Getting to know Medway Mayor Cllr Jan Aldous

With the 2022 Mayoral Making ceremony getting closer by the day, CommunityAd got in touch with current Medway Mayor and Cllr Jan Aldous where she spoke to us about her aims as Mayor, most memorable moments she has had in her position as well as her chosen charities during her tenure…

Cllr Jan Aldous – Can you inform readers of your background which lead you to the position of being elected Mayor of Medway? 

I was first elected as a councillor in 2016 and was re-elected to represent the residents of Rainham Central in 2019. I was then elected Mayor of Medway at the council’s annual meeting on Wednesday, 5 May 2021.

What are your overall aims of Mayor of Medway for the year? 

“My overall aims as Mayor of Medway is to promote and represent Medway, help and support local charities especially as they have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic as most of their fundraising is carried out face-to-face.”

What have been your most memorable moments of Mayor this year? 

“I am so proud to be Mayor of Medway and I have enjoyed every moment so far. I enjoy all of the events that I attend but some of my most memorable moments include the launch of the non-visible disability initiative at Rochester Cathedral, the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra at the Central Hall as well as paying my respects to our armed forces, past and present, on Remembrance Day.”

Having interviewed several Mayors of different towns in our other publications, they always inform me how their role has opened their eyes to how many helpful volunteers and kind people that live in their town, can the same be said with your time as Mayor of Medway? 

“My role as Mayor of Medway has enabled me to meet a number of amazing residents who do incredible things to help our community like Phil Bungay from Parkinson’s UK and Neil Charlick from Gillingham Street Angels, the wHo Cares team, the Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club and many many people like them.”

What are you chosen charities for the year and why did you choose these? 

“My chosen charities for this year are Parkinson’s UK, who are very active locally and work with other neurological condition charities including Skylarks choir, and Hands Gillingham, who take residents to medical appointments and provide vital services to elderly residents in Rainham and beyond.”

Away from your mayoral duties, what are your hobbies and interests and what do you enjoy most about living in Medway? 

“My hobbies include cooking, watercolour painting, flower arranging and anything to do with crafts and socialising. Medway is a great place to bring up a family – our local communities are very friendly and welcoming.”

Written by Matthew Hemmings

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