Passing The Baton

Passing The Baton

Last May my Wife and I became the Mayor and Mayoress of Wisbech.

It was such a wonderful day. I was proud to take on the role in the Town that I love surrounded by family, friends, colleagues and local people.

The year has been very busy and yet has also flashed past.

I have given the role everything I have. I have done my best to do it my own way, to try new things, but also to preserve old traditions.

I tried to make sure that my Civic Functions were well-organised, enjoyable and memorable.

I have done my best to represent the town far and wide. I have always tried to do so with positivity, enthusiasm and commitment.

I have set a new record for charitable funds raised during the Wisbech Mayorship and I am pleased to have been able to help many great local causes.

I must take this opportunity to thank all of my Town Council colleagues, the Town Council staff, my Mayoral Chaplains, my Mum and Stepdad (who helped with everything, but most particularly with all the catering), my Wife and Son for working with me every step of the way, my good friend Mr David Topgood who has assisted me in so many Mayoral Duties. And the good people of Wisbech who have (almost all) been incredibly supportive every step of the way.

I sat atop a Rose Fair Float, I picked litter at the Rock Festival, I visited so many wonderful care homes on Christmas Day, I sang Christmas Carols on the Market Place, I got to fight supervillains on stage in front of thousands of people, I got to meet people who had landmark birthdays, I ran the Colour run without having a heart attack (somehow), I watched as fine local people did wonderful things and started new ventures and helped the community in incredible ways.

I am down to the last week or two and have finished almost all the official Mayoral commitments remaining in my diary.

Very soon, my Deputy, Cllr Peter Human, will become the new Mayor. I know he will do a wonderful job and I’d like to wish Peter and Janet all the very best. I hope they will enjoy the job as much as my Wife and I have.

We’ve met so many amazing people, travelled to other brilliant towns and cities. It has been just the best experience.

My family and I would like to thank the Town for this opportunity, which we will certainly never forget.

It has been an absolute privilege and the greatest honour to have been Mayor of this incredible, wonderful, town which is full of many of the best people I have ever met in my life.

Thank you so much.