Roger Fern is the new Mayor of Ipswich. His consort for the year is his elder grand-daughter Ellie Griss.
"It was a great honour and a privilege to be Mayor of Ipswich in 2004 and even more so to be nominated again, 12 years later,” said Councillor Fern. "It is with a mixture of excitement and nervousness that I look forward to the year ahead."
His family moved to Ipswich in 1957 and a lifetime in education followed, including a spell as a primary school head teacher. Now he is equally well known for his part in helping homeless people in the Borough – Councillor Fern was a founder member of the Ipswich Umbrella Trust. "During my previous mayoral year I learned a great deal about Ipswich and its people. I also became more conscious of those on the margins of our community, including those caught in chaos, addictive behaviour, those who are homeless and some of them regularly sleeping rough."
"My wife, Pat, and I met while still at school. She completed her nurse training at Anglesea Road Hospital and we married in 1966. Our two daughters, Sue and Lizzie, were born in Ipswich and educated here. A few years ago Pat was diagnosed with dementia. I know, at first hand, at least some of the challenges and frustrations facing those living with dementia and their carers. Nevertheless, we shall celebrate as well as anyone our golden wedding anniversary in 2016."
Councillor and Mrs Fern, who have six grandchildren, are active members of Chantry Methodist Church.
"Ellie and I are looking forward very much to our year in office. We shall enjoy meeting new and familiar people and discovering even more about the town of which we are so proud. Finally, I want to thank Glen and Clinton - they will be a hard act to follow but we look forward to doing our very best for the Council and for the people of Ipswich.”
"It was a great honour and a privilege to be Mayor of Ipswich in 2004 and even more so to be nominated again, 12 years later,” said Councillor Fern. "It is with a mixture of excitement and nervousness that I look forward to the year ahead."
His family moved to Ipswich in 1957 and a lifetime in education followed, including a spell as a primary school head teacher. Now he is equally well known for his part in helping homeless people in the Borough – Councillor Fern was a founder member of the Ipswich Umbrella Trust. "During my previous mayoral year I learned a great deal about Ipswich and its people. I also became more conscious of those on the margins of our community, including those caught in chaos, addictive behaviour, those who are homeless and some of them regularly sleeping rough."
"My wife, Pat, and I met while still at school. She completed her nurse training at Anglesea Road Hospital and we married in 1966. Our two daughters, Sue and Lizzie, were born in Ipswich and educated here. A few years ago Pat was diagnosed with dementia. I know, at first hand, at least some of the challenges and frustrations facing those living with dementia and their carers. Nevertheless, we shall celebrate as well as anyone our golden wedding anniversary in 2016."
Councillor and Mrs Fern, who have six grandchildren, are active members of Chantry Methodist Church.
"Ellie and I are looking forward very much to our year in office. We shall enjoy meeting new and familiar people and discovering even more about the town of which we are so proud. Finally, I want to thank Glen and Clinton - they will be a hard act to follow but we look forward to doing our very best for the Council and for the people of Ipswich.”
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