The new Lord Mayor of Chester’s theme for his civic year will be community and community cohesion.
His chosen charities for the year are the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, Live Cheshire and Combat Stress.
Councillor Mark Williams was invested as Lord Mayor of Chester during a ceremony at Chester Town Hall.
Speaking after his inauguration, Cllr Williams said: “It is an honour and privilege to be invested as the Lord Mayor of Chester and to be able to share this civic year with my wife Denise as the Lady Mayoress is absolutely wonderful.
“We both look forward to our civic year and, after much thought, our theme for the year is communities and community cohesion.
“We believe those from different backgrounds, cultures, religions and life experiences should be able to share values and celebrate their differences.
“Whether it’s age, disability, race, religion or orientation – it is about promoting similar life opportunities and creating positive relationships in our workplaces, schools and within our neighbourhoods.
“It is about promoting a place where people can belong and be comfortable mixing and interacting with each other – celebrating our differences and sharing our common values.
“Communities have been reflected in our choice of chaplains.
“Thank you to the Rev Chris Blunt from St Luke’s Church, in Huntington, and thank you to Mohammed Angur Miah from Shah Jalal Mosque, in Blacon, for agreeing to become my chaplains for my civic year.
“Their roles are to offer advice and guidance on religious, and other, matters and to provide links to all faiths in our community, which we very much look forward to getting involved with.
“Communities are also reflected in our choice of charities. There are so many worthy causes but we could only select three.
“They are Combat Stress, Live Cheshire and the Hospice of the Good Shepherd. These focus on different aspects of our community, whether it is life circumstances, stress, disabilities, loneliness, age or palliative care.
“Each is an important part of our community and can enable help, care and guidance for our residents.
“Denise and I look forward to our civic year and meeting as many people as possible from various backgrounds and cultures.
“I know we will see, hear and take a small part in many wonderful local events and important occasions that this great city has to offer. Thank you for this opportunity.”
