Kendal Mayor reflects on 'busy' first six months in office

Councillor Jonathan Cornthwaite was named as the 276th Mayor of Kendal in May, having lived and worked in the Mintsfeet Ward he serves for most of his life.

He was first elected to the town council in 2018, and also serves as an elected member for Kendal Nether Ward on Westmorland and Furness Council.

His wife, Helen Cornthwaite, has been supporting him through the process as the Mayoress of Kendal.

The Mayor at Kendal's twin town Rinteln in Germany (Image: Submitted)

Councillor Cornthwaite said: ‘Like most, I could never imagine holding this position and it is humbling to see how many groups, charities and organisations are out there in Kendal and surrounding parishes, trying and succeeding to make a difference to people’s lives.

"I’ve been particularly impressed by those who strive for the welfare of animals on a daily basis, and by the people caring for our civic buildings and precious environment."

This work has inspired his Mayoral Theme for his time in the position, 'Health and Wellbeing for All'.

The councillor has been in office for six months now, and has been busy attending numerous community events and engagements in that time.

He has helped judge a dog show, rehearsed with a theatre group, attended the Westmorland County Show, visited Kendal’s German twin town Rinteln - and even welcomed Paddy McGuiness to the town.

Mayor Cornthwaite at the inaugural Woof and Wag event (Image: CancerCare)

When becoming Mayor, Councillor Cornthwaite chose three charities to support and promote during his year in office.

He picked Men in Sheds (Age UK), a group providing a friendly and welcoming workshop space for men of all ages to socialise and try out new skills while sharing their own skills with others.

He is also supporting Kendal Relief in Need, a charity offering support to young families and anyone struggling with unexpected situations and needing help with obtaining household basics such as washing machines, cooking utensils or clothing.

His third choice of charity was Youth Presence, because of ‘their enthusiasm and commitment to helping young people, especially primary school pupils making the transition to secondary school, and making sure teenagers have guidance and support during what can be a very challenging period of their young lives’. 

The Mayor added that he is looking forward to continuing to experience first-hand the' vibrant, diverse and impactful' opportunities Kendal has to offer.

He is also always willing to attend community events, which you can enquire about here.