Mayor's Blog: A closer look at the Mayor's role

So what's it like being a Mayor? I get asked this question a lot by friends, schoolchildren, constituents and fellow Councillors. The truth is, it's hard to summarise the job in just a few words.

Essentially, I am - for one year only - the first citizen of the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Sometimes, I'm a figurehead taking the salute at church services and military parades; sometimes, I'm performing a useful function like formally opening a new Council facility; sometimes my wife Helen and I are guests of honour at sporting events and formal charity dinners; and sometimes, dressed in my formal red robes and chains, I'm providing colour and decoration for a range of charitable events.
 
The common thread is that the office of Mayor exists to celebrate the wide range of voluntary and fundraising events in the Borough and to encourage and thank the legions of volunteers that help make our Borough such a wonderful place to live. Some of my early events which we have enjoyed include:

Opening summer fetes

Opening the many summer fetes across the Borough including the Barnes Fair, the Teddington fete, and the fair held on Twickenham Green.

Dignity in Care Awards

Handing out the prizes at the Dignity in Care Awards which champion local care workers and personal assistants who go the extra mile to provide outstanding care and support to local residents.

D-Day anniversary

Chatting to a D-Day veteran on the 80th anniversary of that momentous day.

Heathfield Primary School

Celebrating with the children of Heathfield Primary School at winning an award for the quality of religious education at the school.

New canteen at RACC

Opening a new canteen run by young people with learning difficulties at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College (RHACC) in Richmond. I can recommend the veggie curry!

Ham Polo Club

Going to watch a polo match at the Ham Polo Club and chatting with ex-England Football Manager, Roy Hodgson. Roy predicted correctly that England would get to the final in Euro 2024.

Fundraising events

The two mayoral charities I have chosen are Homestart Richmond, Kingston and Hounslow; and Richmond Mind. I'm aiming to raise money and raise the profile of these two wonderful charities and we held our launch event last month at the beautiful Georgian property Asgill House in Richmond.

More fundraising events are planned including a Thames boat cruise with fish and chips on 11 September and a mayoral quiz event on 20 September. Please try to support these events if you can! Learn more about the mayoral charities.

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