Lee Dillon elected mayor for second year

The Thatcham mayor was nominated to be a steadying hand for town council with 10 new members

LAST year's mayor of Thatcham Lee Dillon will serve again this year.

Having only stood down a few weeks ago, Mr Dillon, accepted the position for the second year running at the annual mayor-making ceremony last Sunday.

Town councillor Owen Jeffery (Lib Dem, Thatcham South and Crookham), said that he nominated Mr Dillon because his experience was needed after half the members stepped down before the town council elections earlier this month, and because of the great job he did last year.

He said: “I think it is very important that we have continuity where possible to find our feet as quickly and easily as possible.”

Mr Dillon, who last year was the youngest mayor of Thatcham, aged 27, said that he had thoroughly enjoyed last year, and that he was pleased to be chosen again as most people did not get the chance to serve as mayor twice.

He added that he hoped to engage younger people into the political and civic aspects of council life and that he was looking forward to Thatcham becoming a Fairtrade town, a project he has been championing.

He said: “It is a great honour and I will put all my efforts into making this as successful as the last.

“Over the previous year, I'm sure there were many organisations I didn't get the chance to visit; I'm hoping I will get the opportunity this year, and to meet new friends.

“I hope that I can offer my experience as a councillor and the mayor to our newly-elected councillors across the political divide and help the council to continue with our existing projects and new ones.”

Mr Dillon has selected three charities to support this year – Thatcham Relief in Need fund, the local branch of the Parkinson's UK and young people's counselling service 14:21 Time to Talk. Last year, he raised £2,785.12 for The Friends of the Charles Clore Unit.

Town councillor John Boyd (Lib Dem, Thatcham South and Crookham) was appointed deputy mayor.

He said: “Some people will be disappointed when I turn up, because, as deputy I'm always the ‘bridesmaid', but I'm looking forward to seeing all of you in the forthcoming months.”