Nork Residents' Association

One third the way through the year and I have done over 100 engagements despite a quiet August, Annual General Meetings, opening ceremonies. publicity visits, performances by local musicians and choirs, welcomes to visitors, visits to other Boroughs, civic services, presenting awards, chairing meetings, meeting the public and giving speeches, all important in their way and all enjoyable. I
have met a host of wonderful people, particularly volunteers who are giving so much of their time to helping our community as whole. At all events everyone seemed pleased to see me. The Chain makes a big difference!

One surprise has been that of the engagements in the Borough only ten have been north of the M25. For a mayor from Nork that is disappointing. It was however particularly enjoyable opening the improved children’s playground in Lady Neville recreation ground. There were masses of children having fun and almost totally out of control! Welcoming Princess Anne at the Royal Alfred Seafarers Society Home in Woodmansterne was a vivid memory. There was a lot to learn from the way she appeared to make everyone
she met important to her. I haven’t washed my shaking hand since.

And then there was meeting Danny Murphy, the Fulham Captain, when he was supporting the Samaritans in Reigate. The hand must be getting dirty by now.

Perhaps the most exciting was at St John’s Primary School in Redhill when their 200 young children were lined up in the playground and then cheered and clapped when I drove in. During the visit they asked some awkward questions- How much is the Chain worth? Do I live in a mansion? How many televisions have I got? But then the killer blow – Where is the nice mayor who came last year?!

Perhaps the most cherished moment was at the reception of the British Seniors Open Golf Championship at Walton Heath. Tom
Watson and Bernhard Langer both opened their speeches with “Your worship”. To be worshipped by such eminent golfers is certainly worth waiting for to a declining 20 handicap member of Epsom Golf Club!