswaldtwistle Onwards is about exactly that — the future. I want us to celebrate what is already brilliant about Oswaldtwistle while being ambitious about what it could become. I believe in bringing residents, businesses, schools, community groups and local organisations together, listening to what people actually want and then working collectively to make things happen. I don’t believe one person or one organisation can transform a town on their own. But with different people bringing different skills, experiences and ideas to the table, we can make a genuine difference. That’s why I’m proud to be part of Oswaldtwistle Onwards. Different People. Shared Purpose. One Oswaldtwistle.
VICE CHAIR - MARK FISHER
My name is Mark Fisher. I am retired. I spent most of my working life in warehousing and Royal Navy early on. I have lived in Oswaldtwistle for 34 yrs. My formative years living nearby. I have no obvious skills to speak of, just enthusiasm. I look forward to engaging with like minded people in Ossy.
TREASURER - CATHERINE CHADWICK
I’m Catherine Chadwick (formerly Catherine Larner) - Oswaldtwistle born, bred, and through-and-through. Growing up on Trinity Street, Ossy has always been my safe haven and even though I studied and lived far away, I always knew I would come home. My roots run deep here: from Saturday walks up to Kemp Delph with my Grandma and Grandad Larner, to my Grandparents running the antiques shop next to Franco’s. My family’s story is woven into this town. So many of my relatives worked at Rist Wires, and I still remember the legendary Christmas parties they threw. That sense of a tight-knit community where everyone looks out for one another shaped who I am today. For 23 years, I’ve worked as a fully qualified accountant, I now run my own practice right from my farm at the top of Broadfield. Life at home is wonderfully full - shared with my incredible children (who are my absolute world), two cats, a dog, and eight sheep. Now living in the Green Haworth community, I love seeing us gather for annual Halloween and Christmas events, and St. Clement’s Church truly feels like family. I’m also deeply involved in local causes, serving as Chair of the PTA at my son’s school, working as a Scout Leader with CLM specializing in events, and volunteering with local charities. Having owned and run event businesses over the years, I know that sometimes the simplest goal is the most important: making someone smile. I am small, bubbly, genuine, and driven by a desire to empower others. My childhood home at my grandma and grandad Larner’s was always open, with a pot of lamb stew ready for anyone who needed a meal or a listening ear. I want to help us hold onto that spirit. As a single mum, I know firsthand how vital it is to feel included and supported without fear of judgment or cost. Oswaldtwistle is full of amazing people, and I am passionate about making positive, lasting changes so that everyone in our town knows they belong, feel supported, and have a place to turn. Together, we can make a genuine difference.
SECRETARY - KAISSE O'NEIL
I am Kaisse O’Neil and I am the Secretary of Oswaldtwistle Onwards. I am also an Education Liaison and Arts Lead. Oswaldtwistle is my hometown and, although I’ve lived in different places over the years, including moving away and eventually coming back, it has always remained home. It holds so many of my childhood memories, and there is a sense of belonging here that I don’t think anywhere else could ever replace. Home really is where the heart is. For most of my adult life I have worked in Education supporting children and young people across a wide range of needs, including autism, specific learning difficulties and profound and multiple learning difficulties. I also hold a Post Graduate Certificate in Education with a Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) specialism from Reading University. Alongside education, I’ve always had a real passion for community involvement. I previously volunteered as Secretary and Treasurer for a residents’ community association, where I helped organise events, apply for funding and work alongside residents and local councillors. One of the projects I’m particularly proud of was helping establish a community garden, creating a welcoming space where people could grow food, learn, share skills and bring the community together. I became involved with Oswaldtwistle Onwards because I didn’t want to simply sit back and hope things changed. When I heard about the meeting to support Oswaldtwistle and raise funds for the Tinker and Budget war mural, I came along to see how I could help. When I realised there was an opportunity to do more, I put myself forward. I’m passionate about bringing people together, creating opportunities, celebrating what makes Oswaldtwistle special and helping make positive, lasting changes that future generations can be proud of.
ARTS & EDUCATION LEAD - ANNE BLANCHARD
I am Anne Blanchard, I am an Arts and Education lead at Oswaldtwistle Onwards. I have lived in Oswaldtwistle since moving here in 2012 to be closer to family. I am a retired primary school teacher and local artist. Passionate about the Arts I have big dreams to put Oswaldtwistle on the map for its identity as a vibrant and creative place. Hearing about the idea for a mural on the Tinker and Budget sparked my interest in the project and is what first got me involved in this group. A teacher since the 1980s I have seen investment for the Arts in schools eroded and the importance of their value diminished . At the same time mental health issues are growing at a frightening rate . I firmly believe that fostering creativity has a profound effect on the mental wellbeing of a community. Therefore my ambition for Oswaldtwistle Onwards is to help address this need as we work alongside schools businesses and other interested parties. I am buzzing with ideas for getting people involved in creative events and projects in our town . The aim of these will be to showcase and promote existing talent but also to lift and support younger /emerging creatives . If you have ideas about how we can use the Arts to enrich all of our lives here I would love to hear them - I’m talking about all creative endeavours not just painting - we have in Ossy a very varied set of super talented people. We have, potters, photographers, actors, crafters, poets, musicians, children’s authors, painters, singers... to name but a few. Let’s show everyone what we can do! Oswaldtwistle Onwards!!
MARKETING & PR LEAD - KATHRYN CHADWICK
My name is Kathryn Chadwick and I am a Marketing and PR lead. With a background in web and graphic design, social media management and a dabble in writing, when Oswaldtwistle Onwards put a call out for a web designer I jumped right in. I am not originally from Oswaldtwistle, but my now husband is from Oswaldtwistle born and bred so we moved here together after meeting at university. It’s safe to say I’ve fallen in love with the town ever since and we have now started our family here! This is another reason why I am keen to work to improve Oswaldtwistle through this community-led group, for the future of my child and the younger generations in town to have incredible opportunities. The community I have already experienced since moving here is a beautiful one. I’ve seen people come together in times of hardship and times of joy. And I believe the people of Ossy certainly know how to do things and come together! I have worked with a few charities previously, on aspects such as social media and publicity, but also organised some events and fundraising events in my career so far, so am super excited to bring the ideas I have to Oswaldtwistle Onwards and see our community grow and be full of life and energy!
COUNCILLOR ANDY GILBERT
My name is Andy Gilbert. I’m a councillor for St Andrews ward. I work as a mental health nurse. I have a son James, who despite his severe autism is my best friend and sidekick, and a lovely wife, Paula. I have over 25 years experience of living in Oswaldtwistle and am extremely passionate about Oswaldtwistle. Oswaldtwistle is however litter strewn, has some empty/decaying buildings and its fair share of ASB. I want to help in promoting pride in Oswaldtwistle and exhibit its finest culture. As a councillor I have links to council and the current governing party. I also have close links to the local MP. Whilst my position does mean that I must be restricted from key posts within Oswaldtwistle, to avoid conflict of interest with my councillor role, I like to work quietly in the background, carrying out essential if not particularly glamorous roles. I see my role in Oswaldtwistle Onwards in the same way I see my role in council - like a Nobby styles, not one of the star players but willing to back the star players up to the hilt. One beauty about Oswaldtwistle Onwards is that it’s apolitical. Whilst the 2 councillors within the group are from opposing parties, this makes zero difference to the functioning of Oswaldtwistle Onwards, where everyone works together for common goals, no matter any differences outside of the group.
COUNCILLOR STEVEN SMITHSON
My name is Steven Smithson. I am a proud, born-and-bred Oswaldtwistle resident, with strong family roots and a lifelong connection to the town I am honoured to represent. Having served as an Oswaldtwistle councillor for five years, I have gained valuable experience working with residents, community groups, organisations and businesses, listening to local concerns and helping turn them into positive action. I am passionate about Oswaldtwistle and committed to creating better opportunities and helping to build a positive future for our town. I believe real change happens when the community leads the way and when we work together with a shared sense of purpose. Oswaldtwistle Onwards is about bringing our community together around a shared vision for regeneration and renewal. Through my experience as a councillor, I can bring local knowledge, strong relationships and an understanding of how to work with partners and decision-makers to help turn ideas into action. For me, being a councillor is about giving back to the town that has given so much to me and my family — a local lad helping Oswaldtwistle move onwards.
JOE BAMFORD
Joe Bamford considers Oswaldtwistle his true home, having moved to the town from Blackburn at the age of six, and has loved his youth and adult life here, currently residing in Broadfield. An avid Blackburn Rovers supporter simply because Oswaldtwistle lacks its own professional football team, Joe played football for Ossy Juniors at under tens alongside fellow Ossy Onwards member and local councillor Stephen Smithson and many other fantastic Ossy folk who still reside here today in the fantastic community of Oswaldtwistle. Growing up exploring the beautiful parts of the town on his bike, from the Pine Forest and Jack House to Moor End, Foxhill Nature Reserve, Rhyddings Park, and the beautiful Immanuel cricket field on New Lane, instilled in him a lifelong love for the area. During secondary school, Joe took up music lessons that cost around sixty pounds a term, a stark contrast to the prices later generations faced. That step ultimately changed his path. Witnessing in the mid-2010s how financial pressures were affecting local families and pricing ordinary children out of extracurricular music lessons, Joe wanted to do something. Backed by the support of people around him who listened to his ideas, specifically Matthew Yates and Joanna Hunt, he spearheaded a 2020 crowdfunding campaign to fund FREE MUSIC LESSONS in Oswaldtwistle schools. Out of that momentum, OSSYFEST was born as a fundraiser for further FREE MUSIC LESSONS. Balancing his day job as a music lecturer at Burnley College with his community leadership, Joe pours a lot of his free time into organising the annual festival and liaising with schools to organise lessons. OSSYFEST has raised over fifteen thousand pounds to fund those vital FREE MUSIC LESSONS across local primary schools and educational facilities, with the long term goal of building a sustainable festival that properly pays its creative professionals. As Chairman of FREE MUSIC LESSONS and a dedicated champion of the town, Joe has joined Ossy Onwards with the clear intention of trying to be a part of uniting a wider network of local people, bringing together diverse skill sets, personal interests, and community groups to collaborate on meaningful projects. This collective approach is about connecting everyone in Oswaldtwistle who wants to make a difference, supporting vital causes like Ronald McDonald House for families with seriously ill children, alongside community interest companies, local groups such as the friends of Rhyddings park, and art projects such as a war memorial mural on the side of the Tinker and Budget pub to further champion local history and the people who have given so much to the area. Working alongside a dedicated and supportive team, Joe remains firmly committed to building a stronger future for the town and its community.
FUNDING LEAD - ANDREA WALLACE
Andrea Wallace is an award-winning business strategist, economic development professional and programme manager with more than 25 years’ experience spanning local government, economic development, regeneration, business support and the private sector. A qualified SFEDI Business Coach, PRINCE2 Practitioner and THOMAS International Practitioner, Andrea has built her career around developing partnerships, securing investment, supporting businesses and communities, and turning strategic ambitions into deliverable projects. Andrea currently serves as Business Support Manager at Lancaster City Council, where she manages Business Support and Economic Development Officers and works across policy, funding, performance, inward investment, employment and skills, community wealth and business engagement. Her work has included supporting UK Shared Prosperity Fund projects and developing sector-focused initiatives around retrofit, Electech and manufacturing. Her team’s work has also received regional recognition through an FSB award for Future Proofing Business Support, alongside being a finalist in the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Lancashire Business Awards. Previously, Andrea held senior economic development roles at Wyre Council, where she managed the Economic Development Team, supported delivery of the Hillhouse Enterprise Zone, worked with the Blackpool and Fylde Economic Prosperity Board and led partnership working connected with the redevelopment of Fleetwood Town Centre, including the Future High Streets submission and associated Regeneration Framework. Her work has consistently brought together the public, private, education, community and voluntary sectors to support economic growth and positive change. Andrea also has extensive private-sector and consultancy experience. She has delivered strategic business planning, operational management and people-development support, helping organisations with strategy, project management, HR, recruitment, finance, funding, innovation and sales. She has additionally worked as a business mentor and consultant, supporting organisations to identify barriers to growth, access investment and funding, strengthen leadership and develop sustainable growth strategies. A significant part of Andrea’s career has centred on major publicly funded programmes. While at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, she helped expand a £17.5 million Government investment programme into £200 million of external funding within 18 months, supporting economic development projects across Pennine Lancashire. She subsequently helped establish Pennine Lancashire as a centre of excellence in project and programme management and was promoted to Acting Section Head within an 18-member programme team. Alongside her professional career, Andrea has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting businesses, individuals and communities. She was named Best in Business Support at the 2015 Downtown Lancashire Women in Business Awards, served as an Enterprise Advisor at Myerscough College, was a BIBAs Business Awards judge, served as President of the Soroptimist GB & Ireland Amounderness Club and volunteered as a fundraiser for East Lancashire Hospice. Andrea is recognised for her ability to bring people and organisations together, build productive partnerships and translate ideas into practical action. Her career combines strategic leadership, regeneration, economic development, funding, programme management, business growth and community-focused delivery, underpinned by a commitment to creating lasting social and economic impact.