First of all, I need to quash the rumours that I have resigned. The town clerk in another North Essex town, Saffron Walden, might have thrown in the towel, but I have no intention of quitting here in Chipping Bonhunt. We town clerks must always remember that we are servants of our Council, and I’ve found over the years that being open and supportive of our councillors has always provided the foundation for a good working relationship.

We had a very successful Mayor-making without our new Mayor last Saturday. Let’s be clear: Councillor Dobbs had no idea she would be taking up this office until after the recent elections. Cancelling a long-planned family holiday was not an option and I hope the backbiting will now stop.

Tobias Gibson