On Sunday 24th March residents of Marlow, members of local organisations and local dignitaries gathered in All Saints’ Church for the Town Mayor’s annual Civic Service.
“Our town is one of inclusion and collaboration, where every resident has a voice and a sense of belonging,” Mayor Brown said. “I see my role as Mayor to be a bridge between the town’s rich history and its promising future, working to ensure that our values are not just preserved but also evolve to meet the changing needs of our residents and visitors.”
The Mayor announced his Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to Shaun and Barbara Murphy for their work in leading the Poppy Appeal for Marlow. Mayor Brown said: “Each year, the award is presented as a heartfelt expression of gratitude, highlighting an invaluable contribution to the Marlow community. Shaun and Barbara have worked unstintingly to support the Poppy Appeal in Marlow for over thirteen years. They thoroughly deserve this award.”
The Award was presented by The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire.
Rev Canon David Bull led the service, assisted by Canon John Udris from St Peter’s RC Church, and the Glee Club Choir sang I’m Still Standing and You’ve Got A Friend.
Jamie Watson of Great Marlow School read a poem by John Leroy Maxwell: Happiness is helping others.
Meals from Marlow, the Mayor’s Charity this year, gave a short talk about how they were formed during the Covid pandemic and how they are now feeding families who are struggling in the Marlow community. They are shortly to serve their 200,000th meal. The Royal Marines spoke about their pleasure in having their detachment based in Marlow and how welcome they feel in the community.
Photograph – thanks to Jon Perry
Picture shows (left to right):
- Mayor of Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Neil Knowles,
- Mayor of Henley Cllr Kellie Hinton
- Mayor of Beaconsfield Cllr Jackson Ng
- Chairman of Buckinghamshire Council Cllr Patricia Birchley
- Mayor of Marlow Cllr David Brown
- The Countess Howe, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire
- Mayor of Aylesbury Cllr Steve Lambert
- Mayor of High Wycombe Cllr Paul Turner