MAYOR MAKING 24TH MAY 2012 TOWN HALL, KIDDERMINSTER Distinguished and Honoured Guests Ladies and Gentleman Firstly I humbly thank the residents of the Franche Ward who re-elected me in 2011 and this allowed me to accept the Mayoralty of Kidderminster bestowed by my fellow Charter Trustees.

My Mayoral year was to have an historical flavour as plans were in hand to celebrate the 375th Anniversary of the Charter granted by Charles 1 The townspeople had petitioned the King for governing rights, the entitlement to monies made in the market place and the wish to create a free school to be named King Charles 1 Re-enactments have taken place and a booklet was published by The Shuttle Newspaper reminding the townspeople of our roots and civic rights.

There is an old saying : “What goes round comes round” and to this end the Charter Trustees in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 have opened up discussions on the Parishing of Kidderminster. The Borough status was taken away in 1974 with re-organization of local Government.

Over the Centuries the Parish Church of St Mary’s and All Saints has been closely linked with the civic duties of the Town. I have met with many people from the various denominational churches within Kidderminster and it is refreshing to learn that they are all working together to support those in greatest need with food packages and household requirements during difficult economic times.

I thank Father Douglas Lamb, Mayor’s Chaplain for his spiritual guidance during my year of office.

The Charter Trustees have launched a Civic Awards scheme to honour people who have given exceptional service to our town and its people. The first recipient is Fred Holland who richly deserves recognition for his work with the Diabetes Centre at our hospital.

I am delighted he has joined us this evening at Mayor Making.

The Mayor is President of the Twinning Society and this past year has seen several exchange visits between Kidderminster and Husum in Northern Germany. I was pleased to host a Reception in the King Charles Room for Husumers whose association with us goes back 50 years. During August we attended the Husum Harbour Festival and joined in the festivities with local people from around the rural areas.

Greeting young children whether in The Mayor’s Parlour or in a Community setting is always fun. With no inhibitions they ask the most pertinent of questions, so “No, I am not a Pirate” and “My Palace is a Bungalow.” It is interesting to note their favourite place, that is to stand in the Dock in the Old Court Room , But of course the main outcome, is that the seeds of Citizenship have been sown.

Our young people are faced with the difficulties of finding employment. Working with the Federation of Small Businesses I hosted a Mayor’s Workshop with the title of “Young, Gifted and Seeking Work”, here in the King Charles Room. Twenty four young people came along and were given a range of professional help in order to work up a personal profile and the making of a CV for reference. The Federation of Small Businesses has e-mailed to say one of the candidates has now started his own business in Kidderminster. I feel chuffed with this news. I thank most sincerely the FSB for their skilled help in facilitating this day.

As Ambassador of Kidderminster and with my Consort Alan Parsons we have been guests at functions in the Towns and City of Worcestershire and Shropshire and the cities of Hereford and Gloucester. We have attended concerts in the Town Hall and the Gallery in the Library and visited and participated in community events all of which make Kidderminster a vibrant place to live. I wish to place on record my sincere thanks to Alan for the support he has given to the Mayoralty this year.

My Charity “Amongst Friends of Kidderminster” based in George Street offers daily support to people with the challenging illness of Dementia and respite for their carers in the Community. Positive activities, some using IT equipment is helping to maintain a healthy wellbeing. I thank all the organizations who have supported the Mayor’s Charity by their donations and gifts and also to everyone who attended my Charity Ball in March. I can announce that £5,000.00 will benefit this needy local service.

I thank the Mayoral Staff for their support during my year to Bob Fleming the Mayor’s Officer, to Sharon Tandy Clerk to the Charter Trustees, Honorary Treasurer Keith Bannister and our Town Clerk Charles Talbot whose expertise in Localism is nationally recognised.

To my Deputy and now Mayor Cllr John Aston and his Consort Madeline I thank them for their help and wish them well in taking over the mantle of representing this great town.

To be the First Citizen during the year of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II is a great honour. I and Charter Trustees planted a tree at St Mary’s & All Saints Church to commemorate this significant event on the 6th February which was the date of accession to the throne in 1952 To have greeted the Olympic Flame into Kidderminster today is beyond ones wildest dreams! I have indeed been blest.

Thank you, Kidderminster.

Cllr Anne Hingley Mayor 2011/12 `

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