New mayor and deputy mayor for Thornbury Town Council and the Chamber

Following the local elections in May, Thornbury's new mayor and deputy mayor were recently sworn in.

Meanwhile, there is also a new leadership team at the Thornbury Chamber of Commerce.

It follows a string of contentious issues in the town, including the ongoing high street saga, the reopening of Armstrong Hall and various ongoing housing developments.

New mayor James Murray has been a resident of the town for 10 years and is the owner of Hawkes House Neighbourhood Café Bar.

He takes over from the retiring mayor Chris Davies. Meanwhile, Cllr Helen Ball becomes the new deputy mayor.

Mr Murray said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my work as a councillor over the last two and a half years.

"To be re-elected as a councillor in May and to subsequently be voted in as mayor is a great honour.

"We have a brilliant group of councillors who bring with them both a great deal of enthusiasm and expertise in many fields, which will be valuable as the town council works towards delivering its adopted five-year strategic plan".

New mayor James Murray and his two children (Image: Thornbury Town Council)

Former mayor Mr Davies said: "I wish to thank the people of Thornbury for the warm welcome I have received as mayor over the past year.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting so many residents and attending a wide array of community events.

"Highlights for me have included the Remembrance Parade in November which was the first to take place since Covid-19 and, although tainted by sadness, the historic occasion of the announcement of the proclamation of King Charles III".

Working together for Thornbury 

There are also new faces at the Thornbury Chamber of Commerce which has recently appointed a new leadership team.

This includes Aimee Winter-Tuck as chair, Jonathan Broughton as vice chair, Ian Morris as secretary, Linda Mannion as treasurer and Brian Roberts as president.

New chair Ms Winter-Tuck said: "I am enthusiastic about implementing a positive change in Thornbury's culture, focusing on embracing its heritage and nurturing the growing community.

"The chamber recognises that businesses are the backbone of Thornbury's historic market town, playing a pivotal role in bringing the community together and fostering strong connections while actively listening to the needs of its people.

"The chamber is excited to welcome new members and is dedicated to collaborating with key stakeholders, including Thornbury Town Council, South Gloucestershire Council and Thornbury Town and District Residents' Association.

"By working together, we aim to inspire and support the ongoing development of the town, ensuring it continues to grow and flourish.

"To encourage participation, the chamber extends a warm welcome to all local businesses, inviting them to apply for membership through their official website."

The May elections saw the retirement of a number of long-serving councillors.

The town council now consists of ten Liberal Democrats, five independents, and one Green Party councillor.

Six councillors were re-elected, and ten new councillors were elected.

Councillors from Thornbury Town Council after May elections - picture from May (Image: Thornbury Town Council)

Full list of town councillors: 

North East Ward

• Cllr Mark Oaten, Cllr Danny Bonnett, deputy mayor Helen Ball, Cllr Jayne Stansfield

North West Ward

• Cllr Chris Woodhouse, Cllr John Reynolds, Cllr Phil O’Rourke, mayor James Murray

South Ward

• Cllr Simon Johnson, Cllr Cheryl Jenkinson, Cllr Helen Harrison, Cllr Chris Bloor

South East Ward

• Cllr Kath Greenman, Cllr Chris Davies, Cllr Maggie Tyrrell, Cllr Fiona Deas

If you would like to request that the mayor attends a community event, contact info@thornburytowncouncil.gov.uk