Farewell message as Nantwich Mayor Arthur Moran hands over robes

Nantwich Town Council Mayor Cllr Arthur Moran has issued a farewell message as he ends his year of office.

Cllr Moran will formally hand over the chains of office to incoming Mayor Cllr Pam Kirkham at a ceremony this Friday (May 15).

Here his message:

“As my year in office comes to an end, I would like to reflect over this time.
It has been a huge privilege and honour to be Mayor for the past year, in fact I have been in the extraordinary position to be in a Mayoral role for 4 years.
Firstly as Deputy Mayor for Cheshire East, followed by a year as Mayor of Cheshire East.
I was elected as Deputy Mayor for Nantwich Town Council and then my fourth and final year was as Mayor of Nantwich.
Throughout these four very busy years I have had the support of Councillor Carole Thomas, who kindly stepped up to the role of my consort and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her for her time and commitment.
I always believed I lived in a special community, but the past years have really opened my eyes.
As Mayor I have had the privilege to meet many of the town’s army of volunteers who do such great things for the community.
I have been invited to a whole host of engagements including celebrating 100th birthdays, school assemblies, given prizes, judged competitions, given interviews, been to school nativities, attended shows, welcomed and entertained visiting dignitaries, visited hospices and nursing homes, opened new businesses, organised fund raisers, given talks, attended countless civic services and dinners, made speeches, and of course attended some of the town’s major annual events.
The last couple of months have been particularly challenging for us all, but I have to say I’m in awe of the community.
I have heard some wonderful stories of neighbours pulling together to help each other and the more vulnerable amongst us.
I must praise the work of our key workers who have kept us all going during these unprecedented times and it has been particularly moving joining the community on our doorsteps every Thursday evening to clap in appreciation.
It has been saddening to see the cancellation of this years’ Jazz Festival, Nantwich Show and Food Festival.
These events are what makes our town such an attraction and I hope 2021 brings us a better year with a full events calendar.
Over the year I have been raising money for three charities close to my heart including The Royal British Legion, Leighton Hospital Prostate Support Group and St Luke’s Hospice.
Due to lockdown, a number of my fundraising events had to be cancelled, including the popular Mayor’s Quiz. However, I am still delighted to be presenting each charity with a cheque for £700.
I’m delighted to being passing the chain over to Councillor Pam Kirkham and wish her all the best for her forthcoming year.”