3 minute read
Mayor's Voice
At the time of writing we’ve just entered into another lockdown; and I sincerely hope we will be in a far better place towards the end of December and into January. I hope you’ll be celebrating Christmas in the best way possible – and I’d like to thank you all for taking the lockdown rules seriously and abiding by them. Please support one another and help keep each other safe.
I’ve continued to remain busy as usual. As you might have noted from my previous column, the podcast is now up and running. You can listen to the debut recording (with Life In Magazine’s Nicky Grant) at hannahgraymeets.podbean.com or visit the Mayor Of Bromley Facebook Page for the link. I’ve been to visit a number of volunteer groups throughout the borough to thank them for the amazing work that they’ve done and hand out certificates. No doubt they will be called upon for their help again - thank you to all of them. If you know of a voluntary group that has not yet been contacted, please let us know by emailing Mayors.
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I have done two walkabouts this last month – in Penge and West Wickham, popping into a number of stores on the High Streets to show my support during these difficult times. Don’t forget to buy your Prize Draw ticket for the ‘Fly a Spitfire’, raising money for my two charities – Cystic Fibrosis Supporters and The Chartwell Cancer Trust. See www.givergy. uk/spitfireprizedraw. I also attended Living On Bereavement Service’s Halloween virtual quiz, which was great fun! It’s been interesting attending the virtual events for other Mayors and nice that we can support one another in this way. By the time you read this, I will have judged St Marks’ School pupil art competition (based on lockdown themes) and will have attended a Kumon event to hand out awards virtually. Along with a small number of dignitaries, I also visited Bromley War Memorial for Remembrance Sunday. A video of the wreath laying will be available on the Facebook page (Facebook.com/MayorOfBromley), along with other video messages and event photos – please do have a look and leave your comments. In other news, I enjoyed a wonderful visit to Chislehurst Caves where I took the tour and heard how the Romans, Saxons, Druids, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, The Kinks and mushrooms all played their part in the multilayered history of the caves. I’d recommend a visit if you haven’t been – but do check their opening times first. Likewise, a visit to The Crofton Roman Villa in Orpington, which was only discovered relatively recently in 1926, was fascinating. It’s a great place to visit, especially with children, and so educational. A visit to Crystal Palace Park to unveil the Bob Marley plaque was also an incredible honour. I’m delighted to hear that the stage will soon be restored, and there are plans for live performances next year, Covid permitting. Meanwhile, up and coming events include a full council meeting in early December, and on 17th December I’ll be hosting a Magic and Entertainment virtual event to raise money for both my charities. Tickets are £10 and you can purchase them via the link on the Mayor of Bromley Facebook page.
William Kilgannon Last but by no means least, I had great pleasure meeting William Kilgannon to present him with the Mayor's Certificate of Commendation and Thanks. Losing his father to prostate cancer, William has campaigned tirelessly for the last seven years to raise awareness of the disease amongst men on radio, TV and online - his ‘My Man of Men’ blog is a moving account of his experiences. He is a very impressive young man who has turned personal tragedy into a mission. Well done William – you set a great example to others!
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas however you spend it this year – and here’s to 2021 being a much more positive year for us all! Cllr Hannah Gray
