THE PAST eight months since I took the chain of office have flashed by but it has been a most enjoyable as well as a hectic time. I have met many new people and encountered a lot of old friends but one thing shines through and that is the community spirit in Bourne of which our town should be justly proud.

I have been pleasantly surprised at how many people work behind the scenes at the many different functions, voluntary effort of time and sometimes money, to make their events and organisations a success but few get any recognition for what they do. Yet time and again they are on hand to help out whenever required, always ready, unquestioning and cheerful into the bargain, in order to get things done.

This has made a tremendous impression on me as a working mayor engaged on many civic duties and I am sure that they, like me, will be looking forward to a well deserved break over Christmas and New Year.

Since taking office last May, the functions I have attended have been numerous and varied and although all equally important, some recent events stick in the mind such as the visits to Bourne Wood to celebrate Halloween followed by a truly magical call at Santa’s grotto a few weeks later which was enjoyed by adults and children alike. Bill and I also attended the old people’s Christmas lunch at the Corn Exchange, another event made possible by volunteers, this time Bourne Round Table, while there was more superb food at the Monday Lunch Club held in the Church Hall. No wonder my waist line has expanded in the past few weeks.

There were more children enjoying themselves at a Christmas party held at the village hall at Twenty, which is also within the parish, and my goodness, did they make me feel at home!

During the run up to the festive season, there have also been many carol services at the various schools and churches and of course the annual event held by the Salvation Army at the Corn Exchange, an especially enjoyable evening, and each time I venture into town there is the constant reminder of our Christmas lights, twinkling a welcome for visitors busy with their shopping.

But despite all of this activity, the good humour and fellowship of those who arrange these events has been impressive, a lesson to everyone that by working together we can make things happen. Let us remember that in the future when big decisions have to be made on behalf of this town.

I have just five months left before I hand over the mayoral chain but the experience so far has been fantastic and this has been largely due to those who give their time and others who join in to give us such a warm and hearty welcome. It is a privilege to serve this year in office and Bill and I wish you all, the people of Bourne, a merry Christmas and a happy New Year and please, everyone of you, enjoy this festive season.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Councillor Kingman Pauley has been a member of Bourne Town Council since 2002. She was born in Kent and trained as a cost accountant but for the past 13 years she has helped her husband, Bill, on his fruit, vegetable and plant stall in Bourne market where they have become well known and popular faces.