Mayor’s special thanks for our
vital volunteers

Coun Martyn Bolt and Mayoress Liz Bolt hosted a civic reception at Dewsbury Town Hall on Monday to show their appreciation.

He told guests: “This point in the mayoral calendar gives Liz and I the chance to thank all the groups who have invited us and our deputies to events this year.

“We’ve had the opportunity to visit every ward. The mayoral days may have been long, but they’re certainly exciting and interesting.

“What Liz and I will remember most are the community groups and societies who invited us to be part of their celebrations.

“They show the true strength and character of Kirklees, and make it a better place to live.”

Among those invited were the Community of the Resurrection, West Yorkshire Print Workshop, Dewsbury Arts Group, the Friends of Crow Nest Park, Birstall in Bloom, Cleckheaton Folk Festival and the Reporter Series.

Special congratulations were given to Albert Firth, vice chairman of Dewsbury Royal British Legion, who celebrated his 91st birthday on the day.

Deputy mayor Coun Ken Smith, who is the mayor designate for the coming year, also took the opportunity to name his chosen charity for the year ahead as Kirkwood Hospice.

He said the charity’s staff had cared for his late wife and for the late partner of his Deputy Mayoress, Coun Christine Smith.

“It’s an organisation that supports people all over Kirklees and has enhanced its services considerably,” he said.

“It has particular resonance for Christine and myself – we’ve got a personal connection to it.

“I know the money raised will be going to a very good cause.”

Other guests included Coun Bolt’s charity One Community, and the Deputy mayor designate Coun Paul Kane and his partner, Susan Beford.

The new civic team is due to be formally elected at a full council meeting on June 4.

Visit our website to see a slideshow with more pictures from the event.