Thatcham welcomes new Mayor
Councillors, distinguished guests and local residents joined together at a Council meeting to welcome the new Mayor of Thatcham at the Mayor Making Ceremony held at the Frank Hutchings Community Centre today.
Cllr Lillycrop speaking at the meeting said: “I am truly honoured. Thatcham has been home to Jenny and me for over 35 years and the opportunity to be Mayor is a very special one indeed. Here in Thatcham there are so many issues in which people feel about so passionately from the big topics such as planning and the distribution of new houses, roads and education to the town centre which like so many commercial areas now struggles for footfall.”
The new Mayor highlighted the need for the town to cater for different age groups and to provide the right services for young people, particularly teenagers. He said that this is a challenge which previous mayors have worked hard to address. The Mayor said that the older population will benefit from the planned new dementia unit and hydrotherpay pool in the town.
Cllr Lillycrop announced the two local charities that he will be supporting this year. The first is PALS (Partners for Active Leisure Scheme) which provides activities for children and young people with physical disabilities and support for their families. The Mayor will also be supporting West Berks Foodbank and added: “with rocketing food prices and real need across our community, that role has become truly essential.”
The Mayor’s term will run until May 2027 with the Mayoress being Jenny Lillycrop, the Mayor’s wife. Cllr Lillycrop previously served as Mayor in the year 2024-2025. The outgoing Mayor, Cllr Petra Pemberton was elected Deputy Mayor for this year with her husband Cllr Justin Pemberton being her consort.
Cllr Petra Pemberton, the outgoing Mayor and new Deputy Mayor said: “I feel a mixture of pride, gratitude and disbelief at how quick this year has gone. When I became Mayor I knew it would be special but I had no idea just how much it would touch my heart.”
Cllr Petra Oemberton went on to announce that she had raised £3000 for her charities: Homestart West Berkshire, Bridge for Young People and Swings and Smiles. She reflected on her year after attending around 220 events, visiting schools, charities and clubs along with other local organisations.
She added: “I have witnessed community spirit and the kindness of people.”
Pictured (left to right): Cllr Justin Pemberton (Deputy Mayor’s consort), Cllr Petra Pemberton (Deputy Mayor), Cllr Mark Lillycrop (Mayor) and Mrs Jenny Lillycrop (Mayoress).