Your stories – Gerard Oxford
Gerard Oxford
Mayoral year dates: 2017-2018
How long did you service as a Councillor for Colchester?
I served as a Councillor for Colchester for 22 years 5 months and was Mayor of Colchester in 2017/18. My wife, Bev, also served as a Councillor for 21 years and as my Mayoress.
Why did you choose to become a Councillor in Colchester?
I thought as a Colcestrian, born and bred, that I could do better than those already in office at the time.
Describe your mayoralty year and the aims you had in 100 words?
Our aim was to make my year inclusive. We did well over 1,000 events, and whilst doing this we were able to highlight disability access improvements that could be made, not only in Colchester but wider afield. We raised nearly £30,000 which was shared by our 6 charities including St Helena Hospice, Headway Colchester, guide dogs for the blind.
What did you enjoy most about your mayoral role?
Meeting our communities and engaging with everyone. A particular honour was when Bev and met the late Queen and Duke of Edinburgh at the annual garden party. They chatted to us for about 10 minutes. It was a real honour to represent Colchester at this event.
Throughout your year as Mayor of Colchester, what was your most rewarding moment?
Supporting the 6 charities who all do such hard work and meeting thousands of people from around the borough (as it was then).
As a former Councillor, Mayor and Leader, what would you say to someone thinking about becoming a local Councillor?
You don’t always need to be a political party candidate, I was independent. I would urge anyone to involve themselves in their community report issues and set up Facebook page to communicate to the public. We have always thought candidates should represent where they live and work every day, not just at election time.
Page last reviewed: 15 July 2024