THE new Mayor of Taunton Deane Cllr Catherine Herbert has begun her year in office after being selected by fellow councillors at the annual meeting of Taunton Deane Borough Council.
The Mayor’s Charities for the year ahead are St Margaret’s Hospice, SURE and the Taunton Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets.
St. Margaret’s Hospice has been at the heart of Somerset’s community for over 38 years, delivering care to patients and their families facing a life-limiting illness. There are two hospice sites – in Taunton and Yeovil – as well as five community based teams caring for patients in their own homes.
More than 1,200 volunteers across the county help St. Margaret’s to care for patients and raise funds. SURE the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment – was founded in 2,000 to support provision of cancer services at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton. Fund raising activities are organised by a small team of volunteers who have all been victims of cancer or affected by the illness of a close friend or relative.
The Taunton Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets give young people the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities including sailing, powerboating, kayaking, engineering, first aid, field craft and catering. They also provide valuable experience in life skills such as team work, self-development and self-belief.
All the adult volunteers undergo continuous training in order to provide the Cadets with a safe and supportive environment in which they can flourish.
Cllr Herbert said: “I am proud to be elected as Mayor of Taunton Deane and am looking forward to supporting a wide range of organisations and individuals at events throughout the year, as well as raising funds for my chosen charities. So many people across our community benefit from them in many ways thanks to the work of dedicated volunteers and fund raisers. I am delighted to be able to give them my support during the year.”
Cllr Herbert was elected to Taunton Deane Borough Council in 2007 representing the Killams and Mountfields ward. She will be supported in her duties by her consort Mr Robin Herbert.
Cllr Herbert’s first formal engagement was the Mayor’s Celebration Party in aid of her nominated charities at the Somerset County Cricket Club on Friday 4th May. This was followed by a busy day of engagements on Sunday 6th May at the 50/50 Cycle Ride at Richard Huish College, the Friends of Wellington Park Spring Fayre at Wellington Park, and the Taunton Amateur Operatic Society performance of Oliver! at The Brewhouse.