Mayor of St Neots — June round-up

Director of Neotists Richard Slade was elected as Mayor of St Neots in May 2024 and has been writing a regular column for the Hunts Posts since then. For those who don’t get the paper delivered or subscribe we it thought it would be useful for members to  read about it too.

By Richard Slade

My first month as mayor of St Neots has been really busy — I’ve spent my time attending 12 meetings, 22 events, had three interviews and volunteered at a disco. Although I’ve not counted, I reckon I’ve spoken to a few hundred people in the last month.

My first official interview was by two young journalists on work experience placement at Black Cat Radio — Megan and Scarlet from Ernulf Academy spent their week at the radio station and I was honoured to be their first political interview.

I met with Shona and her colleagues from the St Neots Volunteer Centre and learnt about the volunteer car scheme which supports residents who cannot access public transport. Last year their 15 active drivers covered over 23,000 miles taking residents to appointments, meetings or the shops. They are in desperate need of more drivers so get in touch if you can help them.

I volunteering at the Youth Council disco, held at Love’s Farm House it was for 11 to 16-year-olds and we welcomed over 70 young people through the door who ‘danced the late afternoon away’ to music by youth DJs.

We commemorated the 80th anniversary of the D-Day Normandy landings in St Neots — we raised flags, laid wreaths and lit beacons to honour those who fought for our liberty and freedom. It was my most emotional and humbling civic duty so far.

This week is the Great Big Green Week — a national celebration of action on climate change. Our council has organised a variety of events and initiatives, including an eco-marathon where our officers and staff will attempt to cover 150 miles on foot, bicycle, bus and train. Our environment officer Nicola will be observing 492 minutes of silence. That is one minute for each species that has become extinct in the UK since records began.

Last Saturday the mayoress and I attended two amazing performances in one evening. We were treated to an excellent performance of Seussical the Musical by Pocket Productions, then we dashed over to see the last act of Girl on the Train — an emotionally charged thriller adapted excellently by the team at St Neots Players.

Under the theme of culture and sport this mayoral year I am delighted to announce that I have chosen to support Peppercorns Academy, Pocket Productions, Riverside Theatre, St Neots Players and VAMPs of St Neots and will be fundraising to support these amazing groups.

Many of these groups rehearse or perform at The Priory Centre, so whilst the site is closed for redevelopment, it’s essential we support the arts. We have a rich theatrical history in St Neots going back a century and I’m keen we keep it that way.

This month we have Armed Forces Day, Wintringham Sports Fair, Big St Neots Read-a-thon, Model Railway exhibition, St Neots Choral Society performance and that’s just my invitations. I urge you also to get out, get cultural and get active.