Bollington businesswoman becomes Mayor of the town
A Bollington publican who first entered local politics two years ago, has become the town's Mayor.
Cllr Helen Ellwood, who was first elected as an Independent for Bollington Town Council's East Ward in May 2021, has now ascended to become Mayor of the town.
The apolitical position represents the public face of Bollington and the work the Council does in the community.
The new Mayor has ran The Poachers Inn on Ingersley Road since July 2000.
She was appointed Mayor in a packed ceremony of 70 people at Bollington Civic Hall, on Palmerston Street.
Cllr Ellwood had spent the past year as Deputy Mayor, to outgoing Mayor Cllr John Stewart.
The 2023-24 Mayor Making ceremony kicked off with a speech from Cllr Stewart.
"I believe Cllr Ellwood will make a very effective Mayor and efficient chair of our Town Council," said the outgoing Mayor.
"Helen has been a very public figure as landlord of the Poacher's pub and has a lot of experience engaging with people from all walks of life.
"Cllr Helen began her career in the automotive trade, holding roles such as an account manager and team leader." he said.
"Before taking on the Poachers she worked for Hewlett-Packard. She bought the pub from her aunt and uncle. And every day has been a dream.
"Bollington's only true free house. It has been in the CAMRA Real Ale Guide consistently and employs 12 people from Bollington both full and part-time, which demonstrates her ability for hard work and getting results.
"She has worked with me on the Town Hall Task Group, helping to deliver sustainable options for our Town Hall."
Cllr Ellwood was appointed Mayor with the company of her partner Rob Ellwood, who will be the Mayor's Consort.
As well as raising the profile of the town, the Mayor also raises money for charities. This year she has chosen Bollington Dementia Friendly Group, youth suicide prevention charity Papyrus and new local men's mental health charity ANDYSMANCLUB Macclesfield.
"Today is one of the proudest days of my life so far," said Helen.
Rob and Helen pose for a photo with
"I've been privileged as Deputy Mayor to work alongside and learn from our outgoing Mayor Cllr John Stewart. For that, I am eternally grateful. I have a very tough act to follow.
"I have great pride being part of Bollington Town Council. I will represent Bollington and its residents to the best of my ability, with enthusiasm, compassion, commitment and honesty."
Cllr Ellwood cited communication with the public as a reason for her to stand for Councillor two years ago, and her skills as a publican will no doubt help bridge that gap between local government and the community.
She echoed this sentiment in talking to the public in her maiden speech as Mayor.
"I'll continue building relationships with Cheshire East Council to get the answers we need as a progressive Council in many of the areas of local concern, and ensure all feedback is communicated," she added.
"Bollington Town Council wants a sustainable and inclusive community, promoted in an honest, open and responsive manner. I want us to be a cohesive, respectful and approachable Council, working together for the benefit of the community.
"The skills I have gained as the longest-serving landlady in the history of The Poacher's Inn has armed me with the traits of diplomacy, compromise and negotiation."
A new Deputy Mayor will be appointed in September.
Bollington has had a Mayor position for almost 40 years. A fact many from Macclesfield do not know.
Also at the Ceremony, the outgoing Bollington Mayor Cllr Stewart was praised. He was commended by former Cllr Ken Edwards for representing Bollington during the Jubilee, death of the Queen and the recent Coronation of King Charles.
Cllr Stewart's tenure of the last 12 months as Mayor included establishing the Bollington Youth Council and getting new cricket nets for the Recreation Ground.
Cllr Stewart stated visiting care home residents on Christmas Day as a personal highlight, as well as establishing 15 new allotment spaces for the Happy Valley and sowing the seeds for a bigger allotment project next year.
He also praised the Council for establishing solar lighting and funding two roads at risk of losing out on gritting.
Mayor Ellwood, who lives in the East Ward she represents, will also serve as a Councillor alongside her next 12 months as Mayor.
To learn more about the new Mayor of Bollington, read this 2021 article about Helen Ellwood by clicking HERE.
If you are a Bollington business or organisation who wants help from the Mayor, please email [email protected].
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