At last night’s (Monday 10 November) Extraordinary Meeting of the Full Town Council Kim Wakeham was selected in a procedure of co-option to become the sixteenth member of Marlborough Town Council.
It was close. Kim Wakeham and Sally Johnson were there to present to Councillors as to why they should each be selected, and Councillors were given a very difficult choice by both Kim and Sally. Difficult because Councillors were impressed by each candidate, to the extent that if there were two places hd been available both would have been co-opted, no doubt.
But after an individual written ballot it was Kim who prevailed, just. Like many in the Marlborough community Kim was bought up here, educated and then left for further education and a career. But the family roots remained and years ago Kim returned. For many years she was the Trust Manager at The Merchant’s House, involved in many aspects of what happens in Marlborough, even helping a successful grant application for the Town from the former Kennet District Council. It was clear that Kim knows the town well, her experience and skills will enhance the Town Council, so she was selected.
Sally Johnson. Very different in terms of skills, experience and background but Sally would also have been able to bring a great deal to the Council, and the community of Marlborough. As she so eloquently stated when asked about the role of the Town Councillor, it was to be the representative of the people of Marlborough.
Congratulations to Kim Wakeham, commiserations to Sally Johnson, everyone involved in the co-option process was very sad that there was only one seat available.
Dance the night away in Bedwyn this Saturday with Lasso The Moon….
