'Serving as Mayor is an experience that I will always treasure' - outgoing Warwick Mayor reflects on her year in office
The former Mayor of Warwick, Cllr Jackie D’Arcy, officially handed over the chains of office to Cllr Simon Pargeter on May 21. Here’s Cllr D’Arcy’s reflection of her time in office.
As my year serving as Mayor of Warwick draws to a close, I have been reflecting on what an immense honour and privilege it has been to represent this remarkable town.
Warwick is a place with a proud history, a vibrant community spirit, and residents who care deeply about one another and about the future of our town.
To serve as Mayor has been both a responsibility and a privilege that I have carried with enormous pride throughout the past year.
One of the greatest joys of the role has been meeting people from every corner of our community.
From volunteers quietly giving their time to support others, to young people finding their confidence and voice, to local businesses investing in Warwick’s future, I have seen first-hand the kindness, ambition, and generosity that defines our town.
Time and again, I have been reminded that civic life is not simply about ceremonies or tradition.
At its heart, it is about people – about service, connection – a shared commitment to making our community stronger and more compassionate.
No Mayor serves alone, and I would like to pay tribute to the many community groups, charities, schools, faith organisations, and businesses that work tirelessly to support residents.
Your dedication often happens quietly and without recognition, but it makes a profound difference to the lives of so many people. It has been a privilege to support and champion your work during my mayoral year.
I would also like to thank the residents of Warwick for the warmth, kindness, and encouragement that I have received throughout my time in office.
Whether attending local events, visiting organisations, or simply speaking with people across the town, I have always been struck by the pride people have in Warwick and the care they show for their neighbours.
Serving as Mayor is an experience that I will always treasure. It is a chapter of my life that I will look back on with deep gratitude and affection for this incredible town – the county town of Warwickshire – and for the people who make it such a special place to call home.