I have been asked to write a little about my first month as Mayor of Brackley. It would be very easy to just list the events that I have attended; however, I wish to say a lot more about our community. 

Everyone has been so welcoming, warm and friendly towards me. It says a lot about our town. I try very hard to visit the town centre every day just to speak with people. We discuss issues that affect the residents, and in some cases I can pass on information that may be of help. I find it is interesting that quite a few people in town are visitors from other areas.

I would like to congratulate Kim Grantham and all her volunteers who celebrated 10 years of running the incredibly successful Saints Community Project at Brackley Football Club on Wednesday 25th June. This runs every Wednesday morning from 10.00am.

Armed Forces Day at Brackley Rugby Club was, as usual, a great day out. Thank you to all who attended. Organised by the Brackley branch of the RBL, the event featured lots of local organisations around the field, along with food, drink and entertainment. Many people brought picnics and enjoyed a fun family day out.

I was welcomed at the Memory Café at Brackley Care Home. While there, I had the opportunity to speak with staff, families, and residents. It was very interesting to hear directly how different people cope with memory loss, and how those living with dementia can thrive for many years with the right support and high-quality care.

I attended the African themed art exhibition by Bracken Leas & The Radstone School – posting about this on The Mayor’s Facebook page with pictures. Students from year one to year six had put together the most amazing display of art based on the African culture, music and animals. A lot of this art was made from recycled materials. It struck me that a lot of this would not be out of place in a large London exhibition. The students, staff and parents should be very proud of themselves. 

The invitations are flooding in to attend events and meetings, August in Brackley is looking to be amazing, and I hope to meet many more people.