Being Deputy Mayor

Only two months in as Brent's Deputy Mayor and am really enjoying it. Have attended 15 events to date, visiting a number of settings and meeting a wide variety of people. Most notable was the launch party for the Notting Hill Carnival, the grand opening of the splendid Kingsbury Mandir and the laying of the stone in Lechmere Road, Willesden to commemorate the Victoria Cross (VC) awarded to Charles Ernest Garforth for his bravery in saving fellow soldiers from attack in the first World War. Charles Garforth was born at 19 Chaplin Road, Willesden, and was one of the first to receive this the highest medal for bravery. A ceremony included army officers, councillors, members of Charles Garforth's family and a very special visitor, Sgt Beharry, the only living recipient of the VC for bravery in Iraq. I was pleased to have had a long conversation with Sgt Beharry. Being Deputy Mayor has opened up some very interesting experiences!