'Merry Christmas to all': Walsall Mayor issues festive message and selects charities

The Mayor of Walsall, Councillor Anthony Harris, has selected his Christmas charities while also remembering the key moments of his mayoral year. 

In a heart-warmimg message, Councillor Harris has thanked Walsall residents for their dedication to community work, offering his 'warmest wishes' for the festive period. 

In the Christmas message, the mayor said: "As the festive season approaches and the spirit of Christmas fills the air, I want to extend my warmest wishes to all the wonderful people of Walsall.

"I must say, the six months I have spent as Mayor of Walsall have been the greatest honour of my life. I have visited many different communities and have met countless people in various parts of the borough who truly showcase all that is good in the world.

"I have met many selfless and inspirational people who put the wellbeing of others ahead of their own, something which is always touching to see. I am truly thankful for all the work these people do.

"As the year draws to a close, I am reminded of the fantastic and adventurous year we have had. In May, we had the joyous 150th celebration of our much-loved Walsall Arboretum and only a few months later, we honoured the late Queen Elizabeth II with Walsall’s own lasting memorial to her."

The mayor remembered the 150-year celebration of the beautiful Walsall Arboretum and celebrated the 100th birthday of a very special Walsall resident. 

Councillor Harris continued: "Throughout the Summer, I had the privilege of hosting a charity afternoon tea, awarding young artists for their anti-litter posters, and celebrating the remarkable 100th birthday of resident Mary Gutteridge.

"Into the autumn, I inaugurated various projects, including unveiling the Sister Dora Community artwork piece at Bloxwich Library. I engaged with representatives from community groups such as Walsall’s Polish support group and Reach For A Star CIC.

"It was also, of course, a great honour to join thousands of you all for Remembrance Day to pay respects to those who fought for our freedom. We will always remember them."

The mayor also took the time to announce his selected charities for year, donating funds too Well Wishers, the Children's Department at the Walsall Manor Hospital, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association and the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

He said: "For my Mayoral year, my selected charities are Well Wishers and the Children’s Department at Walsall Manor Hospital, The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association, and The Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

"As the months get colder, I encourage you all to keep warm and check in on your loved ones, neighbours, family members and friends. On behalf of Walsall Council, the Mayoress and I would like to wish all of you a peaceful, healthy and happy Christmas and New Year."