Lyn Swindlehurst

REFLECTING on the past year I feel sad that it is coming to a close.

All Mayors hope that they have made a difference to benefit their town and I have received some very positive messages from our community and visitors as the year ends. Fellow Councillors and people I meet have thanked me for my enthusiasm and commitment to represent our town at home and in our twin town Este.

So many people have contributed to the year helping with fundraising for my charities, Borderland Voices and Family Action, both of who are tireless in their support of others.

One of my greatest allies this year has been Bill Lomas, our

Town Crier. His respect, friendship and absolute commitment to our community has kept me going. He has been a true role model.

My deputy Bill Cawley has supported me throughout and represented our town when I could not, particularly on Remembrance Sunday when he represented me with respect and dignity when I had covid.

Working with other Mayors and Chair and Vice Chair of SMDC has been refreshing and collaborative.

Part of the Mayor’s role is to represent Leek by engaging with Civic dignitaries from other towns, as well as working with the chair and vice chair of Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

This year the relationship between us all has been exceptional, with support and friendship extended across our roles and towns. The visit in May to Este, our twin town, made me realise the amount of effort that has gone into forging that special link over many years.

I was determined to hold my Civic events in places I see as representative of Leek, the Maude Institute and the Foxlowe Art Centre. Both examples of iconic buildings, and wonderful supportive creative people, both in abundance in Leek.

I am proud of our Town Council that has a great deal to celebrate, and offer to the community.

We have recently added a forward planning meeting to our agenda where we can informally bring forward ideas for discussion and either move these forward to council for agreement or agree they may not work. Our primary responsibility must be to work together for the good of the town.

I wish the mayor and deputy for the forthcoming year a fulfilling year full of experiences never to be forgotten, as I have had.

Lastly I want to thank my family who have, I know, on occasions worried about me, but still let me handle the year in my own way.

My grandsons Elijah and Jacob have been proud….. what more could you want?