Cheadle's Mayor Routledge has been elected to serve as mayor for the third time. A civic ceremony was held at St. Giles the Abbot church to welcome visiting civic leaders and celebrate his commitment to the town.
The ceremony included contributions from local faith leaders and Bishop Rawle C.E. Primary School Choir. Rev. Garry Higgs, Interim Minister at St. Giles, drew parallels between the work of the town council and that of churches and community groups, emphasising the importance of community collaboration.
In his address, Mayor Routledge said he was pleased to be elected for a third term and delighted to see people attending, particularly the Bishop Rawle school choir and their families. He spoke of being blessed to serve the town for the past eleven years and expressed his hope to serve for many years to come.
Civic Exchange and Community Plans
A visiting mayor explained the significance of area leaders visiting each other, noting that mutual support allows them to learn from one another and return home with new ideas.
Deputy Mayor Jase Jervis, a local farmer, arrived after tending to eight of his cows that had wandered onto the road near his home. He returned in time for the main part of the ceremony.
Following the ceremony, visitors were invited to a tea reception at Wellspring Methodist Church, provided by local caterer Ian Barlow. Guests were also encouraged to view the art exhibition dotted around local shops as part of Cheadle Arts Festival. Plans for development at Wellspring, including a new function room and coffee bar, were on display.