Feeling Proud

I must admit, becoming a Town Councillor was a bit of a shock – it was not expected and to be honest a little outside my comfort zone, not always being one for processes, policies and formality. I felt rather gobsmacked when I won, and the feeling of honour was fairly over-powering.
That will remain with me forever.

But over the last couple of years I have learned a lot, mostly that those who sit around the Council table are just like you and me – ordinary people who just happen to love their town and want to do the best they can for it, in their own time and often expense.
Yes, there is some red-tape, and yes there are things like Standing Orders and Regulations, but foremost it is the commitment by the volunteer Councillors to making Whitchurch a better place that comes across as paramount.

But rarely have I felt so proud and humbled as to the latest surprise development.

To be selected as the Deputy Mayor and Deputy Chairman of 'my' town is something I still cannot get my head around – something that confounds yet excites, and makes me shake my head at the sheer privilege of being chosen.

Right: The Deputy Mayor's insignia.

Words still fail me.
"Feeling Proud" will have to do – while I now make the promise to undertake the role to the best of my very limited ability.