During the Mayoral year so far (and we are about half way through already), I’ve been inspired by the huge number of extraordinary volunteers who dedicate time, energy, and passion to support our communities and they deserve our sincerest thanks for all they do.
From local charities and food banks to youth groups, and neighbourhood initiatives, their dedication is the heartbeat of our borough. Volunteers, you embody the very best of the Christmas spirit and I know a good number will be supporting others through this season - thank you for continuing efforts.
On the Mayoral engagement front it has been very busy, with visits to care homes, attending school nativity plays and Christmas productions, end of year events for organisations and charity fundraisers. Rather than highlighting any particular ones, I thought that some of the pictures from some of the events, might tell the story. (See below.)
As we approach Christmas itself, I will be thinking of those who are on duty, working or looking after others at this time, know how much we value your efforts - thank you.
To you all, may this festive season bring peace, joy, and cherished moments with your loved ones. I wish you a peaceful, joyful Christmas and a very happy New Year.
Click on the bear to view upcoming Mayoral engagements
Mayoral Charities Click on the icons to visit the websites!
I Choose Freedom is a charity that provides refuge and a path to freedom for survivors of domestic abuse. They have three refuges that house women and children. As part of their Refuge for All project, they also offer self-contained units to support any survivor.
Home-Start East Surrey is a local charity which provides friendship and emotional and practical help to parents with at least one child under eleven years old.
Their aim is to provide early support to families who are experiencing a wide range of difficulties such as isolation, low self-esteem, mental health issues and parenting difficulties. They work alongside parents in their own homes to help raise self-confidence and their ability to cope in an increasingly pressured society. Their emphasis is on parents helping parents.
Mayor's Recent Civic and Fundraising Events
Home-Start East Surrey Wreath Making
We had the pleasure of hosting a wreath-making workshop in the historic Town Hall in Reigate for Home-Start East Surrey.
The workshop was led by Shaun and Logan from Squire's Garden Centres - Reigate and Crawley, who also generously provided the materials for the class to get really creative.
What a festive event it was and best of all, everyone went home with a wreath ready for their door in good time for Christmas.
Huge thanks to everyone who contributed and made the event such a success. Home-Start were able to explain briefly what they do to help local families and thank everyone for their support.
Personally, we were very pleased to see and hear how proud attendees were with their wreaths and many said how much they wanted to bring friends along next time!
I Choose Freedom Christmas Wrapping Event.
In early December, many volunteers from around the Town Hall gave up their time to catalogue and wrap many presents being donated to the Mayor's charity I Choose Freedom.
We wanted to say a massive thank you to everyone who either donated money, presents or gave up their time to make this happen!
It is very heartwarming to know that many families will be waking up with big smiles on their faces this Christmas morning.
Mayor's Upcoming Civic and Fundraising Events
Saturday 28 February 2026 – Live Music Night
Get ready for a night of awesome music!
Join us for a very special live music night at the Town Hall, featuring the brilliant Kings of Neon.
This charity gig is in aid of the Mayor’s Charities: I Choose Freedom & Home-Start East Surrey
Saturday 28 February 2026, from 7.30pm at the Town Hall, Castlefield Road, Reigate, RH2 0SH
Friday 27 March 2026 – Comedy Cottage Charity Fundraiser
The award-winning Comedy Cottage returns to Reigate for a special show in aid of local charity I Choose Freedom, which helps survivors of domestic violence.
There will be a bar and raffle and Comedy Cottage’s usual smorgasbord of comedy, TV/Radio, International/Circuit legends alongside newer rising stars of comedy.
Headlining for us will be the unstoppable and hilariously inspiring Shazia Mirza
Shazia Mirza is an award-winning British standup comedian and writer who works internationally. She has performed stand-up shows across the world in Europe, US, Asia, and the Far East. Listed by The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy, Shazia is also a winner of the prestigious PPA Awards: ‘Columnist of the Year’ for her writing in The New Statesman.
The comedy night will also feature Stephanie Laing, Christian Jegard, L.J. Da Funk, and Mc Saheela Kershi
