What can I say? I am so filled with emotion to think this is my final column as Mayor of Frome.
I’m thrilled to have seen so many of you during the year and, with over 350 engagements behind me, I’d like to offer my thanks for all your invitations to visit you and for the wonderful welcomes I’ve received.
I’m hopeful that I’ll still be in touch with many of you as I complete my time as a councillor during the next year.
I’m sad that I haven’t been able to meet ALL of our amazing volunteers, charities, groups, and businesses due to the time restrictions of trying to squeeze it all into one year.
I’m tired. I won’t deny that being Mayor has been exhausting. It’s meant that, along with my normal council work, there’s very little time to enjoy a social life or any downtime. It’s a full-on role if it’s done to the best of one’s ability, but the benefit of time spent out in the community far outweighs any disadvantages.
I’m amazed that I’ve achieved as much as I have. With the issue of my gall bladder and its subsequent operation, still dealing with the aftereffects of anal cancer treatment, plus the usual aches and pains of getting older, it’s left me feeling proud to have not let anyone down.
I’m thankful for my amazing partner, Steve, who has given me free rein to do what I’ve wanted and needed to do to fulfil my role. His support has been amazing and I’m so lucky to have someone who’s always there to advise, encourage and offer a hug when I need it.
I’m elated at all the followers of the Mayor’s Facebook page, who engage with me, offer their thoughts and keep me grounded. Thank you to all of you.
I’m sorry I didn’t get to speak to everyone on my visits but thank you for being there and for all your contributions to our town.
It’s time to pass on my mayoral chain and that very busy diary – Frome’s new Mayor will be selected at next week’s council meeting on Wednesday 27 May so do come along or watch on YouTube to find out who it is!
I’m so grateful to you, Frome, for supporting me during my term, for being such strong contributors to our community, and for all the time and effort you give to one another in so many caring and helpful ways.
It’s been an absolute joy to be Mayor, and I can’t tell you how much I’m going to miss it. Thank you to all of you from the bottom of my heart for making it possible for me to achieve my dream and for making this such a fantastic year – I will always remember it!
