After a slow start to the new year, the Mayoral calendar has quickly picked up with a mixture of business openings, speaking engagements and visits to the Mayor’s Parlour.

Newly refurbished Obsidian Interiors
It is always a real positive to open or re-open a new business, given the challenging economic times we are currently experiencing. Fortunately, Cheltenham has weathered the storm better than most. Our town boasts some superb family businesses, none more so than George Bence & Sons, now in its 170th year and the second oldest business in our town.

I was invited to re-open the newly refurbished and refreshed Obsidian Interiors where you can see a fantastic range of fabulous kitchens and bathrooms in a relaxing, purpose-designed showroom. Do pay a visit to Obsidian and support a great local business.

Longfield Hospice’s fourth charity shop
Charity shops are becoming increasingly popular, raising much-needed funds for local and national charities. Not only that, but they aid in the repurposing of good quality clothes and other products, and enable people to purchase good quality second-hand items within a tight budget.

I was pleased to open the new Longfield Community Hospice shop in Coronation Square, their fourth shop in Cheltenham. This wonderful charity really does make a difference, providing free services for those facing life limiting illnesses and their families, including a range of wellbeing courses, bereavement counselling and hospice at-home palliative care. Please consider donating your unwanted good quality items to Longfield or pop in and see the amazing products they have for sale.

Cheltenham Rotary Club & Chatterbox
I enjoy speaking to local groups about the role of the Mayor and answering lots of questions about our town. It was a real privilege to be invited to the Cheltenham Rotary Club who do so much to support various charities in Cheltenham and to be the first Mayor to address members of Chatterbox at the C3 church. Both events were great – meeting and chatting to Cheltenham residents from across the town is always a pleasure.

Marle Hill Women’s Institute
Finally, I was joined in the Mayor’s Parlour by members of the Marle Hill Women’s Institute. We had some lovely conversations about Cheltenham, past and present, over a cup of tea and a slice of cake. I hope to be inviting many more people to enjoy the delights of the Mayor’s Parlour during the remainder of my mayoral year, which finishes in May.

Paul