The Mayor of Wrexham looks back at his year in office
On Tuesday May 23, Councillor Brian Cameron will hand over the reins as Mayor of Wrexham – drawing a line under an exciting and eventful year in office.
Councillor Cameron has witnessed some of the biggest events in living memory during his term – both on a local and national scale – including city status, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, the visit of King Charles III and Wrexham AFC winning promotion.
He says: “These were huge moments and it’s been an honour to serve as mayor during such eventful and important times.
“The death of her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was a sad time, and the way Wrexham came together to pay its respects was deeply moving.
“The proclamation of King Charles III – and his subsequent visit to Wrexham to celebrate city status – was also a key moment for me, and it’s something that I will always remember.”
Along with his wife Kerry as Mayoress, he’s attended a huge number of civic engagements over the past year and represented the county borough at many important events.
He’s also the first Mayor to serve the city of Wrexham.
Lifelong Wrexham fan
Councillor Cameron is a lifelong Wrexham AFC fan and – like thousands of other people in the UK (and North America!) – he was ecstatic when both the men’s and women’s teams won promotion this season.
“There have been many wonderful moments since Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds took over the club, but when we clinched promotion to League Two and the Wales Adran League, that was absolutely magic.
“Success on the pitch has meant so much to our communities, and I felt very proud of our footballers as both a fan, and as Mayor of Wrexham.”
Meeting people from all ages and backgrounds
Other highlights include celebrating the late Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee, attending the Royal Garden Party, and supporting Wrexham’s City of Culture bid…
…as well as taking part in events like Armed Forces Day and the parades by The Royal Welsh and The Queens Dragoon Guards.
But as well as the ‘big’ headline moments, there were many smaller events and engagements that left a lasting impression.
Councillor Cameron says: “Both the Mayoress and I loved meeting so many people from all age groups and backgrounds, and learning about their work, talents and interests.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to all the local charities, community groups, schools and other organisations and individuals that invited me and Kerry to share in their successes.
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to meet so many wonderful people, and I can’t express what an amazing experience it’s been to serve as Mayor of Wrexham.
“Thank you to everyone for your support, and I would like to wish my successor Councillor Andy Williams and his wife Beverly warm wishes for the year ahead – I know they’ll do a fantastic job.”
Councillor Andy Williams will officially take up the role of Mayor of Wrexham at the official ‘Mayor making’ council meeting on Tuesday, May 23.