Making a difference: A look at Cllr Neil Houston’s time as the Mayor of Elmbridge

Elmbridge Borough Council held its Mayor-making ceremony on Wednesday this week, marking the end of Long Ditton Councillor Neil Houston’s tenure as mayor. As his time in office concludes, the Elmbridge Liberal Democrats would like to look back over Cllr Houston’s accomplishments and congratulate Neil on a year of excellent service to our community.

During his time as Mayor, Cllr Houston designated 'Home Start-Elmbridge’ and The Mayor of Elmbridge Trust as the Mayor’s charities. Home Start-Elmbridge is a voluntary organisation that provides support to families with at least one child under five by giving them practical and emotional support because as they say “Childhood can’t wait”. The Mayor of Elmbridge Trust supports vulnerable families within Elmbridge by providing funding for essentials that they might be struggling to afford.

Cllr Houston used his time as Mayor to organise fundraising initiatives to raise much-needed funds for these charities. The most notable of these was his participation in the ‘Hot Coals Challenge’ at Painshill Park, which involved him walking across hot coals (Twice) to raise funds and awareness for the charities. He was joined in this enterprise not only by his family but by 80 other brave souls and between them it raised £30,000.

The role of Mayor is a civic one, which requires the officeholder to represent Elmbridge at events. Throughout this past year, Cllr Houston:

Has been to many different and varied events like the ones below,

Opening various fetes, shops, art exhibitions, new local enterprises, and attending local festivals.

Visited many schools across the Borough for prize giving, or judging events, as well as discussing being the Mayor with them.

Attended various plays and concerts, put on by local community amateur dramatic societies and Choirs.

Been to many Cathedral, Church, Synagogue and Mosque services, recognising various religious festivals.

Supported our Cadets, Scouts, Guides, and the armed forces by attending various rallies, meetings and events.

Acknowledged and celebrated important events like the D day landings and VE / VJ days as well as our commonwealth soldiers.

Attended and represented the Borough at various Civic Receptions and High Sheriff’s Events 

And acknowledged our own local hero’s, those people who give their time to help and support others across Elmbridge 

He has had over 210 engagements 

And Chaired 8 full council meetings

The Elmbridge Liberal Democrats would like to put on record our thanks to Neil, who has been a Liberal Democrat Councillor on Elmbridge since 2015 and before that was a Kingston Councillor since 2010, for his dedication to Elmbridge and his clear commitment to public service.

We have no doubt that Neil will continue to serve Long Ditton and Elmbridge with distinction for years to come