Now we’re in May 2022, my grateful thanks go to those who supported my annual dinner dance held last month. The incredible array of raffle and auction prizes donated by local businesses resulted in a final profit of £3546. This will go to my nominated charities this year, which are Whittlesey Sports Association, Community Car Scheme and the Sue Ryder Hospice at Thorpe Hall, Peterborough.
In addition, I have donated £1,000 to the Ukrainian Relief Fund via The British Red Cross. I would implore everyone to keep Ukraine in their thoughts and prayers at this time and to support the relief effort in any way that you can.
Whittlesey Town Council elections
The month of May is traditionally a time in politics when elections take place, whether locally or nationally. Whittlesey Town Council will be holding their own elections to the positions of mayor and deputy mayor and the formations of the respective committees under which the council operates. These will take place on Thursday 19 May at their annual meeting at Peel House, commencing at 7.30pm. Should you wish to attend, then please notify the town clerk, Mrs Sue Piergianni, in good time.
It is particularly important that we look to the future and encourage anyone who has contemplated representing their local community at either town or district level to step forward. For anyone who is considering such a future, I would encourage them to contact the town council offices. Alternatively, they can approach myself or any of our existing councillors to find out, in strictest confidence, the requirements.
Church elections
Local churches are also holding annual elections in the month of May 2022. After serving St Andrews as churchwarden for thirty years, I have decided to step down in favour of a younger person. This will also increase my available time to serve the wider community on town and district councils.
It has been a great privilege to serve St Andrews Church as churchwarden, youth leader and verger. I have been honoured to have worked alongside Rectors John Stevenette, Philip Collins and Nigel Whitehouse over the years. But with the appointment of a young married couple in the form of Emily and Lloyd Davis as ordained priests in June, now is the time for me to move on.
The advent of spring sees warmer, longer days, and the return of growth in our gardens. With this, we can all afford to be optimistic in our outlook, so let us all enjoy the coming summer.
Till next time…
Words by Cllr David K M Mason, Mayor and Leader, Whittlesey Town Council