Outgoing mayor Nidhi Mehta passed the mayoral torch onto Sherrilyn Bateman last night (Friday 29/5).
After being elected earlier this month, Liberal Democrat councillor Sherrilyn was officially made mayor, with fellow Lib Dem councillor Tuffail Hussain joining her as Deputy Mayor for the 2026/7 year.
In her acceptance speech, she also announced her chosen mayoral charity: Aylesbury Homeless Action Group (AHAG). She described the group as "an incredible local charity" who she is glad Aylesbury has to "support, encourage and safely guide our residents through what are often the absolute worst moments of their lives".
The new mayor highlighted the fact that despite AHAG having supported 309 households with housing advice from January to April this year, much of Aylesbury won't have heard of the charity - something that will change within her mayoral year. It will not just be AHAG that the mayor champions though, as she added "I have lots of ideas to support and raise awareness for smaller charities and community groups across the town".
As part of the evening's celebrations, the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity - outgoing mayor Nidhi Mehta's chosen charity - was given a check of £15,078.60, with the funds generated via public donations, town council events and local organisations.
The work of one particular individual fundraiser was also commended at the ceremony, with Jason Savage being awarded the Freda Roberts Community Award. It celebrates those who have made a positive impact or influence on the people of Aylesbury and is named after the late Freda Roberts MBE who was a local Town, District, County Councillor and three time mayor.
Jason was recognised for his work fundraising and raising awareness for numerous local charities, including: WheelPower, Aylesbury Foodbank, Chesham Community Fridge, Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity and the Florence Nightingale Hospice Charity. He is pictured below.
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