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At the Annual General Meeting of Elmbridge Borough Council, held on Wednesday 20th May, Councillor James Vickers was formally elected to serve as Mayor of Borough for the period 2009 - 2010.

James Vickers was born in the Lake District in the North of England but his early years were spent in the former West Riding of Yorkshire, enjoying the benefits of a rural country life. He developed a love and respect of the countryside, hills and fells, its woodlands and environmental nature.

A love of art and creative work led to his training in London as a furniture designer, draughtsman and cabinet maker, attending the LCC College for the Furnishing Trade and the Royal College of Art.

In the 1960's James joined the British Army for a 'gap year or two' and a 'bit of an adventure', becoming a professional soldier and serving 10 years with The Prince of Wales Own Regiment of Yorkshire. He enjoyed numerous appointments, many abroad, and achieved the rank of A/Major.

Opting out for a London City life initially with a leading US Multinational company as a commodity trader and then Management, utilising his skills involving new business units in England and Ireland.

Approximately 36 years ago James and his wife, Rosemary, moved to Stoke D'Abernon intending to stay for 3 years or so, but liking the area, the community and Elmbridge itself, they decided it is a wonderful place to live and so stayed.

During his time in the Army, while working with, helping and training Junior Soldiers, he developed a desire to help those in need of education and other necessities in life and in 1992, this led to his becoming a Governor at St. Andrew's Primary School, Cobham, where he is still happily and actively involved.

James became a Ward Councillor for Oxshott & Stoke D'Abernon in May 1992 and has served on a wide cross section of Committees, using his experience with a hands-on and common sense approach, endeavouring to help residents across the whole spectrum of the Borough. A founder member of the Elmbridge Housing Trust, a member of the Oxshott Conservators and an active member of St. Mary's Church, Stoke D'Abernon, together with his duties as Ward Councillor ensure that he is very much involved in the community. James is honoured to be a Freeman of the City of London.

James and Rosemary have no children but enjoy two Burmese cats called Max & Mimi. His hobbies include the Middle East, all kinds of Sports, adventure travel, music, theatre, horticulture and he is a trainee bell ringer.

As a Councillor, James has been very supportive of the initiative to help local clubs, groups and societies through ACE (Assisting Communities in Elmbridge) and hopes to continue this work which gives an essential lifeline to many people throughout the Borough. Individual residents are able to apply for assistance in times of need to the Mayor of Elmbridge Trust Fund. However, the Mayor is also a keen advocate of helping young people to live a healthy and independent life and he was interested to learn of the work of a locally based charity that provides essential equipment and support for disabled children. Since 1991 'Newlife' (|www.newlifecharity.co.uk) has become through it's work, the specialists for special children. Their needs and the needs of their families and carers, their health and their voices are all central to the work of the charity. Newlife will be the main beneficiary of the Mayor's Charity Appeal and further details of the appeal can be obtained by e-mail to |themayor@elmbridge.gov.uk

Please also visit |The Mayor of Elmbridge Webpage