How a tale of two mayors inspired the revival of a community group in dire straits after Covid

Two mayors have led the way in a post-Covid revival of a Cheshire community group which has undergone a dramatic transformation since its relaunch 18 months ago.

Kay Wesley, the new Mayor of Congleton, and Rob Moreton, who was mayor until handing over to Kay at the town hall in May, are both on the committee of the Bromley Farm Hub Group.

Said Group Chair Susan Mead:

“We are so proud of Kay and Rob helping us get back on our feet, we organised a photoshoot for them at our Wellbeing Hub in Parnell Square and called it Mayoral Handover 2.

“Like many community organisations, the ravages of Covid left our group on its knees with hardly anybody left to support it. Now we have hundreds of people involved one way or another.

“We were lucky in that, when we re-started, we still had the home base of our Hub and the considerable practical support of its owners, Plus Dane Housing Group.”

Kay took over as Group Secretary when things were at their worst and Susan said:

“Although Kay and Rob are just two of many people who have contributed enormously, they have been an inspiration to all of us.

“They have helped us ensure the residents of Bromley Farm get the use of some of the community grants available by planning events open to people of all ages. 

“We have also brought all age groups together to enjoy free activities beneficial to health and wellbeing.

“Our Hub has created friendships and the sort of community spirit which had been impossible during Covid.”

Susan gave an insight into how Kay has enabled the team of volunteers at the Hub to become efficiently organised as a constituted group, notably in dealing with the massive amount of paperwork involved.

She added:

“Kay has given up her time to teach our residents how to use software to support various groups within the Hub, among many other contributions.

“Kay sourced a grant from the digital health company she owns, Kanga, to help our Bromley Bloomers gardening group get established; she set up and helped to run the Friends Group serving free lunches  to residents; she helped plan and host some of our big community parties and she also does gardening with the bloomers.

“Rob helped me to set up what was to become the award winning Bromley Bloomers and has also worked in our garden area.

“He opened events for us when he was mayor, he has been our community’s Santa and has helped out with the Friends group.”

Rob, a former postman who lives in Bromley Farm, serves on the town council and Cheshire East Council. In the 706-year history of Congleton mayors, he was the first to be elected as an Independent.

Now Kay has become the first mayor anywhere in the UK to be elected as a member of the Women’s Equality Party during its nine-year history. Kay and Susan represent the WEP on Congleton Town Council.

Kay’s schedule now she is Congleton Mayor has forced her to reduce her volunteer duties at Bromley Farm Hub Group.

The committee welcome inquiries from anybody who would like to pick up the reins, especially as Group Secretary.

Said Susan:

“Kay has been so resourceful and efficient there is a clear blueprint which makes Group Secretary an ideal role for anybody who wants to help our community continue to grow.”

If you are interested, send a brief introductory email to Susan on: 

cllrsusan.mead@congleton-tc.gov.uk

The picture, from John Gauld Photography, is of Rob and Kay at the Group Hub in Parnell Square, Congleton.