New mayor looks forward to year
CLLR HELEN WHITCROFT TAKES CHAIN OF OFFICE IN SURREY HEATH AT MAYOR-MAKING CEREMONY
COUNCILLOR Helen Whitcroft was chosen as the 50th Mayor of Surrey Heath at the annual meeting of Surrey Heath Borough Council on Wednesday May 11.
Cllr Whitcroft has been a councillor for Mytchett and Deepcut ward since 2019. At the mayor-making ceremony, she was sworn in as mayor for the forthcoming year, receiving the mayoral chain of office, and succeeds the previous mayor, Cllr Sarah Jane Croke.
Cllr Pat Tedder, who represents Windlesham and Chobham ward, was elected deputy mayor.
Cllr Whitcroft has lived in Surrey Heath for most of her life, and has worked as a legal secretary and also been a foster carer.
Since her election in 2019, Cllr Whitcroft has served on various committees including planning applications, licensing and external partnerships.
She has also represented the borough council on a number of outside bodies including the Basingstoke Canal Joint Management Committee, Farnborough Aerodrome Consultative Committee, Parity for Disability and Surrey Heath Local Area Committee.
Cllr Whitcroft said: “Since being elected in 2019 I have absolutely loved being a councillor. For the past year I have had the honour and privilege of being deputy mayor of Surrey Heath and I have enjoyed the role immensely.
“To be able to serve my community in this way has been incredible and I have met so many residents and attended some incredible events.
“Both of my parents were councillors in Surrey Heath and I’m proud to be able to continue in this family tradition. I look forward to serving as Surrey Heath’s mayor in the coming year, and meeting even more of our amazing community.”
Cllr Whitcroft, who lives in Frimley Green, is married to Campbell and has three children, Adam, Josh and Madison. Madison will be accompanying Cllr Whitcroft during her mayoral term of office.
The new mayor has also chosen to support the following three local charities during the year:
Chloe’s and Sophie’s Special Ears Fund is passionate about ‘brightening the lives of deaf children.’ It specialises in breaking down barriers for deaf children to improve their wellbeing and mental health, and ensure they have the best learning environment.
Connect Counselling Service was established 27 years ago to meet a recognised need within the local community for easier access to counselling. Connect provides a professional service to clients irrespective of their ability to pay.
Parity for Disability offers excellence in services and support for people with multiple disabilities, their families and carers. Its specialist staff, flexible transport, dedicated space, equipment and technologies provide a vital lifeline to its students.
The outgoing mayor, Cllr Sarah Jane Croke, said: “I have had the most incredible year as mayor, and one I will never forget.
“Being mayor has been such a fantastic experience and a pure joy to get out and about in our borough. And what an amazing borough we have.
“In and out of lockdown and different variants I have tried to reach as many people and organisations as possible to thank them for their hard work, support and for the community spirit that has brought us closer together through a year of trying to get back to normal.
“My thanks go out to the members for electing me, to the residents of Surrey Heath for their warm welcome and acceptance, and to the officers who have supported me through my year. Huge thanks to my small fundraising team for all their hard work and effort, to my family for supporting me, and lastly to my consort and husband, James, for his continued support. I wish the incoming mayor, Cllr Helen Whitcroft, the very best for a successful mayoral year.”