In her heartfelt message to the community, Indra Donfrancesco, Mayor of Glastonbury, reflects on her first six months in office.

She shares her growing love and understanding of Glastonbury's rich history, diverse community, and cultural vibrancy, as well as the challenges and opportunities ahead. Her message is one of optimism, resilience, and commitment to service.

Read on for the Mayor's full message, detailing her journey, aspirations, and the promising future of Glastonbury:

Seasons greetings to all.

 My first six months as mayor of Glastonbury have been a whirlwind romance, falling deeper in love with our Town as I get to know more about our histories, communities, schools, organizations, faith groups, arts, and cultures, but also our vulnerabilities, our fates, and our future needs.

Being Mayor is such a unique, privileged position to be in, and I would like to share more with you, now and in future posts, as in this unprecedented time, we are facing some really hard challenges in Somerset, but I think Glastonbury could take this opportunity to thrive if we work together.

While Somerset Council's plan is underway to reduce the risk of bankruptcy (114) by reducing services and facilities, Glastonbury Town Council (along with other Towns and Parishes) is bracing itself to take over what services and facilities in town that it can afford. You will see a slight rise again in your council tax, but we are trying to spread the load.

We recognise that the devolution of assets and services to a more local level needs to be embraced as an opportunity. But it will be tough, and I ask for your patience and cooperation, as our libraries, parks, and services and our vulnerable people will be at risk if we do nothing.

 It is easy to blame past mistakes and mourn the privileges we have enjoyed. Still, in this difficult time, I stand defiant against hopelessness as I have witnessed compassion, sacrifice, courage, and kindness in our town that attests to the potential to strengthen our volunteer networks further, to create a sense of community ownership to facilitate the delivery of stronger, more resilient community's needs. My priority will be to help facilitate, expand, and support our voluntary network.

So now the good news. In my year as Mayor; Glastonbury in Bloom stole the show, receiving more cups and awards than any other town in the SW, and we will now be representing the whole of the SW in the nationals, UK in Bloom. A new pharmacy is within sight.

 Let's not forget the Glastonbury Town Deal. I am very proud of the nearly 24 million pounds awarded to 11 local projects that all showed direct benefit to our community's health, education, and environment.



I have loved wearing my robes to every official engagement, every parade, Carnival, every event to represent our town, and all the friendships of fellow mayors, especially Street, Wells, and Taunton - the Chain Gang - and every club, school, service and visiting dignitary wowed by Glastonbury.

 And I take it as a good omen that Frost Fair was exceptional; the Dragons, Green Men, Fairies, and Zombies all co-operated, and nobody hated the Christmas tree.

And I will leave it there, with Peace, Love, and Hope,

Yours, in service

Indra Donfrancesco

Mayor of Glastonbury.