Mayor of Kettering raises thousands for charity

The Mayor of Kettering has raised thousands of pounds for her nominated charity this year.

Cllr Keli Watts has worked to raise awareness of and funds for Northamptonshire Sands, the baby loss charity.

Now the total stands at just over £2,400 thanks to a range of fundraising ideas including celebrating International Women's Day, Christmas street collections and even a talk on pumpkins.

Cllr Watts has already served twice as mayor of the borough – once in 2012 and again in 2019 – but this was her first time as Mayor for the new Kettering Town Council.

Cllr Watts has had a busy year as the First Citizen of Kettering, representing the people of the town, attending more than 130 engagements since she was elected in May 2022.

Events have included the Queen's Jubilee celebrations, church services, business and shop openings, talking to Scouts, Guides and young people about the Mayoralty, attending concerts and theatre performances as well as taking part in Remembrance Day services and Christmas events.

In September Cllr Watts read out the official Proclamation announcing the new King Charles III to townsfolk in the Market Square, after the death of Elizabeth II.

Cllr Watts said: "I have had an incredible year as Mayor of Kettering and it has been a true honour to represent the people of the town.

"I have met so many interesting and wonderful people, who are all doing so much good work in Kettering and I am proud to have been able to lend my support.

"I would also like to thank all those who have been so supportive and kind over the year, it has made it a really special time for me."

Cllr Watts' year in office will end this month, and a new Mayor will be elected for the coming year at Kettering Town Council's Annual Council meeting in May.

Councillors will also elect a Deputy Mayor at this time, who can attend events in the absence of the Mayor.

The Mayor chairs meetings of full Council and is also the First Citizen of the town of Kettering.