Mayor Linda Bird's Blog - May 2021

I am writing this final blog of my term of office with a sense of pride for the achievements over the year, and humility as I remember with sincere affection the groups and individuals it has been my privilege to meet. As we all know, being out and about has not been possible for almost all of this year, but I am so pleased to have used the technology available to maintain contact. However, the last 2 weeks of my unique term have meant we could make some visits in person, as restrictions allowed us to meet outside.

Some facts from my term which may interest readers are that I made 275 zoom calls, and filmed 7 speeches at home.

Highlights from my term

  • Visiting the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery was just such a wonderful experience.  A big thanks to CO, Vicky Flood and her team for planning our visit. I learnt so much and was so impressed with the visit.  
  • I have made two visits to our Birchmere depot and our parks teams, where I have been privileged to see the work of our staff who keep our streets clean and our parks and open spaces looking beautiful. I also was able to witness the successful apprenticeship schemes available. 
  • Meeting Dexter, the Metropolitan Police mental health unit working dog and also the beautiful horses used for the same purpose. 
  • And of course an opportunity to meet Princess Anne as she visited the riding for the disabled unit in Charlton. 
  • I am pleased to have visited METRO charities rapid HIV mobile testing unit in General Gordon Square. 
  • Birchmere depot

Visiting the Holbrook Ward

Holbrook ward

I went to visit the Holbrook Ward at the Woodlands mental health unit situated in Queen Marys Hospital Sidcup. I was joined by Cllr James Hunt, Mayor of Bexley. Our joint visit was to pay tribute to the work of the staff with dementia patients. Giving some ‘goodie bags’, and a rose bush for their garden along with a bird feeder was such a pleasure. It gave me great joy to be able to acknowledge this amazing group of people, who cared for my late partner Tom. It was an emotionally charged visit, naturally, but what a privilege.  

Seeing our schools and youth centres

Visiting schools and two youth centres could finally happen. Those who know me will appreciate how important it is for me to meet children and young people and share their views and news.  

Thank you to Sherrington Primary School, Cardwell Primary school, Holy Family Primary school, Deansfield Primary school and Eltham Church of England Primary School for arranging my visits for assemblies and more. Also a big thanks to the pupils of St. Marys Primary School Eltham, who were quite pleased and surprised to meet me at the road crossing operative early one morning. 

Thanks to Avery Hub and Charlton Hub youth centres for our time together. I enjoyed so much seeing how popular these venues are to our youngsters.

Mayor's parlour meetings 

I was lucky enough to be able to open up the Mayor's Parlour and invite a limited number of people back to see how things were going. 

Victoria Maynard, members of Mums Aid, Dr Amir Patel and two parents and children from the playgroup were all able to join me in separate appointments. A representative of some of the outstanding work in our borough. Thanks to them all for coming along. 

I also met Judge Christopher Kinch and staff at the Belmarsh courts and I was privileged to be given a tour. Thankfully I was not detained... It was a real insight into the work of the courts and their contribution to our community. Thank you so much. 

It all came to an end

I finished the year with a visit to the parlour from my amazing family, where I was treated to a surprise. This was a film with contributions from many people I have met. This will be something I will always treasure, and I must admit there were tears. 

My final full council meeting took part in the council chamber, so for the last ever meeting I was able to sit on the proper chair, and not balance the agenda on my table at home – HOORAH!

In closing I say a huge thank you to our Mayors office staff - Alison Raj and Terry – for all the practical guidance and support, and I wish Denise and Leo a fabulous year ahead.

Thank you, everyone.

Cllr Linda Bird