Report of Town Council's Annual Civic Service

Published: 13 July 2023

Last Sunday, members of the Town Council, and the local community, joined with The Right Worshipful the Mayor of New Romney, Cllr John Rivers, and visiting Mayors, dignitaries and guests, for our annual Civic Service in St Nicholas Church, New Romney. Although the inclement weather rather dampened the procession into the church, the atmosphere in the church was full of optimism for the coming year.

The service was led by Rev Chris Hodgkins, the Mayors Chaplain, and Vicar of St Nicholas, and took the theme of Community Working Together. Pupils from both St Nicholas Academy, and The Marsh Academy took part in the service, together with members of the Council, the Church Community and local organisations.

The Mayoral Address was as follows:

"Right Worshipful Mayors, Worshipful Mayors, distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen.

I stand before you today, with immense gratitude and pride, as the Mayor of New Romney and Chairman of the Town Council, in this beautiful Cinque Port town that many of us here this morning call home.

We are gathered here today for a purpose - a purpose that goes beyond our daily lives and concerns; a purpose that binds us as a community. We are here to celebrate the collective strength, unity, and service that makes New Romney a fine example of what it means to be a community working together.

I am acutely aware of the diversity that makes our town so special. Our population may be modest, but our spirit is mighty. We have residents ranging from children and young adults who are just beginning to understand the value of community, to our seasoned members who have spent years dedicating themselves to the well-being of New Romney.

The theme of today's Civic Service, ‘Community Working Together’ for the Benefit of Others, encapsulates the very essence of what makes New Romney unique. We do not merely exist side by side, but rather we are interwoven into the fabric of each other's lives.

It is said that a community is not just about proximity; it is about the bonds we forge and the commitment we make to each other. It's about recognising our differences, embracing them, and still finding the common ground upon which we build and prosper together. Our collective spirit, our willingness to help one another, our shared commitment to the common good - these are the threads that weave the tapestry of our community. Let us continue to uphold these values, to foster an environment of cooperation and mutual respect.

Our community is full of unsung heroes: our Sea Cadets who epitomize discipline and bravery, our Scouts and Brownies who embody resourcefulness and integrity, our local schools fostering knowledge and shaping the future leaders of our society. I want to express my deepest gratitude to each one of these groups for their remarkable contribution to our community.

But there is a group of individuals and organizations that deserve a special mention. To those tireless charities, associations, and organizations in New Romney who have worked devotedly for others, we owe you a debt of gratitude. Your commitment to community service is unrivalled, your generosity of spirit commendable.

Among these are my chosen charities for this Civic Year - Touched by Cancer, Fun4All Shepway Disability Club, and the New Romney Counselling Service:

o Touched by Cancer, your ceaseless efforts to support those affected by this devastating disease are truly remarkable. Your work has given hope, support, and comfort to many within our community during their most challenging times.

o Fun4All Shepway Disability Club, your name says it all. Your club has made it possible for children and their families to reduce their social isolation whilst experiencing joy, friendship, and a sense of belonging.

o New Romney Counselling Service, your dedication to mental health, your compassion, and your unwavering belief in the power of healing are extraordinary. Your commitment ensures that nobody must face their difficulties alone.

To all these incredible organizations and to those who support them, thank you. Your work may often be unsung, but its impact resonates in the heart of every individual you've touched and the strength of our community. Your contributions make New Romney a better place, and for this, we are profoundly grateful.

But what is a community without the helping hands of those who seek no recognition? Those who volunteer their time to support friends, neighbours, and even complete strangers. Today, we pay special tribute to our selfless volunteers. You are the silent heroes who often go unnoticed. Your acts of kindness, whether big or small, are the threads that strengthen the fabric of our community. Without seeking rewards, you give the most valuable gift one can give – your time and your heart.

So today, I am here to thank you – each of you who tirelessly offer service to the community, both those seen and unseen. Each of you who have chosen to give your time, your energy, and your heart to the benefit of our town and its people. Each of you who have decided to put others before self, in the service of your friends, neighbours, and complete strangers. You are the testament to our community's strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit.

Your actions exemplify a quote by Mahatma Gandhi, who once said, "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." You have not only found yourselves but have also helped others discover their strength, their worth, and their place in this community. You have shown us what we can achieve when we open our hearts to the service of others. You embody the essence of our theme today - the power of a community working together.

I also wish to extend my deepest thanks to my fellow councillors and our dedicated council staff. Your commitment to service, your thoughtful deliberations, and your tireless efforts in making New Romney a better place are invaluable. Each one of you, with your unique skills and perspectives, contributes towards the efficient running of our beloved town. To the councillors, your dedication to public service, your ability to debate, decide, and stand by those decisions, is a testament to your character. To our hardworking council staff, your logistical, administrative, and operational support allows us to turn ideas into action. The often-unseen work that you do is essential to our day-to-day operations. The progress we have made and will continue to make is a direct reflection of your hard work and commitment. For that, I am deeply grateful. Your unwavering dedication truly embodies the spirit of our community, and together, we shall continue to serve New Romney to the best of our ability.

It is a privilege to serve as your Mayor and Chairman of the Town Council, but it is an even greater honour to serve alongside you as a fellow resident of New Romney. As we look forward to our shared future, let us remember that the strength of our community lies not just in the might of our infrastructure or the power of our institutions, but in the willing hearts and helpful hands of its people.

As we move forward, let us remember that no act of service, no matter how small, is ever wasted. I encourage all of us to find ways to contribute to our community, to make a difference in whatever way we can. Because when we work together, we not only create a stronger community, but we also create a brighter future for New Romney.

Finally, with apologies to President JF Kennedy: “Ask not what your community can do for you, but rather what you can do for your community”.

Thank you."

 

Photos courtesy of Susan Pilcher