“I want to bring accessibility and approachability. To show the people of Marlborough that the council is there to work for them and not the other way around.” Councillor Lisa Farrell, Marlborough’s very-soon-to-be Mayor is clear about how her time as Mayor will be seen by the Marlborough community. On Monday evening – 14 May – Lisa will be elected to the position of Mayor of Marlborough.
“We are here to serve the town and I want everyone in Marlborough be they rich, poor, young or old – just everyone – to feel that they understand that we are their representatives, that they can be comfortable when coming to a meeting and be able to contribute and talk to us. The councillors are there to be their voice in the town’s decision-making forum”. ”But we want to hear their voices”.
Lisa’s clarity of focus is reflected in the charities she has chosen for her Mayoral year. Not just what they are, but rather how many, and importantly how they were selected.
“I always swore that as a councillor I would talk to the community about what they wanted me to do and what charities they wanted me to support.” she explained. ”There are seven charities, I couldn’t choose three” she added. ”They had palpitations in the council offices when I gave them that list.”
“I chose charities serving those less able, the young and the old. I tried to do it in a way that connected with each part of the community, areas where funds are always needed and difficult to get so every little bit helps.” ”I got the community to do it with me, on Social Media, I asked them which should be supported and I’ve done what they have asked me to do.”
The seven charities that she, or the many across the town who guided her towards the eventual selection are: Preshute School, Marlborough St Mary’s School, The Findlay Foundation, New Road Day Centre, Jubilee Centre, Macmillan Cancer and Kennet Community Transport.
It will be a very busy year for Mayor Lisa. Not only will she be out and about, representing the town across far and wide, but getting out to cover as many local events and activities and meet as many residents as possible. All of this whilst holding down a busy full-time job organising the hospitality for many of the events and functions held at Marlborough College.
“There won’t be anytime off” she added, “even for good behaviour!”.
Lisa’s previous experience will put her in good stead. Not only did she spearhead the drive to bring more affordable retail to Marlborough – Tesco might not be occupying their position in the business park were it not for Lisa’s drive several years ago, but her efforts with the young in the town, making the revitalised Youth Centre a beacon for Marlborough’s teenagers where they can spend time and experience activities that otherwise they would miss.
“I always try to be there for people, all ages and from every part of the community” she stated. ”I relate to a lot of kids, I had a difficult upbringing, I’m from a poor background and I’m proud of that.” ”I’ve been there, done it. I’ve struggled but from where I’ve been to where I am now I hope my mum is very proud”.
Marlborough will welcome Lisa to the role of Mayor at the Town Hall on the evening of Monday 14 May.