Cllr Cleasby's Blog May 2024

Ladies and gentlemen, honoured guests, and cherished residents of Marlborough,

The Mayor presents Councillor Fogg with his third "Past Mayor" badgeThank you for entrusting me with the privilege of serving as your Mayor.  Before I delve into my vision for our community and the initiatives close to my heart, I want to take a moment to pay tribute to my predecessor, Nicholas Fogg MBE.

Nick Fogg MBE has been a beacon of leadership to our community, and his dedication to the arts in Marlborough has left an indelible mark.  I’m honoured to accept the passing of the torch from Nick and I hope to continue serving Marlborough with dedication and innovation.

When we first moved to Marlborough, we didn’t know anyone…  We instantly felt at home, it was just before Covid.  We immediately got to know our neighbours and council staff by volunteering doing shopping & the like.  We also found a wonderful set of friends here at St. Marys Church who share our desire to serve, to try and love like Jesus did.  Those of you who know me, know that my faith is really important to me and informs everything I do.  Thank you to everyone from all walks of life and social groups who have been so welcoming to us both.

The Cleasby family shopping for others during Covid lockdownsAs we move forward, I am excited to share with you two charities that are particularly close to my heart – Love Marlborough Kids Meals and The Jubilee Centre.  These endeavours embody the essence of community, care, and resilience that define Marlborough.

Love Marlborough Kids Meals (which is a community project by St. Mary’s Church) is a testament to our commitment that no child in our town should go to bed hungry.  We believe that every child deserves access to nutritious meals, regardless of their circumstances.  Through this initiative, we will work tirelessly to address food insecurity among our youngest residents, ensuring that they can focus on learning, playing, and growing without the burden of hunger.

The Jubilee Centre, on the other hand, is a haven for support and empowerment.  It offers a myriad of services, from a friendly ear, to skill-building workshops, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency among our VIP’s facing challenges.  Together, we will create a nurturing environment where everyone can feel valued and secure.

Speaking of resilience, our community has shown incredible strength during challenging times, such as the floods that devastated Marlborough in January.  In moments of crisis, I’ve experienced our town as a united front, where neighbours support one another, and the spirit of community prevails.  We will work together to implement measures that enhance our preparedness and response to such challenges, ensuring the safety and well-being of every resident.

However, it's not just in times of crisis that we come together.  Our community has shown its celebratory spirit during events like last year's biggest Coronation Street Party.  These moments of joy and unity are integral to the fabric of Marlborough.  I am committed to fostering a sense of belonging and shared celebration, creating opportunities for us to come together, connect, and rejoice in the vibrancy of our town.

In conclusion, I am honoured to serve as your Mayor, and I am eager to embark on this journey with you. United in our commitment to making Marlborough a place where every resident thrives, we will build on the strong foundation and continue to make Marlborough a place we are all proud to call home.

Thank you, and let's make Marlborough's future as bright and resilient as its remarkable past.

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