New mayor of Stamford John Dawson looking forward to a busy year

Stamford’s new mayor has taken the chains of office and is looking forward to a “busy year meeting all the people and organisations which make the town great”.

Coun John Dawson, who represents the St Mary’s ward, was first elected to the town council 10 years ago and spent the last 12 months serving as deputy mayor.

He is well known for his jewellery shop, Dawson of Stamford, in Red Lion Square.

Coun Dawson officially took over as mayor from Councillor Sue Sandall at the annual council and mayor making meeting last week.

His partner, Sue Davies, will be mayor’s consort.

Coun Dawson said: “The mayor always has a busy year and I have had to hit the ground running, attending my first engagements straight away.

“I have been in Stamford now for 40 years having moved here and opened up my first shop in St Peter’s Street in August 1976.

“It’s a great town and I’m proud to be able to serve it as mayor.

“I’m looking forward to a busy year meeting at the people and organisations that make Stamford great.”

Coun Dawson has chosen three charities to benefit from fundraising over his year in office.

They are Anna’s Hope, the RAF Benevolent Fund and Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall Hospice in Peterborough.

He added: “I know Carole Hughes, who set up Anna’s Hope, and I’m full of admiration for the work the charity does for young people with brain tumours. It’s their 10th anniversary this year and I was keen to help.

“Also, with RAF Wittering marking its centenary recently the benevolent fund seemed like a worthy cause, and, finally, the care provided to patients at Thorpe Hall Hospice is second to none and they rely on donations to do that.”

Also at the mayor making meeting, Councillor Tony Story was made deputy mayor and his wife Valerie deputy mayoress.

Elsewhere, the new mayors of Market Deeping and Oakham took office on Wednesday this week and Bourne and Uppingham will follow on May 18 and 24 respectively.