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Last night, Tuesday 14 May 2024, Taunton Town Council held their second Annual Meeting of Council at Taunton Minster.

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There were over 180 people in attendance, with Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir performing Farmers Boy by Ralph Vaughan Williams, You’ll never Walk Alone by Rogers and Hammerstein and Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen; and Voce Chamber Choir performing Stabat Mater (movements one and two) by Paul Mealor, with soloist, Issy Tuffin Donnevert. It was a fitting event to mark the end of a year of service by Councillor Nick O’Donnell, Taunton Town Council’s first Mayor.

Councillor O’Donnell said “During my tenure as Mayor, my aim was to meet as many of Taunton’s 60,000 residents and to hear their stories. Meeting people from a vast range of different backgrounds is what I enjoyed most about the role; whether it was the Lord Lieutenant or Reuben, a remarkable seven-year-old with a passion for keeping Taunton litter free. When I look back at this year it will always be with immense pride that I have had the opportunity to serve you in this way.”

The baton has been passed to Councillor Vanessa Garside, who was elected as Mayor, following on from her role as Deputy Mayor for the past year.

Councillor Garside, the Mayor of Taunton said “The future looks promising for Taunton. I, with the help of the Civic team and the Council, will do my utmost to promote Taunton and its residents. Unity, inclusion and creativity are important, which is why I am delighted to have Diversity Voice as the Mayoral charity for this year. The upcoming Taunton Together event at the end of September will also promote these crucial values.”

Her deputy for the year will be Councillor Martin Straus, who served as Deputy leader of the Council for the past year.

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A cheque for £2759.46 was presented to Charis Refugees, the Mayor’s charity for 2023/24. The funds were raised at various events, including Carols Around the Bandstand and the Taunton Deane Male Voice Choir, Winter Song event. 

CEO Gordon East, thanked the former Mayor and he and Dave Mann, their

Communications and External Affairs Director, presented him with a portrait, painted by one of their Ukrainian artists, Kate Titova.

We were delighted that Diversity Voice was named as the Mayor’s charity for 2024/25.

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