Mayor of Beverley Peter Astell Christmas Message

As Mayor of Beverley this year I have been never more so proud to represent you all.

This year my Consort Thomas and I have visited many community groups, churches, residential homes and schools and it has never ceased to amaze us how community spirited and caring people of the town are.

We have been so well received no matter where we have been.

Recently i was invited to the Beverley Youth Centre where there was a Pensioners Christmas Lunch which the Town Council supported financially, it was nice to see the Pensioners tucking in but it was also a delight seeing the young people serving the dinner and entertaining the pensioners aswell, it was great to see them and a credit to Caroline and her staff.

This caring attitude has been reflected in the work the Town Council continues to be involved with all aspects of the community throughout the Town.

When we asked residents what the best things about Beverley were, both young and old said it was the friendliness of the people. This is something we should all be proud of.

At a time when the country as a whole is suffering from the Recession and we are seeing long established high street stores closing, we must be thankful that Beverley continues to be a thriving market town which attracts many visitors throughout the year and especially at Christmas time.

With our fantastic Christmas lights and wonderful events like the Festival of Christmas, the Food Festival, we are able to share our little gem of a town with others and it has given me great pleasure to be involved in the Lighting Up Ceremony and the Festival and to accompany Lady Prescott and also to be involved with the Lighting up of the North Bar on the same evening.

I know that at this time of year I am usually upstaged by another man in a red coat but it is wonderful to see such happy smiling faces of people enjoying what Beverley has to offer.

Christmas time is when people reflect in the work of our local charities and give to good causes. I would like to thank those who have helped me raise funds for my chosen charities the Beverley Barge Preservation Society, The Beverley ATC 399 Squadron, and The Beverley Braves Junior Rugby.

As we move into 2012 which is going to be a very special year with the Town celebrating Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee on 4th June and then the Olympic Torch coming to the Town on 18th June i hope as many of you will turn out and be involved with these two very special events, and I look forward to meeting many more people throughout the festive period and for the remainder of my mayoral year.

It now leaves me to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year.