Your stories – Sonia Lewis

Sonia Lewis 
Mayoral year dates: 2010-2011  

How long did you service as a Councillor for Colchester?   

I stood for Council in 1986/7 and won the seat in 1988. Lost in 1990, regained in 1992. 

Why did you choose to become a Councillor in Colchester?  

I had moved to residential Lexden from the village farming environment of Elmstead, standing for Council introduced me to the community. 

Describe your mayoralty year and the aims you had in 100 words? 

In addition to the money raised at events organised by my charity committee, money was also raised at my Civic Service, Armed Forces Day service, a lunch at my home on Remembrance Day, plus a donation from Hunnaball Funeral Directors, bringing the grand total to £40K. I am also proud that the Oyster Feast that year covered its cost. 

The opening of the Oyster Fisheries made history as we went back to the pre-1960’s by not going to sea. I had the pleasure and honour of welcoming the late Queen Elizabeth II when she visited Tiptree and I had a close working relationship with the military, as the 16th Air Assault Brigade were deployed in Afghanistan. Sadly, six Colchester soldiers fell, those who give their lives in any conflict deserve our remembrance and honour. 

What did you enjoy most about your mayoral role? 

The most enjoyable was receiving the late Queen Elizabeth II at Tiptree and my proclamation to declare the Oyster Fisheries open. Meeting the community, the staff in our hospitals, the children, all the volunteers. Plus, Madam Mayor of Wooton Basset, Simon Weston and the Mayors from Essex and Suffolk Towns. Opening the Mayoral Suite for many organisations, saying thank you. 

Throughout your year as Mayor of Colchester, what was your most rewarding moment? 

I have two…the performance of the pantomime at the Mercury attended by the military children, on stage to a standing ovation, and being at the soldier's rose garden in Colchester Cemetery with the first rose planted by Simon Weston.  

I did thoroughly enjoy my Mayoral year, but it is very demanding. I was so tired by the end but, in my case the last months were the hardest but most rewarding.    

As a former Councillor and Mayor, what would you say to someone thinking about becoming a local Councillor? 

Think very carefully of all the implications.