Outgoing Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Libby Ancrum, reflects on her term of office and presents awards and charity cheques
Published: 13 May 2025
The Outgoing Mayor of Sevenoaks, Cllr Libby Ancrum, presented prestigious awards to members of the community, as well as cheques to her nominated charities, at the Sevenoaks Town Council meeting on Monday 12th May.
The Mayor’s Award for 2024/25 was presented to Homa Ansari. This award recognises the important contribution of people who voluntarily provide time and resources for the benefit of the community of Sevenoaks.
Explaining why she had chosen to present Homa with the Mayor’s Award, Cllr Ancrum said, “Homa Ansari is a stalwart supporter of Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees, you can almost always spot her on the stall at many different events, and I am aware of how much support she provides behind the scenes to families. She is also an active member of the Repair Café initiative. In addition, she is heavily involved with Every Step Counts supporting more active lifestyles”.
Cllr Libby Ancrum also presented a Kent Association of Local Councils (KALC) Community Award to James Ball. The award recognised his dedication to improving road safety in the town, including the creation of a petition, supported by 2000 people, for the Sevenoaks Town 20mph scheme.
Outgoing Mayor’s Cadets, Sgt Roy Newman and Sgt Florence McDonald, were also presented with an award and certificate for their support to the Mayor during the Civic Year.
Speaking about her mayoral engagements, Cllr Ancrum said, “I have been deeply privileged over the past year to have met so many people in the Sevenoaks community collaborating to make this such a great place to live. This has included the full age range, from toddlers to care home residents, at events organised by local groups, as well as Sevenoaks Town Council itself. Spring is always a busy time, and I have enjoyed attending our series of events on the Vine, including the Vegan Market in April, the Climate Fair in May, as well as the recent children’s rock painting and theatre on the Vine.”
Cllr Libby Ancrum also spoke about the Town Council’s fundraising efforts, she noted, “During the year, we have raised funds for two local charities, Bradbourne Riding for the Disabled Association and Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees. It has been a pleasure to work with volunteers and meet some of those who benefit from the work that they do. This is in addition to the Council’s regular programme of grant support provided to local voluntary groups.” At the Town Council meeting, Cllr Ancrum presented Sevenoaks Welcomes Refugees with a cheque for £5,497.53, and Bradbourne Riding for the Disabled Association with a cheque for £3,160.55.
As she reflected on her term of office, the Outgoing Mayor said, “My Town Council highlights have been the progress we made on slowing the traffic in Sevenoaks, enhancing the cycling and walking opportunities around the town, as well as the installation of solar panels on the indoor bowls club. I also particularly enjoyed a visit to Longspring Wood to celebrate its acquisition by the Town Council and reading the message of congratulations to Sevenoaks from the King. I began the year with a Beacon lighting on the Vine to commemorate D-Day. I finished the year with another Beacon lighting remembering the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, an important and timely reminder of peace.”
At the Town Council meeting, Cllr Camp thanked Cllr Ancrum on behalf of Sevenoaks Town Council and the Sevenoaks community for her hard work. Cllr Camp said the Outgoing Mayor had, “been a wonderful Mayor” and had, “shone the light brightly on Sevenoaks wherever she went, putting our lovely town even more firmly on the map”.
