We are now about 5 months into the municipal year and we have attended a large number and variety of events across the borough, meeting residents, community groups and businesses.
This probably won't come as a great surprise if you have been following the Mayoralty on Facebook or Instagram, I hope you will have noticed that we want to feature every event we go to.
Recently, I have been asked by Councillor colleagues what it's like being Mayor and how does it compare with being a councillor. Quite simply, it's an extraordinary privilege. As a ward councillor, you get to know your patch, you get to understand how the community works and what the issues are. I was also lucky enough to be a member of the Council Executive and as such, got to understand and shape strategic issues covering the whole borough.
Then for a few months before I became Mayor, that intensified as I was asked to be Deputy Council Leader. I had become very used to having strategic or policy papers in front of me and was always conscious of the seriousness of subject matter. They were largely discussions based on information in the papers.
Being Mayor almost flips that on its head because I actually get to meet the groups and organisations who are making a difference for residents 'on the ground', hearing what and how they do it and importantly, frequently seeing the end result of Council strategy, of policy or initiatives. It really is a privilege to meet the people, many of whom volunteer their time, and offer their care and attention to others. I suspect that feeling won't change throughout the year.
One constant throughout is that I have always been supported throughout by fine officers of the council - and that's appreciated.
During the course of the year, I'm keen to get even more residents and groups to come to our Town Hall. It was brilliant to see a record number of residents visit our wonderful Town Hall for Heritage Open Day to find out more about its history and what happens here. I was delighted to welcome every visitor to the Mayor's Parlour to chat, to show the regalia as well as our charter and do my level best to answer questions as accurately as possible.
We also offer Tatton Winter prints of scenes around Reigate, such as the High Street, Old Town Hall and more, priced at just £10 each. All proceeds will go to the Mayor’s chosen charities. Please contact the Mayors office to enquire.
The Mayoral team is working with the chosen charities - I Choose Freedom and Home Start East Surrey - to raise the profile of the services they offer, campaigns they are involved with, and fundraising activities that can be found below.
As Mayor I get asked many questions, most are serious relating to the role, the council or the future of local government in Surrey, many also relate to the Mayoral chains but there's nothing like getting asked questions by youngsters. The one that made me chuckle most was this: "When you get onto a plane, do you get a free upgrade because you are the Mayor?" And, the youngster was quite disappointed to hear that it doesn't happen and that I wouldn't be wearing the chains on a plane!
Warmest wishes,
Rich
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
A Thank You to the Runners of Run Reigate
Huge thanks to everyone for making this the biggest and best Run Reigate ever — nearly 5,000 runners of all ages took part! 🎉
It takes a huge team effort, ably led by the energetic Dave Kelly — what a guy! 🙏
Before the races began, we met the team in the control room and the medical staff, who kept everyone safe all day. 🏃♂️🏃♀️
The Mayoress and Executive Member for Leisure and Culture, Cllr Shelly Newton led the warm‑up on stage with Cat, and I had the honour of starting the adult races (strictly supervised, of course!). 😄
We cheered participants over the finish line — joy, relief, and much pride all around. Then came the youth races — what stars! 👏
This event is a real force for good: raising awareness and funds for local charities. A heartfelt shout‑out to all stallholders and to I Choose Freedom and Home‑Start East Surrey, which I proudly support.
Thanks also to the Greenspaces and Leisure & Culture teams — especially for lending gazebos after the winds damaged some on Saturday.
So much fun all round — here’s to Run Reigate 2026!
Town Twinning Round Up
The Deputy Mayor recently visited Brunoy with the Town Twinning Association.
The DM toured the Notre Dame, the statue of Geneviève, and strolled along the Seine, followed by mint tea at La Mosquée de Paris.
She visited the château at Champs‑sur‑Marne, including its music room and also the former Menier chocolate factory, observing its strong community legacy. In the evening she joined Mayor Bruno Gallier, Councillor Marie Elène, former Mayor Laurent Beteille and other dignitaries and hosts Nathalie and Martial Dohuu for dinner, engaging in discussion on shared challenges, school exchanges, and placing residents at the heart of decision‑making. She also visited Brunoy’s historic twice‑weekly market and exchanged insights into parallels between Brunoy and Reigate & Banstead.
Town twinning with Brunoy matters because it fosters genuine cultural exchange, from school visits to evening meals and games, with shared learning in how both towns address education, community services and youth wellbeing. It builds friendships across borders, helps each community draw inspiration from the other, and ensures that residents stay central to shaping local decisions.
Kent Surrey Sussex Air Ambulance - Restart the Heart Campaign
Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day - 9th - 11th November
Remembrance Sunday -Sunday 9 November 2025
Remembrance Sunday Civic events are being held in the borough at:
Shaw's Corner War Memorial, Redhill
Banstead War Memorial
Horley War Memorial gardens
These will include a two minute silence at 11am.
On the evening of Sunday 9 November the Town Hall will be lit up to commemorate Remembrance Day and Armistice Day.
There will also be various services around the borough for Armistice Day on Tuesday 11th November commemorating the signing of the Armistice which brought an end to the First World War and remembers all those who gave their lives in service to their country since 1914.
Fulham FC Female of the Year Awards & Fundraiser - 18th November
Join us for an evening of celebration, community, and fundraising in support of I Choose Freedom, our dedicated domestic abuse charity.
Ticket price: £50. Includes canapes, bubbles & soft drinks reception, panel talks, music & networking
Live Music / Raffle / Live DJ / Bubbles & Canapes Reception
At Water's Edge, Fulham Pier
Dress Code: Glam
All proceeds raised from the event will be donated to Fulham FC's dedicated women's domestic abuse charity, I Choose Freedom.
I Choose Freedom is a chosen charity of the Mayor of Reigate & Banstead 2025-26
Wreath Making Work Shop - 28th November
Join us for a festive Christmas wreath-making workshop in aid of Home-Start East Surrey.
Learn how to create your own beautiful seasonal wreath.
All materials provided
Proceeds go directly to Home-Start East Surrey
Friday 28 November at 7.00pm
Reigate Town Hall
£45 per person, includes a glass of prosecco & a mince pie
