The Runnymede Foodbank and Egham Constellations swimming group will be the focus of fundraising efforts for the new Mayor of Runnymede, Cllr Margaret Harnden, who took office this week.
She will be supported by Cllr Steve Ringham, one of the Council’s four Co-Leaders, who will be the Deputy Mayor for the next 12 months.
Cllr Harnden has spent most of her life living in Thorpe Ward, and her career ranged from research physicist to literacy teacher.
St Mary’s Church in Thorpe has played an important part in Cllr Harnden’s life, having been confirmed and married there, singing in the choir since a child, and now serving as a deputy warden.
In her spare time she enjoys genealogy and gardening and also has a keen interest in improving accessibility for those with a range of disabilities, including physical and neurodivergent.
Following her term as Mayor of Runnymede from 2022-23, Cllr Harnden was both surprised and deeply honoured to be asked to stand for a second term.
Cllr Harnden said: “I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Runnymede as their Mayor again, and I very much look forward to meeting as many residents, groups, clubs and societies as possible.
“The office of Mayor is an incredibly fulfilling role: being in a position to highlight the wonderful community we have locally, and to thank all who make our borough such a special place is very rewarding. I would like to thank all who have put their faith in me to undertake the role for a second time.”
Cllr Harnden and her late husband had a long association with the Foodbank, being the link with St Mary’s Church for many years. She saw first-hand the need for support for families struggling to put food on the table, which is sadly still needed. The Foodbank now works closely with Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne to help improve the finances of families in need, but it is still supporting many. With the cost of living still a challenge, donations of food have reduced and money is needed to replenish stocks in the warehouse as they dwindle each month. Any funds raised during the mayoral year will help people in need right across the borough.
Egham Constellations organises swimming sessions at The Egham Orbit for those with a wide range of disabilities. They are supported by a wonderful band of volunteers. With a waiting list for this service, more financial help will enable the group to expand and provide much needed specialist transport to the pool and also grow the volunteer force. As well as the importance of the benefits of exercise in the pool, members value the social interaction and friendship built up within the group.
Cllr Harnden is grateful to Dennis Brown, BEM, long term member and Vice-President of The Egham Band, for offering to be her consort this year. Fr Gerard Mee, a friend and former Assistant Curate at St Mary’s, will be her Mayor’s Chaplain.
Find out more about the Mayor and invite Cllr Harnden to your organisation, club, business or school: https://www.runnymede.gov.uk/mayor
We always look for ways to improve our website. Share your feedback on how we can improve the information or structure of this web page.
To get in touch about a service we provide, use our contact us form
Did you find this page useful?