Mayor's Monthly

The days are starting to get longer but at the time of writing this, it is still very cold and damp. We can hope that the worst of the winter is behind us, so that we can start recouping some of the funds that have been prised out of our cold hands by the energy companies that want to ensure the wellbeing of their wealthy investors.

During this time of hardship for many residents I have been heartened by the response of the residents who are willing to help others by not only setting up warm spaces and staffing them but by also raising funds to help feed people that are less well off, less well-off does not only mean financially but means socially as well, because in the dark winter months we tend to isolate ourselves from the rest of our neighbours and friends, and these pop up kitchens and walk in warm centres help us to reengage with our fellow residents and in so doing it lets us know that we are not alone and that there are good people out there. Looking forward to this coming year, we have the Coronation of our King to look forward to in May, and I do know that the council staff are planning something, I haven’t got a clue what just yet but I know that they have a cunning plan, don’t forget Hadleigh’s Hidden Gardens are on June 3rd, that is always a great way to showcase Hadleigh as not only locals attend but interested folk from far and wide, so if you are interested in opening up your garden to the public for the day contact the Hidden Gardens team via info@fosm-hadleigh.co.uk .

Also in this coming year we have the local elections to contend with and that means trying to cajole, coax, plead, or even press gang Hadleigh residents into standing as a councillor for the Town Council. It is with this in mind that the council will be running an open day for those good people of Hadleigh who would like to stand as a candidate for a position as councillor on HTC, so come along and speak to Councillors about the good and bad sides of being a Councillor, and of the things that we would like to achieve for Hadleigh, I know that the Town Council’s voice may seem small, but it is still a voice, so come along, I will be there, (I’ve been told I will be there so I had better show up!) I’m hoping that there is coffee and cake there too. This year when residents vote it will be slightly different, to vote at a polling station you will have to have some form of photo ID (preferably your own face on it), if you do not have photo ID you will not be allowed to vote, postal voters will not be affected by this change. This last year for me as Mayor of Hadleigh has had its ups and downs, but meeting you guys, at either my Friday morning surgeries in St Mary’s or on one of the resident run committees has made it all worthwhile, because just chatting with you is the best tonic ever. This will be my final Mayors monthly as we will be coming up to the elections so I am not allowed to write in this wonderful magazine because of something called Purdah (I had to look that one up too). So stay strong, and think of the ones that are less fortunate than ourselves. All the best

Gordon McLeod, Mayor of Hadleigh