Revd Kathy Robertson, team Vicar at St John the Evangelist in Dewsbury, has recently been appointed as Chaplain to Cllr Paul Kane for his 2015-16 year as the Mayor of Kirklees, and she has some positive aims for the town while in the position.
Revd Robertson's new role will involve being an active presence with the Mayor at civic occasions, and she has already been involved in a number of events including Cllr Kane’s Mayor Making ceremony in May, the march of troops from the Yorkshire Regiment through Huddersfield in June and the flag raising in Dewsbury for the beginning of Armed Forces Week.
Revd Robertson will also be part of the Mayor’s Charity Committee which will be raising money for Diabetes UK this year, with an active focus on the Kirklees area.
Approached by Cllr Paul Kane himself about the role, Revd Robertson will be on hand for the Mayor over the next year to offer help and support wherever needed.
Revd Kathy Robertson, who has been based in Dewsbury for ten years, said: “We both have a heart for the area and want to raise a positive profile of the area.
“There are plenty of specifics, but I’m also on hand for consultation, to be an ear, and for general support.”
She mentions, “It has opened up an insight into how the Council works.
“A lot of things between my parish and the Mayor work together and it has given me confidence to invite him to more local events.”
Revd Robertson mentions a classic example of the Mayor getting involved in the local community, describing how Cllr Kane visited St John’s Church School where he met Headteacher Mrs Lynn Hill and invited the children to sing Our God is a Great Big God at his Mayor Making ceremony.
She says, “The children were no older than six or seven, they did really well. It was brilliant!”
Revd Kathy Robertson seems to have quite a full calendar this year, preparing to bless pets at Dewsbury Park on 8th August, and may assist in re-opening the St John’s Pre-School in Dewsbury after its recent refurbishment.
Revd Robertson claims, “I want to put a positive spin on my community,” and 2015 certainly looks bright!