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Category: The Mayor Archive

Half way through my Mayoral year

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

It’s incredible to think six months have already flown by since I began my journey as mayor of East Grinstead. Every day since May has reinforced my deep pride in this wonderful, beautiful town and the people who make it so special. I’m endlessly grateful to everyone who has welcomed me and shared their stories along the way.

The past months have brought so many memorable moments and the chance to connect with countless clubs, organizations, and remarkable individuals who give their time and energy to make East Grinstead an even better place. This community spirit—the volunteers and residents who support one another—is truly like the glue that keeps East Grinstead strong and resilient.

Among the standout moments was the Jeunes Sans Frontières event in Bourg-de-Péage, where I had the immense pleasure of witnessing our students become Champions of Europe. Their achievement fills me with pride, and it’s been a joy to meet so many of East Grinstead’s young people, each of whom is a fantastic ambassador for our town. They are the next generation of leaders and community builders, and their enthusiasm and dedication to representing East Grinstead make me incredibly optimistic for the future.

Some other unforgettable highlights include the commemorations of D-Day, where we gathered to honour the courage of those who fought for freedom, and the vibrant East Court Live events, held on two brilliant summer days. Each gathering, from the Fire Station Open Day to Queen Victoria Hospital’s 80th anniversary celebration of the Canadian Wing, the Classic Car Show, and the East Grinstead 10k, has showcased the unique charm of our town and the strong bonds between its people.

A special moment was also hosting the Mayor’s reception, where we celebrated our town’s unsung heroes. These volunteers, working quietly behind the scenes, are the foundation of our community’s strength. It’s their dedication and kindness that keep East Grinstead thriving, and we are all better for their contributions.

One of the most exciting projects we’ve undertaken this year has been raising funds for East Grinstead’s first electric Community Trishaw in collaboration with the local charity Being Neighbourly. Our goal is to raise £12,000, and thanks to the support of so many, we’ve already raised £6,000! This trishaw will provide a life-changing experience for socially isolated, able, and less able-bodied members of our community, giving them the opportunity to feel the joy of cycling. I want to take a moment to thank everyone who has supported this initiative and helped us get so far. Your generosity will make a tangible difference in the lives of so many. There is still a long way to go so if you’d like to contribute to this wonderful and life-changing project, please click here to donate.

Looking ahead, the next six months promise even more to look forward to, including the Christmas lights and the Big Reveal, both of which will bring our community together in celebration. I am profoundly grateful for every person I’ve met, every story shared, and every act of kindness I’ve witnessed. Serving East Grinstead is a true honour, and I’m excited for all that lies ahead as we continue working together to keep our town as vibrant, strong, and beautiful as ever.

Mayor’s Blog June 2024

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

East Grinstead – Champions of Europe

As Mayor of East Grinstead, I had the enormous pleasure of witnessing the phenomenal achievements of our young students and their dedicated teachers from Sackville School, who recently returned from the Town Twinning Youth Games—Jeunes sans Frontières (Youth without Borders). This prestigious event held this year in Bourg de Péage, France, brought together youth from our twin towns in Spain, France, Austria, Italy, and Germany for a brilliant four-day competition of sports and fun. This year’s games were particularly special, coinciding with the passage of the Olympic Flame through the town, adding an extra element of once in a lifetime memories.

Our incredible team—students Lizzie, Evie, Hannah, Addy, Freddie, and Lucas, along with their wonderful teachers Mr. Dupoy and Mrs. Plumb —incredible ambassadors for East Grinstead. They fully immersed themselves in the multicultural community that embodies the true spirit of town twinning and cultural exchange. Their conduct was exemplary, their enthusiasm boundless, and their positive energy really contagious.

From the moment they arrived, our students demonstrated a willingness to engage and immerse themselves with peers from different cultures, initiating conversations and forging meaningful connections. The feedback from other delegates was overwhelmingly amazing, all praising the kindness, friendliness and sportsmanship of our team. Hearing such glowing comments filled my heart with joy and reaffirmed the high regard in which our students are held. I could not have been prouder of them all.

The entire town of East Grinstead shares in this immense pride. The achievements of the Sackville team have made our community proud and really highlighted the spirit and value of town twinning. Not forgetting that without our Town Twinning Association this would not have been possible. Their hard work, passion and exemplary conduct are a credit to both the town and their school. They have set a high standard for future delegations, and their success is a testament to the values and standards fostered at Sackville School.

In an age where global connections and understanding are more important than ever, our students have shown that East Grinstead is not just a town of high achievers but also one of compassionate and engaged global citizens. They have truly embodied the spirit of “Youth without Borders,” demonstrating that through sports, friendship, and cultural exchange, we can build a more connected and harmonious world.

As we celebrate our conquerors of Europe, let us also look forward to continuing our tradition of Town Twinning engagement and celebrating the achievements of our young people, in whatever they do, in the months and years to come.

Congratulations to our champions—you have made East Grinstead incredibly proud!

Mayor’s Blog April 2024

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

The month of my Charity Ball! 160 tickets sold in less than 18 hours, and we even had a waiting list. It was hosted by the beautiful Ashdown Park Hotel, and on the night, we raised over £15,000 for the QVH Charity. Thank you to all who attended and helped make it so special.

Another exciting event was the re-opening of the water fountain on the High Street by the East Grinstead Society. Well done to all involved in this historic event.

Another historic event was the Bluebell Railway’s opening of their first disabled-access Pullman carriage. It took over four years to restore and is beautiful.

The bus day in the High Street is always fun and attracts a crowd of all ages.

I had the pleasure of attending another 100th birthday for a long-time town resident. I always love hearing their stories and seeing the pride in their families’ faces.

One of my last events of the month was the Jigsaw Charity Ball, it was lovely event and has helped raise much needed funds for the charity.

Mayor’s Blog March 2024

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

I started March by opening the new Local Anaesthetic Unit at QVH, which will help cut waiting lists and ease pressure on theatre space. Most of the month was dedicated to planning my Charity Ball in April, which was worse than planning a wedding! I then gave a tour of East Court to children from our twinned town in France, who loved jumping over the Meridian Line. I also got to indulge my inner child by opening the model railway exhibition at Sackville School.

Mayor’s Blog December 2023

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

The month started with the Air Cadets’ Christmas dinner, closely followed by the beautiful Carols at Sackville College. I then attended the Being Neighbourly and the Armed Forces Veterans Christmas events, which were very well attended, helping vulnerable members of our town.

Next was a very sad but worthwhile event, the Food Bank’s Christmas bag pack. It was humbling and an honour to help at. On a lighter note, I then watched the incredible Panto at Chequer Mead (oh yes I did!)

Next up was my carol service at the Meridian Hall, followed by a day I will never forget helping pack and deliver food for the Greenway Foundation. I will be back next year to help again as this is one of the most incredible acts of human kindness I have ever witnessed.

I then managed to get some family time over Christmas.

Mayor’s Blog November 2023

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

November started off the very busy Christmas season with a charity gala and night of music provided by VOX at the Dorset Arms, all in aid of the QVH Charity. We then had Remembrance Services, which is the greatest honour as Mayor to lead. This was one event that will last with me my whole life. After that, it was the town’s big reveal. I dressed in a subdued manner and had the fun job of turning on the Christmas lights. The town was packed, and it was a huge success.

I then attended the opening of the new St Catherine’s Hospice, a new facility that will serve our town for the future. I chaired the town twinning AGM, an organisation that is very close to my heart. I awarded a top venue award to the town’s very own Yogurt Rooms – well done to the team there.

I next had the privilege to attend concerts at Chequer Mead at Sackville School before ending the month turning on yet more Christmas lights, but this time at QVH.

Mayor’s Blog October 2023

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

Some of the highlights of October were my charity barn dance, which was another sell-out event and helped raise a lot for the QVH Charity. I also attended the East Grinstead Chess Club and awarded them a grant of £50. I supported Burns Awareness Day with the burns team from QVH and EG Fire Station. I also had the pleasure of attending a film premiere of an EG-made film by a talented local team.

Then we had the first EG bonfire society parade and firework show. It was a wet and windy evening but a huge success.

I had the joy of hosting a hidden heroes’ event at East Court for members of our community who do so much for the town but often don’t get any recognition. It was then on to another very wet night supporting the Street Pastors and learning how they help our town at night.

Mayor’s Blog September 2023

Posted on by Andrew Taylor

The month began with the opening of the new Lions Charity book shop in Martells. This is a fantastic local resource, helping re-use old books, provide affordable books, and raise funds for the Lions. The generosity of Martells is truly appreciated for making this venture possible.

I was then honoured to be made a Rotarian and give a talk to the Rotary Club about my career as a councillor and time as Mayor.

Later that week, I had the joy of officially opening the new Stone Quarry Cafe at its new home in Stone Quarry. This great local facility looks amazing in its new home, and the partnership between MSDC, Clarion, and Sarah is to be applauded for bringing it to life. I was joined in the opening by our MP, Mims Davies, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant.

As Mayor, you are president of several charities, and I therefore involved myself with their AGMs this month: Grenestede Talking News, Disability Access, and EGMAF. It’s always humbling to hear more about the amazing work our local charities do, and a pleasure to meet their members and the people they help.

On the 17th, I had my Civic Service at St Swithuns. This had been an event I was really looking forward to, and it didn’t fail to deliver. The church was full with friends, family, dignitaries, and fellow councillors. The service was beautiful and meaningful to me.

The following week was the first of my solo charity fundraisers, a quiz night. The night was a sellout and even had a waiting list! The quiz was run by Cllr Belsey, who was fantastic! My wonderful wife did the catering to keep costs down; she was incredible, and I don’t know how she did it! The event was a huge success, and we raised over £1000 for my charity. Thank you to everyone who attended.

Later that week, we had the Macmillan coffee morning at the hospital, and I attended to open the event and judge the cakes! Being Mayor can be a tough job, but cake always helps!