Mayor Rounds Up Council Year

It’s been a remarkable year serving as your Mayor — a year full of community events, cultural celebrations, and some really exciting developments for our town. I’d love to share just a few highlights from the past 12 months.

Over the course of the year, I attended more than 100 events right here in St Neots. I try to be as visible and approachable as possible — many of you have probably seen me on my red bike with the yellow backpack! I cycle to meetings, events, performances, and catch-ups — and I think it’s been a big part of what it means to be a modern mayor. It’s helped me stay connected, have informal chats, be more active, environmentally conscious and support our community in a way that feels personal.

Through the council, I’ve led four major initiatives this year.

• First — we launched a brand-new council website. The old one was long out of date and didn’t work well on most devices. The new site makes it much easier for residents to find information — and it’s a lot easier for officers to manage too.
• Second — we commissioned a marketing agency for the next two years to help us rebrand and relaunch the Priory Centre. It’s been newly refurbished, and we want to position it as a key destination for residents and visitors across the region.
• Third — we purchased the former Oast Lounge. This brings a scheduled monument into public ownership — protecting it for future generations and the first time this council has ever purchased a building of this type. I first suggested this back in 2018, as part of a long-term idea to create a cultural quarter next to the library and the Priory Centre. This step supports our visitor economy — and it helps keep our high street vibrant and alive.
• And fourth — probably the most complex of all — we’ve been working to improve the council’s communications. That means better engagement with residents and stronger partnerships with officers, other councils, local radio, newspapers, and the wider media — all to promote St Neots in a positive and inclusive way.

One of the real honours this year was attending two British citizenship ceremonies. We welcomed new citizens from more than 60 countries — including one of our own officers, Andrew Korolev, and his partner Liza. It was a moving moment, and a reminder of what community and commitment really mean.

Each year the Mayor chooses a cause to support, and this year I focused on five of our local theatre groups as a way to support them whilst the Priory Centre is closed.

• Peppercorns Academy, which has supported students in music, drama, and dance since 1983.
• St Neots Players, performing here since the late 1920s, putting on two full plays and a Christmas show each year.
• VAMPS, who produce popular musicals and variety shows for up to 300 audience members.
• Riverside Theatre, a brilliant youth theatre that gives young people a chance to train and perform across disciplines.
• Pocket Productions, our newest group, putting on original musicals, magic shows, and adult pantomimes since 2017.

I made it to as many of their performances as I could — from pantomimes to concerts to musicals and promote all of them to help increase audience numbers.

The cultural life of St Neots is thriving, and that’s thanks to the passion and hard work of these amazing groups. Thank you — for everything you do.

One of the best days this year was the rescheduled Mayor’s Teddy Bear Picnic — packed with families, picnics, train rides, and face painting in Riverside Park. It was a proper community celebration.

We also saw the launch of several new community-focused projects — inclusive play equipment at Brickhills, Moore’s Walk Garden, the refurbished games room at the Chaii Hub, a new Greggs on the high street, a Pilates studio, the Pink Rooster charity shop — and lots more besides.

And of course, the £15 million renovation of our town centre continues. Our brand new market square opens this weekend with a huge two-day party. Alongside this our high street is cleaner and safer and we are already seeing big improvements — more open space, better access, and a more welcoming feel.

Alongside other councillors and officers I competed in St Neots Half Marathon. It was my first attempt at competition running and despite the pain of the last few miles thoroughly enjoyed the support of my friends and family.

To round off the year, I set off on a 300-mile cycle ride — from St Neots here in Cambridgeshire, all the way to St Neot in Cornwall — to raise money for my mayoral charities. I’m absolutely thrilled to say we raised over £9,000. It was a physically demanding ride, but the support I received along the way — and the warm welcome at the finish line from the residents in St Neot — made every mile worthwhile.

That money will go directly to supporting our local cultural and performance groups, and I couldn’t be more grateful for your generosity.

Looking ahead, the final phase of the town centre improvements is nearly complete, and I believe it marks the beginning of a new chapter for St Neots. A town that’s vibrant, welcoming, and full of opportunity.

I remain committed to championing our cultural life, backing local businesses, and building an active and engaged community for everyone who calls this town home.

Thank you — for your trust, your support, and the incredible privilege of serving as your Mayor.