It is a privilege and honour to be elected Newmarket Town Mayor. At the end of May my fellow councilors voted for me to continue as the chairman and consequently I will remain as Mayor for another year.
This has provided me with the opportunity to look back on a most extraordinary year. Although the pandemic has caused much hardship and worry, in some ways we have witnessed the people of Newmarket at their very best.
When we suddenly found ourselves in a national lockdown in March 2020, we helped to provide a Helpline for all our residents. From day 1, we were able to respond to anyone who needed assistance.
The Town Council had an important role, but it was only a success because of the collaboration of many different organisations within the town, working together for a common cause. And along side this collaboration; there was the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, who gave up their time willingly to help their neighbour or a stranger. This was Newmarket at its best.
And just before Christmas, these same people toured Newmarket with Father Christmas, giving presents to all the children who came out to greet Father Christmas on his sleigh. It was a magical evening, only made possible through individuals and organisations working together.
We then had to endure another long lockdown through the rest of winter and spring. Again the Helpline was available for any resident who needed assistance.
It is the spirit of collaboration, of partnerships and volunteering, that I hope we will be able to build on over the next year. Working together, we all hope that we will be able to call on the enthusiasm, commitment and goodwill of the people of Newmarket and together make Newmarket an even better place to live.
Michael Jefferys
Town Mayor