NOW that our Mayor Teresa Page is nearing the end of her term of office I would like to pay tribute and also sincerely thank her for her tireless commitment to her mayoral duties during the past year.

She has been so dedicated to her position and it came across in her enthusiasm, humour, profound Christian faith and a love for her fellow human beings from all walks of life.

Her lovely smile cheered the darkest of days and the compassion she felt for those less fortunate knew no bounds, especially her charities which are very dear to her heart.

I was fortunate to have been invited in March this year for tea in the mayor’s parlour, together with friends from St Peters Church Penhill and St Philip’s Church, Upper Stratton. The reason for our visit was our beloved vicar, the Reverend Carol Stone, sadly passed away in December, and as Carol was the mayor’s chaplain, Teresa felt that it would be fitting and comforting to come together to celebrate Carol's life. It was a wonderful idea and a lovely afternoon.

I thought I knew my town, having lived here for 85 years, but Mayor Teresa with her great depth of knowledge of Swindon, past and present, was astonishing and I learned a lot.

Thank you Teresa, as mayors go they couldn’t come any better, you’re a star. God bless you.

MRS JUNE COATES Stratton St Margaret Swindon