For somebody that comes
from a humble background – I can’t express enough what an honour it is to be
elected Mayor and I thank you sincerely for the opportunity.
As some will know, I began
to get involved in community and Council life when aged 12 I wrote a letter to
the local paper complaining about the lack of things to do in Thetford for
young people. That was 1997. It was from there that I was contacted by then
Manager of the old Thetford Partnership – Nigel Boldero and invited to meetings
to give my opinions on things from a young person’s perspective. I didn’t
really have political beliefs at that time, but what struck me early on was that
the same individuals were also at the different meetings that I was going to,
most notably Thelma Paines and Colin Armes as County Councillors. Over time I
got to know these Councillors and it was Thelma that invited me to my first Labour
Party meeting aged about 13 or 14 and the rest they say is history.
I want to thank those
political people in my life who not only helped shape my beliefs but also
provided me with role models demonstrating the importance of public and
community service. People like Thelma and Albert, Colin and Sylvia and Gerald
Bass. Also people like Pat Balaam, Ray Key and Jack Ramm, who are sadly no
longer with us, but I’m really pleased that Diana and Alison have been able to
attend. The examples that they set with their own lives and actions have shaped
who I am today and I thank them for it.
I thank my parents for
their support and the example that they have set – their strong work ethic has
always been an example to me and their practical support has enabled me to
undertake many of the things that I have done. Thanks also to all my family and
friends for their love and support. Being involved in local Government can take
up a significant part of your life and whilst it’s something that I and others
have chosen to do, it’s not something that those around us have and their forbearance
is I am sure appreciated by all.
Whilst we cannot be 100%
certain, I’m likely to be THE youngest Mayor in Thetford’s history or if not,
one of the youngest. Whilst youth can give me energy and determination it
doesn’t always afford me patience and wisdom and I look to fellow Councillors
past and present for that guidance in my year ahead. I’m always prepared to listen and whilst I do
have my own opinions, I welcome alternative ideas and recognise that I am not
always right.
I am sure that my year as
Mayor will be different to what some people are used to. It is no secret that I
am someone that is much more confortable in jeans and a t-shirt rather than a
shirt and tie. But I will aim to do everything that is required of me in the
role, and I recognise that tradition is very important but so too is common
sense – I’ll even wear a hat!
My consort for the year
will be Corinne Fulford. Like many people I knew many years ago that Corinne
was a ‘do-er’ – I didn’t entirely appreciate the breadth of what she did, or
understand why she did it – but I knew she did things. It was only when Corinne
was elected to the Town Council in 2011 that I really understood what she was
all about and I fully appreciated her passion – passion not just for Thetford,
but for community engagement and fairness too. Corinne I know will be the
perfect advocate for our Town as we travel to events locally and further
afield.
I love Thetford, whilst
many friends of mine have moved away to pursue careers and to follow a
different path, I have never been tempted by the bright lights of elsewhere.
Thetford is a beautiful town, we have incredible environmental assets, we have
amazing heritage and we have such wonderful community spirit. So often people
do not recognise or appreciate what is on their own doorstep – I hope over the
next 12 months to do what I can to add to the efforts of others to highlight the
many good points about Thetford and work to address those things that may need
a bit more effort.
My
focus for the year ahead will be to inspire young people in this town to
achieve what they want to achieve. As someone that was born and grew up here, I
know a bit about the barriers that still exist. Not just the physical ones but
the psychological ones too. I’m going to have some help in my year ahead from
other people that have grown up in Thetford and have gone on to achieve in
their lives. These ‘ambassadors’ will assist with visits to local schools and
youth groups – talking about growing up in Thetford and what they do now.
With
this in mind, thinking about the Mayor’s Charity - any funds raised over the
next year will be earmarked to support projects and organisations in Thetford
that work with and support young people.
I
look forward to the year ahead with a degree of nervousness and excitement and
l hope that I serve you well.
