120 ‘mayoral events’ and 142 meetings –
including 52 council meetings, and 90 others that are related to my role as
mayor, and therefore wouldn’t have been in my diary if I didn’t have this
wonderful role. And considering that I’ve also been out of Thornbury on
work-related travel for 9 weeks and on holiday for 1 week, that means a total
of 262 engagements spread over 295 days – what an absolute honour and
privilege!
I’ve met a wonderful range of people – from
young to old, able-bodied, those living with additional needs and disabilities
of various kinds; people with lots of letters after their names who move in
circles I didn’t even know existed, and people who fled conflict in their home
country and have come to seek refuge here in the UK. And then there are all the
amazing volunteers who give of their time to support such a range of
organisations and needs in society – wow, where to even start: I feel humbled
by it all.
My aim when I took on the role of Mayor of
Thornbury was to find ways to serve the community, and to raise the profile of
all the good work that is going on out there in the town – whether it be
individuals or organisations, volunteers or employers and employees. I have
always said to people to ‘use and abuse my role as mayor’ to draw attention to
what they are doing, the flag they are waving, the cause they are promoting (so
long as those are positive and worthy flags and causes that I am happy to be
associated with of course).
And hopefully that is what people will feel
that I have done.
My other ‘mantra’ that always sits with me
is, to slightly adapt the words of HRH Queen Elizabeth II, ‘to be a servant
mayor, and show the King I serve’. I couldn’t do this role on my own – I can
only do it with God at my side, ahead of me, behind me, carrying me, nudging me
on. Sometimes He comes in the shape of the other council staff and councilors
who have given unerring support. Sometimes He comes in the guise of the people
I meet and their welcomes and inspiring stories. But always He is there within,
and He is there through Tim, Rozzie and Natalie, and all my wonderful band of
praying supporters who cheer me on around the world, and to whom I am eternally
grateful
This past week has, for me, encapsulated
all that being mayor is about.
It started with my bit of God-space in a
friend’s summerhouse – the rhythm that I have tried to hang on to despite the
crazy schedule as it just helps keep the perspective and priorities right.
Then I opened a revamped Kwik-Fit, and
ended up chatting with them about how they might be able to run some sessions
for new young drivers. Then a ‘One Public Estate’ meeting (council jargon),
before going to Goucester Cathedral in the evening for a St Georges Service
with all its English tradition, pomp and circumstance.
Tuesday was some council meetings, and then
on Wednesday there was a breakfast meeting with a gathering of folks who
provide services for teenagers and their families who are going through more
troubled times – unfortunately I couldn’t stay for long, but the insights I got
from the organisations were humbling and inspiring. A meeting with the Mayor of
Bristol followed – on the basis that ‘we are both mayors, both Christians, so
let’s see what God lays on our hearts’ (and watch this space for the plans that
were hatched!).
And then the Youth Showcase and
presentation of Mayor’s Youth Awards in the evening – such a fabulous turnout
for an event that has never happened before in Thornbury. Youth award nominees,
their families and friends, youth-based organisations showcasing what they
offer, various other random young people and interested folks: all in all a
real celebration of the youth of Thornbury, and the place really buzzed – I got
quite emotional at one point, it was such a lovely reflection of what Thornbury
is and means to so many.
Thursday was quiet, and then Friday started
with a prayer breakfast with folks from across South Glos – councilors, council
staff, and a few others – a lovely time to come together and pray for the area.
No party politics, no geographical boundaries, just being together, lifting up
our concerns for this area to God. So glad I started that initiative in this
area.
Friday finished with a visit to the local
squash club, and a visit to the local Beavers to answer their various questions
about being the mayor.
And then Saturday, and the visit to
Thornbury by the Syrian refugee families from Bristol. What an absolute delight
that was: to welcome them to the town, and then, along with various other town
councilors and church folks, to show them round the town hall and council
chambers, down to St Mary’s church and Thornbury Castle, up to the Mundy
Playing Fields, and finishing at Thornbury Baptist church for afternoon tea.
Such a privilege: to be able to facilitate
an opportunity for the Syrian families to come together, outside of Bristol
where they now live but dispersed across the city, to enjoy the ruralness of
Thornbury, to have time to chat together and with local folks, to offer hospitality
in the form of a huge amount of cakes and sandwiches, and to provide safe space
for the children to play whilst the parents chat. After all that these families
have been through in the past few years of Syrian horror – what an honour to be
able to play a tiny part in rebuilding lives.
As I said, the range of events, meetings
and opportunities this week has been a small version of the whole year really –
a total and utter, mind-blowing privilege: how blessed I feel that God asked me
to do this.
There is so much more I could add, but I
won’t for now. Maybe I’ll try and make more time to blog during the coming
year, and do a bit more stopping and reflecting – but given all the plans lined
up, I’m not promising anything.
For now, I just want to end with a massive
thank you – to friends, to family, to colleagues, to those I have visited, to
those I have met with, to those who have inspired me, to those who have
encouraged me, but most of all to my Lord and King without whom I would be
incapable of doing any of the above. May the glory be His, now and always!
PS if I can work out how, I'll do a photo blog of the year sometime soon - so pop back in a few days, or watch out for the note about it on FB.
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