Opera fan Paul hopes to hit the right note as mayor

May 18 2009 By Emma Heseltine

Cllr Paul Tuley

A FAN of opera and keen collector of cricket memorabilia is due to take over as Mayor of Runnymede this week.

Councillor Paul Tuley, who lives in Guildford Street, Chertsey, has served on Runnymede Council for 10 years, and before that, was a member of Hounslow Council for seven years.

The former insurance broker plans to bring his expertise and knowledge of Chertsey, to the new role this week.

Cllr Tuley said: "It is an honour and a privilege to be taking over the mayoralty of Runnymede, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to doing it. I have set out plans for what I would like to do and I'm hoping I can bring the people of Runnymede together in what are difficult times."

He has set out four aims which he hopes to fulfil during his tenure as Mayor of Runnymede.

The first is to encourage the support of vulnerable and older people, which he is helping to do through his chosen charities for the coming year.
He is also aiming to improve activities for youngsters, and encourage sporting and recreation activities.

Finally, the new mayor says he would like to provide support for the business community at a time when they most need it.

Cllr Tuley, who lives in Guildford Street, Chertsey, added: "Now is really a time when people need support, and I see the role of mayor as doing that. That may be just providing a presence at events or popping in to see traders and businessmen, but I hope I can make a difference."

The new mayor has chosen four charities to support during his tenure – Age Concern Runnymede, Runnymede Scouts, Surrey Women's Aid and the Rotary Club of Chertsey's Daisy Appeal, which is raising money for an early birth unit at St Peter's Hospital.

He added: "I've chosen charities that help me to achieve my aims, but also ones that can have a presence at the different events I have throughout the year, so that they can show people what they are about."

Cllr Tuley will officially become Mayor of Runnymede on Wednesday May 19 at the civic offices in Station Road, Addlestone, when he takes over the role from Addlestone councillor Jim Broadhead.