CARLISLE’S new Mayor began her year in the role by praising her predecessor – and looking forward to representing the city she described as “the jewel in the crown of Cumberland.”
Jeanette Whalen took over the role from her fellow councillor Chris Southward, who spoke warmly about the experience at the official installation ceremony in Carlisle Civic Centre.
Cllr Whalen will be accompanied by her daughter Francesca and will serve alongside the new Deputy Mayor Cllr Anne Glendinning.
In her first speech as mayor, Cllr Whalen (Yewdale) told her audience: “It is a great privilege to become the 438th mayor of Carlisle. I am in a long line of councillors who has been given this honour, and I am humbled to undertake this role.
“I have made history tonight as the first female Charter Trustee Mayor. I would like to thank the outgoing mayor and his lovely wife Joan for their service to the city.
"You have done a grand job.”
She thanked the two people in the audience who were, she said, her “rock”: her daughters Francesca and Victoria (below beside their mother, along with Cllr Whalen's mother to the left and Cllr Glendinning on the right).
“To me, it is an absolute privilege to be the Mayor of Carlisle, and I am the first female mayor to be appointed by the Charter Trustees," said Cllr Whalen. "I will continue to push for Carlisle’s city status to be maintained."
Of her new role, he said: “It’s not bad going for an ordinary working-class lass who was born in the city maternity in Fusehill Street.
“I have lived in different parts of the city, starting in Caldewgate, Stanwix, Botcherby, St Aidans, Belle Vue and Yewdale. Heaven knows what my late dad, Cllr William Whalen and Grandma would be saying at this moment!
“But I especially thank them for their influence and guidance today."
Cllr Whalen promised to advocate for young people and continue to support the efforts pursued by Cllr Southward to ensure Carlisle keeps its city status
Her nominated charities are Carlisle Foodbank - also supported by her late father Cllr William Whalen - and Safety Net Carlisle. She encouraged donations to both charities, saying this could be done via their websites.
In his speech, Cllr Southward said: “I have always been proud of my city and meeting so many of its residents has only served to strengthen that impression.
“Wherever we look, there is a group of volunteers providing some service for others, unpaid, spending unsocial hours and receiving little appreciation.” He went on to thank those volunteers.
They included a woman who runs Carlisle Foodbank, and a free trade group in Carlisle city centre. He also recalled his pleasure in meeting a local veteran of the Battle of Arnhem, a “sprightly chap of 100 years of age.”
He also thanked the workers who prepared the city for Carlisle’s celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.