Cllr V Cocker

My family moved to Earby around 50 years ago and I love the place, I wouldn’t wish to live anywhere else. I joined the Council about 17 years ago and consider it a privilege to serve our community. I have seen many changes during this time, with council evolving from a small Parish Council to becoming a very busy Town Council.

As the Borough Council has devolved many of their responsibilities, we have taken on parks, playgrounds, recreation pitches, some car parks, parcels of land and various property. This includes our Council Offices, and what was the former Youth Hostel. I helped project manage the renovation of the hostel into the wonderful Holiday Hostel we have today.

In 2009, working alongside Pendle Borough Council and our local History Society, we applied for and received Grade 2 List Status for the War Memorial. In the following year, we created the adjacent Memorial Kerb which allowed us to add names that had been omitted from the War Memorial, together with losses since the end of the wars.

We are proud to be able to present to former Armed Forces and Merchant Navy personnel, a lapel pin which depicts the town’s emblem and the words Armed Forces Veteran. These are very well received.

I was Church Warden at All Saints for 18 years but have handed that mantle over now. I am also the Poppy Appeal Organiser for Earby, Kelbrook and Salterforth and an active member of the local Royal British Legion branch. The Council is very supportive of the Poppy Appeal which we appreciate very much.

My leisure time is devoted to my wonderful family, and especially now that I am blessed with a great granddaughter who is a joy to me. I also enjoy my garden and spending time with my friends.