Column: Thank you for a fulfilling year as mayor of Taunton

The sheer variety of engagements, from civic ceremonies to community visits, cultural celebrations to moments of quiet poignancy, has truly highlighted the richness and spirit of Taunton.

A key takeaway is the extraordinary strength of our community life.

Whether visiting schools, care homes, or public services, or attending events organised by dedicated volunteers, I have been continually struck by the warmth, commitment, and generosity of people across our town.

The Taunton Carnival Committee, of which the mayor is honorary president, works tirelessly throughout the year to support events; the income generated helps sustain our much-loved carnival, a remarkable effort that is often taken for granted.

Closely connected to this is the vital role played by our civic and voluntary organisations.

It has been a pleasure to spend time with the Rotary Club of Taunton on many occasions, most recently at their St George’s Day Dinner, where I reflected on both my own journey and the traditions that underpin our civic life.

My mayor’s chaplain, Revd Prebendary Adrian Prior Sankey MBE, spoke about St George, to which I responded by outlining the work of the Royal Society of St George, Taunton and Exmoor branch, founded in 1894, of which I am chairman.

It was especially gratifying to see Jo Comer, civic and engagement lead for Taunton Town Council and previous councils, recognised for her many years of service to the town.

We were also delighted to represent Taunton at the inaugural dinner of the Association for Preservation International, whose annual tour began here this year before moving on to York.

These highly skilled professionals from around the globe are dedicated to preserving historic buildings, and it is a great credit to our town that they chose to spend so much of their time here.

I was invited to speak about Taunton and Somerset, and to explain the roles of the mayor, lord lieutenant, and high sheriff, which generated considerable interest.

This sense of heritage has been reflected throughout the month.

From the moving Easter Crosses service overlooking the Hydrographic Office, made all the more special by the panoramic views, to the St George’s Day parade and promise ceremony, where I was guest of honour, it has been deeply rewarding to see traditions carried forward, particularly by young people in the Scouts, Guides, and cadet organisations.

"Whether visiting schools, care homes, or public services, or attending events organised by dedicated volunteers, I have been continually struck by the warmth, commitment, and generosity of people across our town" (Image: Supplied)

Their enthusiasm and commitment give great confidence for the future.

At the same time, Taunton’s cultural life continues to flourish.

I have enjoyed a wide range of performances, with recent highlights including concerts by VOCE and the West Somerset Singers.

The talent on display, much of it from dedicated amateurs, is truly inspiring and speaks volumes about the creative energy within our community.

And the energy is not just musical; anyone who has seen VOCE’s musical director, Joe Beckhelling, will know he quite literally never stops moving!

I was also pleased to officially open the new reading space at Priorswood Library, part of the 'Her Ground' project by Somerset Art Works, part-funded by Taunton Town Council.

Formerly a redundant parking space, it has been transformed into a welcoming pocket park, featuring a colourful mural by artist Lucy Oates, new seating, and wildlife-friendly planting.

The project aims to help women, girls, and the wider community feel safer and more connected to local green spaces, offering a place to pause, enjoy nature, and experience the wellbeing benefits of being outdoors.

There have also been moments of personal significance along the way.

The Sri Lankan New Year celebration was particularly poignant for me, bringing back fond memories of my time in that beautiful country.

It served as a reminder of how cultural connections can transcend distance and time, enriching our shared experiences here in Taunton.

Sri Lankans certainly know how to celebrate, with festivities lasting from early morning until late in the evening.

Ayubowan!

Before I conclude, I would like to highlight one final event, the mayor’s charity barbecue in support of Bold and Brave, Young Somerset.

I hope many of you will be able to attend on Friday, May 1, at Vivary Golf Club, starting at 6pm, with the clubhouse available should the weather turn.

Tickets must be purchased in advance from Cullen’s Catering and are priced at £15 for adults and £8 for children under 11.

There will also be a fundraising raffle.

None of this year would have been possible without the support of the mayoral team, Jo Comer, Bethan Macready, Richard Venn, and John Fryers, whose dedication ensures that our civic life runs so smoothly.

My sincere thanks also go to my consort, Lauraine Newcombe, for her constant support.

Finally, I wish my successor, Cllr Bev Fernandez, and the incoming deputy mayor, Cllr Rob Isaacs, every success.

I know the town will be in very good hands.

Above all, my heartfelt thanks go to the people of Taunton.

It has been both an honour and a genuine pleasure to serve you, and I will always treasure the kindness and welcome that Lauraine and I have received throughout this remarkable year.