The former mayor encourages the councilors to persevere in their good work

JOY in relationships created around the globe and pride close to home were the twin themes of Liskeard’s mayoral election ceremony.

This annual event is full of centuries-old rituals. Visiting mayors from across Cornwall are announced by the town crier in full regalia. The chains and robes of office are passed on to the new mayor, who takes an oath of allegiance; the silver maces are placed in front of the council members.

But for all its historic formality, the ceremony was one of laughter and plenty of warmth: outgoing mayor Cllr Simon Cassidy spoke of how he was first inspired to join the city council by the person who will now serve as civic leader, Christina Whitty. Christina and her husband Terry had been like family, he said, and it was a delight to see “mini-me” and his vice president become mayor for the coming year.

Councilor Whitty spoke about the events that bring the city together and the exciting developments that will take it forward.

The Cattle Market transformation has already brought the new workshop and markets under the canopy: the mayor hoped to see more events in this space and looked ahead to the bus terminal and the expanded doctor’s office.

The local council took over Castle Park from Cornwall Council, she said, and was still looking at upgrading Rapsons’ skatepark and refurbishing the Guildhall.

Praising the staff team, the mayor said dedicated councilors “work hard to make things happen” and were committed to “doing everything possible for the council and the city I love so much”.

Among those working diligently to promote the town is Sioux Dunster, manager of Stuart House, who received the George Vaughan-Ellis trophy. Sioux always has time to listen and quietly performs many acts of kindness.

An upcoming event involving Stuart House and many other organizations would be Liskeard Unlocked and this year’s theme is co-operation and twinning. Liskeard has renewed its link with Quimperle and is one of the first places in the UK to be twinned with a Ukrainian town. Mayoral Chaplain Kevin Grant highlighted the joy, peace and support these connections could bring.

As Simon Cassidy stepped down after three consecutive years as mayor, he was preparing for his next trip to help deliver aid to Ukraine. This type of work captured his heart, he said, and will continue to be his focus in the coming months.

Encouraging the councilors to persevere in their good work, he said the job of a council is to keep making the city a better place and he felt this was being achieved, year after year.

“You make a difference – and what you do matters.”