MAYOR FOR A YEAR
Michael Markham and his wife, Rosemary, have just completed a highly successful year as Mayor and Mayoress of Hillingdon – “An honour in itself”, as Mr Markham put it.
“We live in a really good and fascinating borough”, he said. “Hillingdon is very diverse both culturally and environmentally. It has a population of 278,000 who speak between them 178 languages. Within a short distance you can see little lambs in fields, and massive aircraft landing on concrete. And how fortunate we have been to have covered the Queen’s Jubilee and the Olympics – something that no other Mayor is likely ever to experience.”
Coming to office shortly before the Jubilee, the Markhams declared their intention to visit all the street parties being organised in the borough. But on realising there were to be 135 of them - all in the space of four days - they had to call in some reinforcements! With the help of a team of past Mayors and borough officials, all events were covered. And how impressed they were with the effort and ingenuity that had gone into all those wonderful parties!
“We attended about 800 events during the year”, Mr Markham told us. “Some lasted a few minutes, others several hours. Attending Ickenham Festival’s Gala Day, we started in the early afternoon by leading the procession on foot round the village; then there was the fete at Swakeleys House; and we returned for the concert and fireworks that night too. And what a fun day it was, chatting to people of all ages, especially the children, and enjoying all the attractions!
“It’s the people that you meet as Mayor that are the most memorable aspect of the job. I’ve been struck by two groups in particular – the ones who care for others, and the many volunteers - not just the people who work in recognised groups, but individuals too, just getting on with things. I met one 85 year-old lady who, for 15 years, has looked after her disabled neighbour, doing all her cooking, washing and goodness knows what else!
“I know new Mayor Alan Kauffman is as keen as I have been to continue recognising and supporting such volunteers around the Borough and he will continue the Mayoral tradition to the best of his considerable ability.”
AFN
THANKS FOR THE SUPPORT
ABBEYFIELD ICKENHAM, a charity for older people which offers supported sheltered accommodation, would like to thank ICN and the 88 visitors who supported our Open House and Garden Party on June 18th.
The weather was kind enough – yes, really! - for all cream teas to be served in our lovely gardens. The generosity of our supporters new and old resulted in a profit of around £400 to support the Residents’ Amenity Fund. And we had a very successful Cake Stall, numerous Raffle prizes and a Bring and Buy.
A lot of people took “the tour” of the house (8 en-suites plus a respite care room) and will hopefully be spreading the word about what a great place Court House is, especially if you’re getting lonely, and finding the house and garden too much for you. For a very reasonable all-inclusive monthly rent (just over £800 currently) we provide support from a caring house-keeping team who offer morning coffee, lunch and tea in a small group setting.
For further details of our vacancies please ring Rose the Housekeeper between 9am and 2pm on 01895 632486, or Derek Hughes the Chairman on 01895 624414.
