CommunityAd look back at Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling Cllr James Lark’s Mayoral reign to date.
We had the pleasure of catching up with Cllr James Lark who shared with us his major highlights, assessed his time as Mayor and updated us with the incredible amount he has raised for his chosen charity Arthur’s Quest since being elected Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling last May…
As you’re approaching the end of your Civic year, how would you assess your time as Mayor of Tonbridge & Malling?
It has been a wonderful year full of varied events. We have done our best to promote the Borough of Tonbridge and Malling wherever we have been. Having lived here basically all my formative years, I never realised that there was so much going on in the Borough both young and old. It has only reinforced my faith in volunteers without whom the world would be poorer.
What have been the major highlights so far for you as Mayor?
Everything has been a highlight in its own right. But if I were made to choose specific events I would put attending a double 100th birthday for two veterans from Larkfield, hopefully re-establishing the relationship with our twin town of Heusenstamm, the formation of a new regiment at Ditton barracks and not forgetting the numerous nativity plays and carol concerts we attended. We have thoroughly enjoyed every event we have attended.
Would you do it all over again?
Absolutely! At the drop of a hat!!
What have the following months got in store for you and how enjoyable was the Christmas period for you from the Mayor’s perspective?
We have various events coming up and the diary is always being added to. I can’t therefore fully say what we have coming up but a busy schedule already. Christmas as I have previously said was wonderful. We visited schools and organisations all over the Borough and each brought its own twist to the only too-familiar Christmas story. We so appreciated being asked and were made so welcome at every event.
Are you able to estimate how much money you would have raised for Arthur’s Quest by the end of your Civic year?
The year is not over yet but we are pleased with the amounts raised so far. We are hoping to do another fundraiser before we hand over to our successors but the total raised so far is £4377.10.