Ashby Mayor, Cllr Graham Allman, says the past year has been 'challenging and personally rewarding.

Cllr Allman was giving his review of the Civic Year, 2020-21, to Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's Annual Town Meeting this evening (Monday).

He told councillors: "The position as Mayor gave me the opportunity to promote and uphold the special character of our medieval Market Town of Ashby de la Zouch which is noted as being amongst the top

ten most popular locales in the country to live in along with being recognised as the most sought after town within Leicestershire to reside.

"We have served the town as Mayor and Mayoress over three terms, and having been Town Mayor through the period of Covid-19 it has been both challenging and personally rewarding.

"I wish to make comment at this point on the true dedication and professionalism shown by our Town Council Officers , indoor office support staff, outdoor ground staff and Town Centre Manager Stuart Benson, led by the incomparable Town Clerk Jack Fargher, all of whom played a part in making the term successful, in the shadow of the Pandemic by staying "on station" for the benefit of the

residents of Ashby.

"Let me offer a big welcome to our newly appointed Deputy Town Clerk Mel Mitchell who is bringing to the council new ideas and experience from a successful career in the private sector.

"I believe that Charmaigne and myself have duly and faithfully fulfilled the duties of office to our best judgment and ability with unflawed integrity.

"There are two main roles of the office, The Chairman of the Town Council and as Civic Ambassador and

can confirm that we have accepted all invitations to engagements through the year with compliance to advice and lawful instruction issued by HMG with special emphasis on supporting front line key workers ranging from first responders and their support functions though to shop workers and charitable causes along with the many unseen and unsung heroes. For your bravery and unselfish behaviour, we salute and thank you all.

"We have kept on the work with our chosen charity "Mind" carrying through from 2019/20 however much to our disappointment after the initial rush of interest and amazing support we received had to make the tough decision to ease back due to not being able to go ahead with the Charity raffle to be held at The Lamb Inn along with the Civic annual diner where we had a range of valuable items donated to be auctioned

off.

"Charmaigne along with myself and local resident Amanda Shakespeare and Alex Stanley manager of The Lamb who afforded us, gratefully accepted assistance with our fund raising, agreed with Mind officials that we could still gain value by transferring to their offices for them to dispose of through their network of offices.

"Circa 400 donated items were moved to them and they will keep Charmaigne informed of how thing go and confirm how much they raise which will be added to the funds already raised and held in the Councils mayor's charity account which currently stands at circa £1,800.

"I am delighted to confirm that communications between our Twinning town Pithiviers and their Mayor Monsieur Phillipe Nolland has continued and is stronger than ever, all be it electronically and that our French friends are doing what they can to get to the end of this era which will allow us all to meet up once again to celebrate our liaisons .

"I will highlight some of the many events that we actually managed to attend in a safe

manner.

" * Saturday August 15th saw The Mayoress accompany me on a small but emotionally charged VJ Day Service held by The Royal British Legion led by their President Mrs Valerie Gale-Cox, at the town's War Memorial.

"* Due to the Pandemic the historic Ashby Statues which have been held for over 800 years, had to be cancelled.

"However as a token and to keep the statute alive and continuous a small children's ride was placed on Bath Street where Charmaigne and myself attended with Anthony and Christina Harris who own and run Pat Collins Fairs and are Freemen of our town.

" * October provided further ongoing support to our local leisure businesses with the awarding for the third year of The Purple Flag celebrating at several local licensed premises over a two-week period for which our attendance was greatly appreciated and most enjoyed.

" * Very early on the morning of Sunday 25th October we attended a mock videoed Remembrance Day service at the war memorial with The Royal British Legion and Rev Mary Gregory in attendance, to be shown on Sunday 8th November.

"The official Ashby Town Council wreath was laid at the War Memorial early Sunday 8th November by myself with local resident Mike Briggs as Consort assisting me.

"I was invited by Mrs Karen Deakin to stand with her at what has become an annual tradition beside a Poppy style laden tree on the car park of the Ivanhoe Social Club of which Karen manages.

"The Armistice day Ceremony again at the War Memorial was a very sombre occasion with a restricted number of attendees from the Ashby RBL along with Leader of the Council Cllr John Coxon and Rev Andy Smith of Ashby Christian Churches, Charmaigne and myself.

"* Christmas passed quietly with a few award ceremonies such as the best dressed window display which The High Sherriff of Leicestershire Mrs Alison Smith attended with myself.

"The Christmas trees on Market Street and adorning retail outlets proved a massive uplift in the sprits of the community. Thanks to the foresight and efforts of The Town Council's Entertainment committee.

"* January saw me joining in by Zoom with The Christian Churches of Ashby for a joint prayer meeting at the invitation of Rev Tim Phillips where I explained how the Council were working with the community threw the Pandemic followed by a personal message and prayers.

"* Many other good causes were assisted by The Mayoress and myself including sporting activities who are desperately in need funds.

"* March 8th saw Commonwealth Day honoured by myself with Charmaigne at my side in silence praying for Peace, Prosperity and Friendship with all nations whilst at The War Memorial.

"To our disappointment it is apparent that both the Annual Town Dinner and Town Service will be cancelled for the second year.

"It is with much sadness that I attended the passing of a former Elected Member with Jack Fargher, the funeral of former Mayor of Ashby Mr David Watson. David was an outstandingly popular man and served as Ashby Town Mayor 1978/79 and again in 1992/93.

"We would like to personally thank Natalie Bone, Admin Assistant, for guiding us through this difficult challenging period. "Nats" you have been very patient with me at some testing moments.

"I wish the following Mayor good luck , it is an honour to serve such an amazing community and thank other Elected Members for their support of the office."