As the 2025/26 mayoral year came to a close at the Annual Meeting of Sevenoaks Town Council last night, the Outgoing Mayor, Cllr Tony Clayton, presented prestigious awards to members of the community, as well as cheques to his nominated charities.
Cllr Clayton presented the 2026 Mayor’s Award to John Levett. This award recognises the important contribution of people who voluntarily provide time and resources to benefit the Sevenoaks community. The Outgoing Mayor said, “If there’s live music anywhere in Sevenoaks – it’s almost certainly down to John Levett. He runs The Listening Room, helps with Music on the Bandstand, as Chairman of Kent Youth Jazz Orchestra, with Sevenoaks Summer Festival, and this year he was key in the organisation of the fundraising concert for my chosen charities. In a town with so much musical energy, John makes it happen.”
Cllr Tony Clayton also presented a Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) Community Award to Homa Ansari, who was given the Mayor’s Award last year. The Outgoing Mayor said, “Homa is a tireless contributor to the community, including through Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees and the Repair Café.”
Outgoing Mayor’s Cadets, Explorer Scout Holly Maystone and Explorer Scout Alexander Davies, were also given awards for their support during the last Civic Year.
At the Council meeting, the Outgoing Mayor also acknowledged Andrew Eyre as he retires from the position of Chief Executive of the Stag. Cllr Clayton said, “Andrew has given a huge amount to Sevenoaks in developing the Stag as we know it today. The Stag has cemented its place as the cultural centre of Sevenoaks, and for 15 years, Andrew has been at its helm.”
During the Town Council meeting, Cllr Clayton presented both the Sevenoaks branch of Citizens Advice and Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust with a cheque each for £5836.47. The Mayor thanked everyone who had made it possible to raise a total of £11672.94 for these charities, including those involved in fundraising events such as the Mayor’s Quiz and Swing into Spring Concert; Bob Ogley who generously donated over £1000 from sales of his Knole Park book; and everyone who contributed to raffles and collections through the year.
As he reflected on his term in office, Cllr Clayton remarked,“I have met so many amazing people during the year, working in our community. It’s been a real delight to promote as many of them as I could in my mayoral blog.
“It’s a real privilege to be Mayor of Sevenoaks – the best place to live in Kent! You represent more than the Council. You also have a chance to support the voluntary and professional groups and the residents who make this town what it is. We can help bring them together and encourage what they do.
“Only Sevenoaks Town Council has the motto ‘May Sevenoaks Flourish.’ That’s why it’s so important this Council continues into future decades, doing what it says on the badge!”
At the meeting, Cllr Claire Shea, Leader of Sevenoaks Town Council, thanked Cllr Tony Clayton and his wife Gill, saying, “Tony, your dedication to the people of Sevenoaks throughout your year of office has been truly inspiring. You and Gill have given your time, your energy, and your commitment to this town with great generosity, and the council and the community are all richer for it.”
