December 25, 2013 10.00 am This story is over 122 months old

Reflections 2013: A year to be proud of

Busy year: This year’s Mayor of Lincoln, Pat Vaughan, reflects on his last few months in the role.

With Christmas almost here, and the new year not far behind, it’s the ideal time to look back over 2013 – and what a year it’s been!

I was delighted to become the 807th Mayor of Lincoln when I took over the chains in May. It’s an honour to hold such a position in the city and is something I will be proud of forever.

Since then, I’ve attended a number of events and been invited to see much of the good work that goes on in our community.

In June, I took part in the Lip Dub, organised by the BBC, in the city. It was brilliant to see so many people performing to Take That’s Shine and Never Forget – it was certainly an occasion those of us who took part will never forget!

It was great to be able to open the new car park on Sincil Street car park in September. As a council, we are committed to providing parking facilities in the city and the addition of 46 more spaces is a real benefit for all.

Other highlights this year include opening the new Premier Inn on Broadgate and a visit to Her Majesty the Queen’s home, Buckingham Palace.

Throughout the festive season, I’ve been pleased to be able to attend a number of events in Lincoln too.

It started with the turning on of the Christmas lights at the end of November when the stars of the Drill Hall’s pantomime Cinderella joined myself, Sue Hodge who starred in BBC comedy ‘Allo ‘Allo, and eight-year-old Sarah Robinson, who I will tell you about, on stage. The youngster, a pupil at Westgate Academy, won the competition to design my Mayor’s Christmas card under the theme of “What does Lincoln mean to you?”.

Her design showed Father Christmas on a sleigh flying over Lincoln Cathedral on a snowy winter’s day, and we had great fun going to see the card being made at Pelican Trust.

Sarah Robinson, aged 8, joined the Mayor at the Pelican Trust's printing facility. Photo: City of Lincoln  Council

Sarah Robinson, aged 8, joined the Mayor at the Pelican Trust’s printing facility. Photo: City of Lincoln Council

The stormy weather didn’t deter visitors from packing out the annual Christmas Market – an event so many of us look forward to each year which really gets the festive season underway. We had to move the official opening on Thursday evening to inside the Cathedral, but it was still a fantastic occasion and was a real honour to be able to open such a prestigious event.

Throughout the month, I’ve also been visiting care homes and meeting many of the city’s residents, which is something I always enjoy. I also opened the ice skating rink, which I know many people are continuing to enjoy using, and have attended several carol concerts.

On Christmas Eve, I will be delivering my special Christmas message at Lincoln Cathedral. This will be a truly special occasion.

I’m really looking forward to visiting more people and events as 2014 gets underway.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas, and a happy, peaceful and prosperous new year.

Pat Vaughan is the 806th Right Worshipful Mayor of Lincoln and Labour Glebe ward councillor at the City of Lincoln Council.