New mayor pledges to do his best

Cllr Lee Chamberlain is Enfield’s new mayor and his deputy is Cllr John Jackson.

In the traditional mayor-making ceremony, departing mayor, Cllr Don Delman handed over the chains of office at the start of the new municipal year 2008/09.

Here are some edited highlights from Cllr Chamberlain’s speech:

“I am grateful to the council for the trust it has shown in choosing me for this role, which will always rank among the most distinguished high points of my life. It is a role I will cherish and I will do my utmost to uphold to the highest standards.

“It is a source of some considerable pride for me that I grew up and was educated in the area, which I now represent as a Councillor, Southbury Ward. It’s an area I am deeply rooted in, with my family past and present having lived across it.

“I am the fourth generation of Chamberlains to live in the borough. Family legend has it that my great grandfather walked here from Leicester sleeping in haystacks on the way.

“I am the first generation to work in an office, rather than with my hands, although I still relish those skills I first picked up as a lad working for my father in his roofing and construction firm.

“I am the kind of person who likes to be self-sufficient, I enjoy good design and to see things work well.

“I know from my experience as deputy mayor that people really value the support and presence of the borough’s representative, and as the youngest Mayor of Enfield for a considerable time, I am looking forward to meeting many more of the people of Enfield who are doing remarkable things.

“It is truly humbling to see the fantastic depth of talent, effort and commitment that exists within our borough.

“There are so many worthy causes in Enfield; and I will be making it my business over the coming year to do what I can to support their activities to the fullest.

“If I can help get publicity for a good cause or help them to directly generate funds for their activities then I will count my time well spent.

“Cllr Delman achieved a fantastic, and if I may say so, daunting fundraising result during his mayoral year.

“I don’t know if I can equal it, but as regards the Mayor’s fund, for this year I have decided to direct a large part of the monies raised to the North London Hospice and the Nightingale Community Hospice. I also want to offer a significant sum to the Talking Newspaper. Should sufficient funds be raised beyond that, I will be looking to make payments to small charities where more modest sums can have significant impact. “

This document was last updated on 2008-05-12 16:02:03 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_132769