As I reached the final month in my role as Mayor of St Neots, I didn’t slow down — I managed to attend over 30 meetings and events. This included the epic cycle ride to Cornwall over the bank holiday weekend. The day before we set off, the Mayoress and I officially launched Beer at the Hut — a beer festival organised by the local Scouts to raise money for their club.

I wrote earlier in May about the St Neots to St Neot cycle, but once we returned there was no time to relax. Just a few days later, I attended the VE-Day 80th celebrations — firstly at the town’s war memorial alongside members of the armed forces and civic dignitaries, where we laid wreaths and honoured those who gave their lives for our future.

Later that day, we took part in the beacon lighting ceremony in Regatta Meadow. The RAF Air Cadets band gave an outstanding performance, and we heard speeches from Deputy Lieutenant John Bridge OBE, myself, veterans, and Rev Paul Hutchinson before joining hundreds of other towns lighting their beacons at the same time. We had a bit of drama at ours, though — there was a snap as our oversized taper broke, followed by a tense few minutes stretching to light the beacon. It eventually lit, and the crowd cheered in celebration.

I rounded the week off with a visit to a community day in Wintringham and enjoyed the music, games, food and drink in the plaza outside the school. I had the pleasure of chatting with Scott and Sam from the Wintringham and Love’s Farm community associations, and heard about the issues and plans on these two new developments in St Neots.

I also gave a quick interview for ITV Anglia on our newly completed Market Square — and with so much happening, this was my sixth appearance in the local news that month. It’s a great opportunity to represent and showcase the positive change we’re seeing in our town — the message is clear: St Neots is thriving.

I held my Annual Town Meeting — a traditional public event where the Mayor reflects on their year. As a council, we’ve achieved so much in just twelve months that I decided to present alongside our clerk, Chris Robson. We’ve shared both speeches on our newly launched council website — check the news section for our round-ups. Afterwards, I invited my chosen charities — five local theatre groups — to the stage and presented each with a cheque for nearly £2,000 to support their work.

That same week marked a significant moment in the redevelopment of the Priory Centre. While much of the exterior will remain, the council office extension needed to be demolished and rebuilt. It was a bittersweet moment — the extension has been home to officers and councillors for decades. As work continues, the interior will be completely refurbished to create a brand-new look. We’ll be posting monthly updates on our website to keep residents informed.

Another highlight was the official opening of our Market Square — a two-day celebration filled with music, entertainment, craft and refreshment stalls, games and activities. From fairytale magic to carnival fun, it was a weekend full of laughter, live performances and community spirit. The Mayoress and I had a brilliant time alongside the thousands who attended, and the finale — a singalong screening of The Greatest Showman — saw crowds join in with chairs and picnics, singing and dancing to the well-loved soundtrack.

Amid all this, the Mayoress and I popped into the museum to try a new interactive game called Cardboard Clues. We were happy to finish in third place — can you beat us on the leaderboard?

I also attended the opening night of Come On, Jeeves, a production by St Neots Players at the United Reformed Church. It was a great evening, and I was especially impressed by Lola Preece, who played the lead female role. This was her first ever time on stage, and despite backstage nerves, she looked at home and delivered her lines perfectly. I look forward to seeing her in future shows.

the cast of Come On, Jeeves by St Neots Players

Finally — and perhaps what I should have led with — I was re-elected as Mayor of St Neots. I was unopposed and delighted to take on another year promoting our amazing town. I’m supported this year by Cllr Catherine Goodman as Deputy Mayor, and I wish her the best of luck for what’s shaping up to be another busy and brilliant year.