Welcome to the latest edition of this newsletter.

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