Inauguration of Grantham first Ambasador

On Saturday 12th October at 11am the Inauguration of Grantham’s first civic Ambassador will take place in Abbey Gardens, St Peter’s Hill, Grantham.

Town & District Councillor Charmaine Morgan, former Deputy Mayor of Grantham, was elected as the Town Council’s first Ambassador in May 2024.

Civic Ambassador Cllr Morgan said: 

‘It was an honour to be nominated to represent our town along with Cllr Wayne Hasnip who is Deputy Ambassador. The new role represents the beginning of a new chapter for our town which has its first elected Town Council in over 40 years in May this year. I have been acting as Ambassador for Grantham since then. My first engagement was to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Samaritans in Grantham. Among other events, I have also been privileged to attend an Art Exhibition at Walton Academy, welcomed Japanese school children to our parlour who were hosted by KGGS and have enjoyed our fantastic performers at the Guildhall Theatre and Walton Academy. I attended the dedication of new planters donated by Grantham Rotarians to Wyndham Park, helped with the Dog Show at Dysart Park Fun Day, visited our Citizens Advice Bureau and attended flag raising events on Armed Forces Day and Merchant Navy and Commonwealth Days. 

I am privileged to follow a succession of Mayors in becoming President of Grantham Twinning Association. In that capacity I was delighted to join association members as they welcomed our guests from Sankt Augustin in September. 

In holding an Inauguration Ceremony we will retain some of the tradition of the former Mayor’s role although our Town Council is working on a tight budget and is democratically elected. A simple ceremony will take place in Abbey Gardens at 11am followed by tea and coffee for our civic guests and community representatives in the Town Council Parlour. 

There are still many duties to perform until next May including especially during Rememberance week. I also plan to raise some funds for local charities The Passage and Grantham Citizens Advice Bureau. It has been humbling to receive offers of support with this including from Grantham Lions and our Twinning Association. 

Whilst being our civic Ambassador I also take my District and Town Council roles very seriously. I am passionate about promoting and helping to improve our town and am in awe of the amazing talented and dedicated people who live and work here. I would like to express my particular thanks to our Chairman and Deputy Chair Cllrs Tim Harrison and Marie Reid and our Town Clerk Anita Eckersley, along with other fellow Town Councillors, who are working tirelessly in this foundation year of our new Town Council. 

The Inauguration Ceremony in Abbey Gardens is open to the public. Being our first year it has taken some time to set up our new structure and there was a further delay due to the bi-election. It is planned that future Ambassadors will hold their ceremony in May.

If anyone would like me to visit your organisation or attend an event I would be honoured to do so. I will be attending St Wulfram’s this week helping to judge vegetables and at a later date listening to public speaking by Kings Boys. 

If you would like me to support you in my capacity as Grantham Ambassador please contact our office on admin@granthamtowncouncil.org or you are welcome to contact me directly.’