New Kington Mayor wants to help promote pride in the town

Councillor Martin Woolford was elected as the Mayor for Kington at the annual town council meeting recently.

Councillor Buzz Bishop was elected as the deputy mayor.

Councillor Woolford, 73, trained as environmental health inspector in Bristol and worked in local government for several years before becoming an estate agent.

He first got to know Kington 25 years ago when he was regional director for Russel Baldwin and Bright now Chancellors.

He said he loved the place and bought a cottage here in 2014 which he and his wife Vicky moved into in 2015 and have made it home ever since.

They have been married for 52 years in September and they have two sons and three grandchildren.

Councillor Woolford said: “I take on the role of Mayor with some nervous trepidation. “Having been a councillor for three years I have tried to look to my colleagues for advice and to learn from their experience and knowledge of Kington.

“It is a great honour to be Mayor and I will try to fulfill my duties with humility and understanding.

“My main focus for the year is to help promote pride in our town. I want to encourage people to express their concerns to us, and help us to work towards making Kington a better, tidier place to live and work.”

New Deputy Mayor Councillor Buzz Bishop said: “Having joined Kington Town Council as a Councillor in 2024, I was fortunate to be mentored by our outgoing Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about Kington’s rich history, as well as taking part in local events, activities, and community groups, while contributing to important Council decisions. This work has become a central and rewarding part of my life.

“As someone who truly cares about Kington, I am committed to acting in the best interests of all residents. I believe my professional experience and personal values enable me to make a positive contribution not only to the Council, but more importantly to the community I am proud to represent.

“I am dedicated to listening to the voices and concerns of everyone in our community, particularly those from under-represented groups. By staying well-informed on local issues and actively engaging with residents, I aim to ensure all perspectives are heard. So, when you see me around town, please do stop for a chat—I am always happy to listen, whether it’s about local concerns or the many successes and achievements we share as a community.”

Out-going Mayor Councillor Philip Sell was elected in May 2024 and has served two terms as Mayor.

He said over that time he has attended a huge number of events and activities both within the town and outside of it, promoting Kington to those both within the county as outside of it to support our town and the people and businesses within it.

“It has been an enormous privilege and I thank my follow councillors and clerks for their encouragement, guidance and support throughout my time I office.

“Our new Mayor, Cllr Martin Woolford was elected at the annual meeting. He has been an excellent Deputy, spearheading many initiatives and given a good lead to many discussion, especially in his role as Chair of Planning Committee.

“I wish him, and our New Deputy, Cllr Buzz Bishop every success in the year ahead.”