Mayor of Charnwood's Christmas message

Published: Tue 20th December, 2022

Soon after I became Mayor in May, it was Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee and it was a real privilege to be involved in many of the celebrations taking place around the Borough to mark this unique occasion.

I never expected that a few months later I would be reading the proclamation to mark the accession of our King Charles III, following the death of our beloved Queen Elizabeth.

I cannot begin to express how it felt to be at the centre of these events locally.

It has been a busy time so far as we emerge from the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic and my heartfelt condolence to everyone who lost loved ones during the pandemic.

I attended the University graduations, on one day the temperature was 40 degrees centigrade, so wearing the Mayoral robes was quite a challenge! I have met many groups across the Borough and have always been given the warmest welcome.

It has been a humbling experience to see just how much hard work is being done by volunteers throughout Charnwood; it is this above anything else which makes Charnwood such a great place to live. I was particularly moved when taking part in the Pilgrimage of Prayer organised by Loughborough Council of Faiths.

My consort this year is my husband John. He has not always been able to accompany me, so I am very grateful for the support I have received from my daughter, son and three grandchildren, who at different times have accompanied me to events.

I know that the ongoing cost of living crisis will impact most of us this Christmas, so it is important to remember that enjoying this important festival doesn’t have to be about spending lots of money.

Christmas can be a hard, lonely time for those living alone who don’t have family or friends to share the festivities with. It can also be a difficult time for anyone who is spending their first Christmas without a loved one, so please consider whether there is anyone you know that might appreciate a friendly call at this time.

It is important to remember at this festive time those who are less fortunate than ourselves, both locally and in other parts of the world. I sincerely hope the new year will be a better time for everyone.

I wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a happy, peaceful and prosperous new year.

Councillor Jennifer Tillotson
Mayor of Charnwood