Caring Mayor wants to put the fun into fund-raising
We caught up with new Mayor Gill Burnett to find out more about her, including what she's hoping to achieve during the next year.
Looking after people is second nature for new Mayor Gill Burnett.
Having worked as a carer for the past 30 years, the mother of one and grandmother of three is dedicating her first time as first citizen of the borough to lifting residents’ spirits post pandemic and raising money for two worthwhile causes.
The Kidsgrove and Ravenscliffe councillor, who is starting her third term at Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, is focusing on injecting a sense of fun during the next year and is already planning fund-raising events such as a 1940s night and 1920s ball/casino in aid of the Tri Services and Veterans Support Centre and Home Start Newcastle.
The support centre, based in Newcastle, is creating a rural retreat in Mow Cop for ex-service personnel, their families and the community. “Operation R & R” includes plans for four eco-friendly cabins and activities such as archery, bushcraft, bee-keeping and Tai Chi. Meanwhile, Home Start works alongside families experiencing a number of challenges including children’s health, well-being and development; isolation, home environment and financial worries.
As well as being a borough, county and town councillor, the Mayor is also a member of Kidsgrove’s Town Deal Board – which has secured £16.9 million of investment for the town – a trustee of Kidsgrove sports centre and treasurer of the North Staffs 1940s Association.
During her spare time, the Mayor’s hobbies include walking along the town’s canals and spending time in local green spaces. She is also looking forward to marrying her fiancé, and Consort, David Faulkner in April 2023.
The 63-year-old said: “I’ve lived in a small conservation area in Kidsgrove for more than 40 years and can’t express what a fantastic area it is.
“My life as a councillor started 22 years ago when there were plans to install a phone mast outside of my house. I launched a campaign and as a result the mast was moved to a better location at the workingmen’s club and the owners received compensation to refurbish the building. It was a win-win situation for everyone.
“I’m expecting the next year to be really busy. I’ve got lots of ideas. I’m looking forward to raising the profile of Newcastle-under-Lyme, getting out and meeting new people, bringing together the community and hopefully having some fun along the way. Many people have been quite isolated for the past two and a half years so I want to do my best to help change that.”
Chris Faulkner is High Constable and Katie Shaw the Mayor’s Cadet. Cllr. Simon White is Deputy Mayor.
Records show that there has been a mayor in Newcastle since 1318.
As well as being a ceremonial role today, the Mayor chairs all meetings of the Full Council and holds the casting vote.