Mayor's Voice

I always find that Monday comes around quickly and there always seems to be a flurry of things happening and lined up for the week – not that I’m complaining of course; I wouldn’t have it any other way.

But I have been particularly busy these last few weeks with the recording of weekly podcasts. Previous interviewees have included local mindfulness expert, Zeenat Noorani, ITV's 'The Chase' quiz chaser Paul 'Sinner Man' Sinha and, more recently, comedian Helen Lederer.

If you’re looking for some light entertainment and are keen on catching up with the latest podcasts please visit https://hannahgraymeets.podbean.com/

I’ve also continued to (virtually) attend events to show my support for various diary dates. I enjoyed an evening with fellow Mayors at the London Mayors Association's Burns night. There was a fascinating virtual tour of areas where Burns lived and worked by Andrew Baxter, a Blue Badge guide, who offered a great insight into the real Robbie Burns.

I had the honour of holding a virtual service to commemorate Holocaust. The theme for this year’s Holocaust Memorial Day was Be The Light In The Darkness. It was chosen to encourage everyone to reflect on the depths humanity can sink to, but also the ways in which individuals and communities resisted that darkness to ‘be the light’ before, during and after genocide. Please see http://bit.ly/2MshqI3 for more information. In addition, I joined the Mayor of Ramsgate for their Holocaust meeting and prayers. It was a heart-warming event talking of light in the darkness, learning from the past and being kind in the future. It was very humbling and also well supported, with other Mayors in attendance.

And amongst various other appointments, acknowledgements and speeches, I enjoyed a Bingo event supported by the Merton Mayor, Cllr Sally Kenny, and ended up winning! I think I was on a lucky streak that week. Looking ahead (and it hasn’t yet been confirmed), but I put myself forward as a marshal at a local vaccination centre. Fingers crossed I can get out there amongst the community and do what I like doing best – helping others. I always said that giving is receiving and it would mean a great deal to have first-hand experience at being involved in helping to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents.

In last month’s column, I mentioned using the #ProudOfBromley hashtag where possible. I’ve now launched a new hashtag - #NominateALocalHero – where I’d like to encourage residents all across the borough to nominate someone who they think is a local hero. It would be great to give them some recognition.

In other news, I recently sat on a fostering panel which I found quite poignant, but also uplifting in many ways. Foster families do such amazing work and I’m in awe of their dedication. Speaking of dedication, I also have to mention the nation’s teachers, who work incredibly hard to ensure our children continue to receive an education. I have huge amounts of respect for them and I’m just pleased that the infection rates are now coming down as the vaccination rates climb.

Finally, a message regarding Captain Sir Tom Moore; he has been an inspirational example to us all and his legacy will live in our hearts forever. I’d like to wish his family much comfort as they celebrate his life and happily remember a national hero. Captain Tom has helped make our "Tomorrows" a good day.

Until next month,

Cllr Hannah Gray

Mayor of Bromley 2020-21