Mayor of March Gary Christy recaps his year helping the town ‘prosper’ and dedicating his time to supporting communities

The March mayor has taken a look back at his time in the position and remembered some of his key events over the year.

During the March council meeting on Monday evening, Gary Christy thanked fellow councillors for their support as his role comes to an end.

Since being selected as mayor last year, it has been a ‘privilege’ for him to take on the key role supporting the community, and he said he has been fortunate to attend some great events.

The first event Cllr Christy attended was the lighting of the beacon in West End Park to mark the anniversary of D-Day. His last event as mayor will also be the lighting of the Beacon once again, but to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE-Day on May 8.

During his term, he has attended 75 official engagements.

He said: “It has been a great honour to attend many events across the county and wider as the mayor of March.

Further afield, the first event was the mayor of Peterborough's Thanksgiving service on May 5. He added: “I attended the High Sheriff of Cambridge’s garden party at Elton Hall, which was an amazing setting, and that evening I attended the Independence Day event at RAF Alconbury.

“We can't go without remembering the amazing Remembrance Day service that takes place in our town. It was a privilege to lead the parade of councillors laying the wreaths.”

Cllr Christy spoke about the two events he held in the town, the first being the civic service with the theme of harvest festival, with many dignitaries attending, including the High Sheriff of Cambridgeshire.

His greatest pleasure has been supporting events and causes in March.

He added: “When I undertook the role of mayor of March, my promise was to do all I could to help the town prosper and build communities.

“I have attended a wealth of events in support of causes, community groups and businesses in March, which I am very proud to have been a part of.

“There are so many events I have attended, and these include presentation evenings for the 1220 Air Cadets, visits to All Saints, Burrowmoor and Cavalry schools, and Neale-Wade Academy for events ranging from careers events to various celebrations and music shows.”

He has attended many sporting events, including the town's parkrun, where he now volunteers each week.

“I also did everything I could to support businesses in any way I could, so I spent a lot of time talking to traders to understand the challenges they face,” Cllr Christy added.

“I was also keen to create our own events to bring footfall into the town, support local businesses and bring the community together.”

Events in March Market Place have been supported by the Fenland Farmers Group, and by popular request, more farmers' fairs will be coming to the town soon.

He added: “The events that have been totally self-funded are a great example of how the investment and the assets of March, such as the markets, can be used for enjoyment for the community while helping the economy on a small scale, as every little bit makes a big difference for small local businesses.”

Unfortunately, the mayor's ball had to be cancelled due to the lack of numbers, however, instead, he had a fundraising spirits tasting event organised by Fens Spirits, which was well attended and enjoyed by all.

Throughout his term as mayor, he has raised around £6,500 to distribute to his chosen causes, with the three main ones being Break, FACET and Camsight.

He will be giving both Break and Facet £1,500 and Camsight £1,100.

Cllr Christy said there are youth groups and local organisations that he would like to thank for their assistance in fundraising.

“First, I would like to make donation of £400 each to March Air Cadets and Army Cadets.

“I would also like to donate £400 to the March churches and £400 to Fenland Farmers for the assistance they have given me during my term.”

He acknowledged it being difficult for groups who have been organising events for the town, but said art, music and culture are things that brought the community together and the types of events he is passionate about.

He will also be donating £400 to the March Summer Festival, working towards putting on the event this year for its 25th anniversary.

He added: “I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported me during this mayoral term. There are so many people to thank, in many ways it is a great pity it comes to an end, as it only feels like it started yesterday.”