Today, the 18th of May 2022, Zoë Nealson will be stepping down as Mayor after a successful year both professionally and personally, as Oakham readies itself for the election of a new candidate.

Zoë Nealson was appointed Mayor on the 5th of May 2021 and, after a turbulent but incredibly fulfilling year, is getting ready to hand over the reins to her successor.

This time last year, Zoë was put forward as an unexpected candidate for the position by ex-Mayor David Romney.

Zoë said: "Dave has been involved in the town council for years and he has been a real mentor to me, helping me understand policies and procedures, enabling me to put myself forward for elections. I would go to him for advice, but he is also a massive support personally. Hi partner Di is lovely too."

Rachel added: "I love David."

Previously, the Deputy Mayor has been made Mayor the following year, so Sally-Anne Wadsworth was the likely candidate for the role. The Council though, had other ideas, as Zoë was voted in with a majority.

Following this rush victory, Zoë, has certainly settled into the role over the last year with the ongoing support of her wife Rachel, and kids Milo who is 7, Wren who is 8, and Annabel, aged 10. 

From switching on Oakham's Christmas lights to attending monthly Council meetings and everything in between, they have been present at many local events, and continue to be accessible to the people of Oakham.

Zoë making an apperance at Pinder's Circus last year (image courtesy of Zoë Nealson)

Zoë said: "My favourite thing about being the Mayor has been chatting to people face to face, being able to meet such a wide range of people, and finding out how the community can work together.

"The highlight is the linking with residents. One of my favourite things I've done has to be the walk around Oakham with the Disabled Youth Forum. I took my daughter and had the most incredible time with some amazing people. 

Zoë and her daughter with the Disabled Youth Forum (image courtesy of Zoë Nealson)

"The other thing I loved was talking at the National Women's Register. They invited me to talk about being a female Mayor. I had never heard of the National Women's Register, so it was great to find out what was going on."

However, it has not all been plain sailing: "The light and life festival was a very busy time. I got a call from the police informing me about what was going on, and the next thing I knew I was getting a call from the Mirror asking if it was as bad as people were making out. 

"The festival was hard in that it was obviously very traumatic for many, but I was able to talk to the people and have conversations about what is in the remit of the Council and how we can work together as a community. It was really a learning curve rather than a low point of my time as Mayor."

Zoë and Rachel's wedding (image courtesy of Zoë Nealson)

Of course, a highlight of Zoë's year was her marriage to Rachel. The couple tied the knot legally in March 2021 but due to their daughter having a liver transplant they delayed the celebrations and enjoyed a wedding ceremony with a celebrant and all their family and friends on the 19th March 2022. 

Zoë and Rachel celebrating their nuptials (image courtesy of Zoë Nealson)

Rachel added: "The kids have been brilliant – and they've loved it. Milo said "I can't believe we own the park" when Zoe was made Mayor! He loves the skate park you see. 

"We wanted to engage young people and let them know that they had a voice and that they can use it – the skate park has been a big part of that."

Zoë added: "Annabel is being put forward for the national children's parliament. She didn't sign up for this opportunity when it was offered previously, so maybe she has been inspired by our experience." 

Now, as Zoë's year as Mayor is coming to a close, we had to ask if there was anything else that she wished she had been able to achieve over the last year.

She explained: "We couldn't do a civic event, which was a real shame. Between COVID and sickness and weddings, we just couldn't. We would have loved to run the event to raise money for Pepper's."

Peppers – A Safe Place is an Oakham based adult mental health charity that runs regular sessions, workshops and classes to help combat stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. To find out more, click here. 

Zoe added: "We will still keep fundraising for them. We have a venue, a band, and entertainment arranged, so we would still like to run an event, just not a Mayoral one. 

"The year goes so quickly. You start off with good intentions of certain things improving, and before you know it it's Christmas! I would love to do it for another year as you spend the first year building networks.

"I am so glad I've been involved in the skatepark project though, and I hope to stay involved in that – I wish it was quicker. It would make our little boy so happy!" 

Once Zoë gives up the seat on the 18th of May, the family are moving to a farm, which Zoë and Rachel said in unison is "a huge step." 

But will Zoë be staying on the Oakham Town Council? 

Zoë said: "I am torn. I want to say as the reason I joined the Town Council is because I love Oakham. I loved growing up here and bringing my own family up here – and I love being a part of an organisation who can help that, but it is difficult at the moment. Currently though I am staying as a town councillor.

"My next mission on the Town Council is that I am putting forth a proposal that we support the Oakham Town Events Manager, Carolyn. She is blocked at every turn and we want to help her pass more events."

The whole family dressed as penguins for Oakham Town Manager's Late Night Shopping event (image courtesy of Zoë Nealson)

Rachel and Zoë would encourage a wider cross section of society to join the Council: "We currently have a majority of Rutland County Councillors and shop owners on the Town Council. We lost a few councillors recently, and when those vacancies arise residents are asked if they want to run an election. If not, we co-opt, which means that we run interviews. 

"An election would be great as it is a democratic process, then the residents choose. The more we do that, the more people get to invest in the Council. We all need to be working together so that everyone has the chance to join the Council, its open to everyone and we can make the commitment work around peoples lifestyles, its not just for retired people."

Huge congratulations to Zoë and her family on their success over the past year, and we look forward to finding out what Oakham's new Mayor, who is set to be elected this evening, will be bringing to the Council and community.