The outgoing Mayor of Boston has hailed the borough as ‘amazing’, saying he has learnt more about it in the past 12 months than in the previous 18 years he has lived here.

Coun Barrie Pierpoint’s term of office will conclude on Monday (May 18) at the annual general meeting of Boston Borough Council.

At the beginning of his civic year, Coun Pierpoint pledged to be a ‘mayor of the people’. True to his word, over the past 12 months, he has attended almost 200 engagements, including event openings, school visits and community activities.

He said: “I made a commitment to be available to all communities and cultures within the borough, whether groups, societies, organisations, businesses, schools or care settings, alongside carrying out the civic duties entrusted to me. I am proud to say I have achieved this with dedication and great pride.

Just some of the mayoral engagements Coun Barrie Pierpoint kept during his civic year.

placeholder image — Just some of the mayoral engagements Coun Barrie Pierpoint kept during his civic year.

“I am incredibly proud of the number of engagements undertaken during my year and particularly touched by those who invited both the Mayor and Mayoress back for a second or third visit. That, in itself, is a testament to the value of these connections.”

He said it had been a ‘genuine privilege’ and ‘honour’ to serve as mayor.

“The role has been informative and educational, opening my eyes to the strength, diversity and community spirit across the borough,” he said. “The support people show one another, and the wide range of groups and initiatives, truly make Boston a wonderful place to live, work and enjoy.

“I have learnt more about the borough in the past 12 months than in the previous 18 years I have lived here. It is truly an amazing borough. Every day has been different, and the entire experience has been both rewarding and enjoyable.”

Coun Pierpoint thanked the hundreds of individuals, community groups, charitable organisations and businesses who helped make his civic year what it was.

He also paid tribute to the support provided by his mayoral team, including Mayoress Pamela Love.

“Pam has worked tirelessly, going above and beyond throughout the year,” he said. “Her passion, warmth and willingness to get involved in any situation have been invaluable. I am incredibly fortunate to have had such a dedicated and down-to-earth Mayoress. Pam, thank you most sincerely – you have been truly outstanding.”

He thanked Deputy Mayor Coun Patsie Marson, describing her as a ‘real gem’, along with Deputy Mayoress Donna Goss for their support and commitment.

He also gave thanks to the 13 volunteers who supported the Mayor’s fundraising committee: Coun Suzanne Welberry, Coun Helen Staples, Coun Mike Gilbert, Coun David Scoot, Coun Neil Drayton, Coun Lina Savickiene, Coun Patsie Marson, Pam Love, Tracey Scoot, Jade Welberry, Jennifer Oglesbee, Dr Umaira Batool and Dr Ahmad Batool.

Together, they have helped raise more than £10,000 for five causes: Boston Foodbank, Boston Men's Shed, Centrepoint Outreach, Headway Lincolnshire, and Support Group for Adults with Autism.

Coun Pierpoint said: “These dedicated and passionate individuals have been instrumental in the success of our fundraising efforts. I thank them sincerely for their time, commitment and hard work.

“They have done me proud, our chosen charities proud, and most importantly, the people of Boston proud.”