SOUTHEND’S new mayor is preparing for a whirlwind year of meeting, greeting and championing the causes close to his heart — and says he is “proud to serve” the city he calls home.
Councillor Nigel Folkard has been officially elected as Southend’s 104th Mayor, embarking on a year full of engagements and championing causes close to his heart.
In our interview with Cllr Folkard, he describes his excitement about meeting the many people and organisations that contribute to Southend’s thriving community.
1. What are you most looking forward to in the forthcoming year?
I’m most looking forward to meeting and working with the diverse communities of Southend. My wife Marion and I are eager to meet the individuals and groups that contribute to making our city such a special place to live and work. Celebrating the outstanding charities and community organisations that support our city daily is a particular highlight for us. They are the backbone of our city and deserve all our thanks and support.
I will endeavour to promote our businesses as they are integral to Southend and pivotal to driving our city’s future success.
I am deeply honoured to become the 104th Mayor of Southend. I shall be proud to uphold the high standards of the Mayoralty and serve as a worthy ambassador for our city.
This year, I am proud to have appointed a Mayor’s cadet for the first time to encourage young people to take part in civic duties. Harry Short, from the 1312 City of Southend RAF Cadets, is the first to be chosen for this honour. I very much look forward to working with him.
2. Tell us about your background – why you wanted to serve on the council and what your greatest achievement is.
My journey began in the Merchant Navy, followed by a fulfilling career in education, culminating in a senior role at Southend College of Arts and Technology. After moving to Southend with my family, I felt a strong desire to give back to the community that welcomed us. Since being elected as the Conservative councillor for Chalkwell Ward in 2015, I’ve served on key committees, including the Development Control Committee and the Health and Wellbeing Board. One initiative I’m particularly proud of is introducing blindfolded shopping on World Sight Day to raise awareness for the visually impaired.
I am also an active member of Southend Lions Club, helping to focus on community service and humanitarian efforts and supporting various causes. I am also an ambassador for Southend University Hospital’s fundraising team, helping to shine a light on efforts to improve patient care and hospital facilities. I am proud to support them.
3. As First Citizen, you will be leading the city we all love. What’s the best part of the city for you? Voluntary sector/charities? Seafront? Businesses? The real sense of community spirit?
Southend’s true strength lies in its community spirit. Our schools, colleges and businesses are remarkable, but it’s also the dedication of our volunteers and the unity among residents that truly define our city. This sense of togetherness is what makes Southend special. I love living here and I will do everything in my power this year to enhance the wonderful community spirit from Shoeburyness to Leigh.
4. We understand your chosen charities will be Southend in Sight and Southend University Hospital. Great charities, doing great things. Why did you select them to benefit this year?
Both charities hold a special place in my heart. Southend in Sight provides invaluable support to those living with visual impairments, promoting independence and well-being. Southend University Hospital is at the heart of our community, delivering essential healthcare services to all those who need care. Staff do an outstanding job and I am proud to be specifically supporting Southend Hospital’s Dandelion Appeal supporting end of life care. The money raised will enhance the vital care they can provide for terminally ill patients and support their families.
5. What type of fundraising events do you have planned, and where can people keep up to date about the events?
We have a variety of fundraising events planned throughout the year. Details of these events will be regularly updated on the Southend Mayors Charity Fundraising Campaign Website: https://southendmayorscharity.net/ and on the Mayor’s social media pages. I encourage everyone to participate and support these worthy causes. I look forward to meeting as many people as I can this year.
6. It must feel wonderful to be elected by your peers to become Mayor to represent us all. What emotions did you feel at Mayor Making when the council put its trust in you to be our first citizen?
I was profoundly excited and honoured to have this opportunity to serve as our city’s first citizen. The Mayor Making ceremony was a deeply humbling experience. I felt honoured, proud, and grateful — not only for the trust shown by my fellow councillors but for the chance to serve a city that means so much to me. It’s also a responsibility I take very seriously. At the ceremony, I was filled with a sense of duty and excitement for the year ahead, knowing I have the opportunity to celebrate Southend and support those who make it thrive.