Early in May the Councillors chose
me as Mayor. I am honoured, apprehensive and intent on doing my best for
Hungerford's residents.
Berkshire born, I have lived within a few miles since 1981 [moving here in
2006]. Fully aware of the value of CHAIN to local residents - family members
have been appreciative beneficiaries - I hope I can reinforce relationships
between the Council and institutions such as CHAIN, the Town & Manor,
the Chamber of Commerce, without ignoring the schools, Rotary, Round Table,
British Legion and other keystones. My predecessor, Elizabeth Cardwell, worked
tirelessly for many [particularly the young]. Different mayoral emphasis
should result in a fair spread of support.
This is a difficult economic period. Your Council tries to combine responsible
management of all residents' Council tax contributions without disproportionate
favour. Councillors' backgrounds are in fields such as education, commerce,
agriculture, finance and local government. We must use that experience. Recent
breakthroughs in allotment provision represents an example we should replicate.
I am Mayor for a year. Next May, Hungerford residents vote for a new Town
Council. In 2007 there were not sufficient candidates to trigger a vote;
a depressing reflection on the Council's engagement of the community. I shall
return to this theme and how we might remedy such apparent apathy. Others
struggle too: Marlborough, a significantly larger community, reportedly attracted
four electors to its recent Parish Assembly.
My telephone number is 01488-681933
Anthony Buckwell Mayor