Supporting young people and meeting many dedicated volunteers and charities are just some of the highlights as a mayor reflects on a busy seven months in office.

In his Christmas message released today, West Norfolk mayor Cllr Andy Bullen speaks of the privilege of representing the borough and his aims of supporting businesses and communities, large and small.

Cllr Bullen’s video message is live on the borough council’s social media channels, and in it he said: “With Christmas almost upon us, it is the perfect time for me to reflect upon my time in office as mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, and the many hundreds of special people and the many events that I have had the pleasure of engaging with in my year so far.”

He said the “full weight of our civic history comes into focus, and also the huge privilege it is for myself and my consort, my sister Jane, to represent our community as civic head of the borough council”.

“With my deputy mayor Cllr Steve Bearshaw, and his wife Marisol as deputy mayoress, we have set about trying to reach all corners of the borough as often as we can – supporting businesses and community events – large and small – and we are humbled that we receive so many invitations from so many interesting individuals and organisations.

“I have made young people a feature of my term; supporting my chosen charities of 42 (F) King’s Lynn Squadron Air Cadets and The Swan Youth Project in Downham – both groups being committed to improving the lives of young people in our area. Their enthusiasm in everything they do is a tribute to all who support them.

“There are so many dedicated charities and volunteers working across West Norfolk, I would like to thank you all. Your hard work really does make a difference.

“Perhaps I’ve been swept along by the enthusiasm of the younger generation, but I’ve agreed to have a special tattoo to raise funds for my charities – there is still time to donate if you are feeling generous.”

Cllr Bullen said his term has been “full of colour” as the town celebrated events including VE Day 80 commemorations, Lynn’s Hanseatic Festival, Festival Too and Lynn Festival.

In paying tribute to the organisers he said: “I am astounded by the amount of work that goes into planning and organising these large celebrations – much of it by volunteers and donations to make them free. It makes our remarkable town stand out, and we should all be proud to be a part of it.”

He also spoke about the privilege of representing Lynn at a special service where a new memorial was unveiled to 37 Scottish fishermen from St Monan’s, who perished off the Norfolk coast in 1875.

“One hundred and fifty years on, the community of St Monan’s remains deeply grateful for the compassion and support shown by the people of King’s Lynn during and after that tragedy. This enduring connection stands as a powerful testament to your generosity, kindness, and remarkable community spirit,” he reflected.

Cllr Bullen said the VE Day 80th anniversary events were “especially poignant as the greatest generation fades from view”.

“However, although it reminds me of the value of service during wartime, it also confirms that peace has to be maintained continually.

“For that reason, I am especially proud of the service personnel at RAF Marham who have just returned from an eight-month deployment to the pacific aboard HMS Prince of Wales as part of ‘Operation Highmast’ – we are grateful for their service – and their families – and thankful for their safe return after long months at sea, I look forward to marking their achievements with friends and family in the coming months,” he said.

His list of thanks includes council staff for all their work throughout the year to make West Norfolk a “pleasant and safe place to live, work and visit”, the emergency services, health workers, support staff and volunteers working over Christmas.

“While we gather close to celebrate the season, their work goes on, often unnoticed, and we thank them for what they do,” he said.

“Beyond Christmas, I will begin the final stretch of my term until May, when my time as mayor is done. Having said this, I will be kept busy until the end.

“The Mayor’s Business Awards will soon be announced, to be followed by the Your Local Paper Local Hero Awards – all showcasing the best of West Norfolk.

“Also, the historic Lynn Mart will be here on Valentine’s Day, followed by the even older St Winnold’s Day Parade in Downham in March; but between these ancient and historic occasions, I hope I get the chance to meet many more of you from all corners of West Norfolk.”