York’s new Lord Mayor Cllr Chris Cullwick will take office this Thursday (27 May).
And he has announced which charities the incoming civic party will be fundraising for during their year in office.
The three local organisations chosen are the mental health charity York Mind, youth homelessness prevention organisation SASH, and The Wilberforce Trust, who are working to support people with visual and sensory impairments.
Cllr Cullwick will become Lord Mayor at a socially distanced Annual Council meeting at the York Assembly Rooms on Thursday.
He said: “The Lady Mayoress Elect, Sheriff Elect, Sheriff’s Lady and I considered the selection of our charities very carefully. Particularly at this time that continues to be difficult for so many, there are so many charities that do such valuable work for the people of York.
“The three organisations we have chosen are addressing issues that are not only very pertinent at the moment but are also personally close to our hearts. We are delighted to be working with organisations that really make a difference in our city.”
Having a ball
It is traditional for each Lord Mayor and Sheriff to raise funds for local causes during their tenure and this year will be no different.
The events programme will be announced later this year and are expected to include some traditional favourites, such as the Assize of Ale and the Valentines Ball amongst other more contemporary events held across the city.
Cllr Ashley Mason, the Sheriff Elect added: “This year is clearly set to be different with limited major in-person events, but we are even more committed to ensure that we do everything we can to support these three amazing organisations.
“I am incredibly honoured to be joining Cllr Cullwick and the incoming civic party to represent our city and promote positive change here in York.
“I am very much looking forward to an enjoyable year, and hope the people of York will help us to raise funds to support our charities work.”
Bridget Meynell, the former managing director of Minster FM, which was bought out and then closed by Bauer Media last year, will be heading up the Lord Mayor’s fundraising committee.
She said: “We are very grateful for the committee who are being so generous with their time supporting the civic party and these excellent charities.
“We are looking forward to welcoming back some heritage events and adapting to recent changes in the forthcoming year with new opportunities to raise awareness and funds.”
The charities
York Mind York Mind is a leading local provider of services supporting individuals recovering from mental ill-health to achieve outcomes that will progress them towards recovery, social inclusion and integration in mainstream activity such as learning, volunteering or employment.
SASH SASH is a registered charity preventing homelessness in young people aged 16 to 25 throughout North and East Yorkshire, offering accommodation and support to young people facing homelessness.
The Wilberforce Trust The Wilberforce Trust are passionate about empowering people to gain confidence and independence with sight, sensory and hearing impairments to live fulfilling, independent lives. They provide caring holistic support to help people come to terms with a new diagnosis or to better manage an existing condition, offering activities and events, supported Living, supported Housing, rehabilitation services and advice.
The new Lord Mayor
Cllr Cullwick has lived in York since 1984 and served as a Liberal Democrat Ward Councillor for Huntington and New Earswick since 2015.
He has been instrumental in establishing numerous initiatives in the city, including foodbanks, Street Angels, York Schools and Youth Trust (Yo-yo), Family Matters, Spurriergate Meeting Place and the One Voice Trust (a network of churches).
Ordained in the Church of England for more than 40 years, he has served most of this time in York, including ten years as a chaplain to the city whilst based at York St John University chaplaincy.
His wife, Joy, a psychotherapist and retired university lecturer, will become the Lady Mayoress. They have two sons and three grandchildren. Cllr Cullwick has chosen Cllr Ashley Mason to serve as Sheriff, with his wife Danielle as Sheriff’s Lady.
For the first time in over 80 years The Lord Mayor of York, Cllr Janet Looker and her consort, stayed in office for an extended term due to the coronavirus pandemic.