From the Mayor - July 2025

As I write this first article for the Elyi, it is exactly one month since the mayor making ceremony at the Maltings in Ely. A thoroughly enjoyable evening with so many family and friends too. Many thanks to Spotted in Ely for making a video of the event. Most helpful. And to Lola and her team at the Maltings for the great food and drink, and to the Ely Air Cadets for their Guard of Honour.

It has been a very steep learning curve finding. out what is expected of the Mayor during this first month. Though the previous Mayor had given me a great deal of help in preparation for taking up the role, the reality is always different. I am finding that the role involves time every day. I am also learning that the superb support team of our Clerks, led by Tracey Coulson, and all the staff full and part time, working for the Council are an exceptional group of people dedicated to making Ely the best place to live, where everyone is valued and valuable. Of course there are problems, challenges and issues and Ely is not perfect, but it aims to be an inclusive city, welcoming diversity. Acceptance that we are all different, but essential, is the vision we all have to make our community better.

One of the many joys I discover, has been the many invitations to visit groups and activities in our neighbourhood. 

My wife, Helen and I, were invited to RAF Mildenhall both to attend, and present some medals at the Joan Mann Sports Day, held there for the past forty years. Young people, and adults, all with disabilities are invited to attend and participate in a wide range of games and activities. There were about 370 participants and with all the helpers, teachers and assistance, there were more than 1000 folk gathered in a hangar at the air base, with many American Service people helping to make sure everything ran smoothly. Unfortunately, we did not see the parade at the start of the day but soon found ourselves among young people from all over East Anglia, joyfully taking part. At the medal giving ceremony towards the end of the day, I had to present medals to the first, second and third winners of the 50 yards dash. Smiling, happy faces all round as the medals were awarded. Happy, but tired after all the activities, all made their way to waiting buses for the journeys home. 

I was able to meet the daughter of the founder, Joan Mann, of this event which gave all who came opportunities for competition and skills. It was a moving occasion, and we met and had the opportunity to talk to children and adults alike from far and near. Many were both impressed and delighted at the new chain of office for the Mayor of Ely, and some even wanted to know why there were no names on the chain links. There will be I said.

The United States military, present in good numbers, were volunteering to make sure the day went well. It did, with no small thanks to them. They had even lined up three aircraft for all to see outside the hangar door, and you were allowed to clamber into one of them.

So being Mayor is an honour and a privilege. Thank you for your trust and support which is very much appreciated. I am hoping that the rest of the year will be as enjoyable as this first month. Do be in touch if you have ideas or would like me to visit.

Cllr Mike Banyard

The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City of Ely