Lord Mayor's Christmas message

It’s been another eventful year for the city, with the announcement that the Rugby World Cup is coming to Exeter in 2015, putting the city on the world map and giving thousands of fans the chance to see what Exeter has to offer.

Our visitors this year included their Royal Highnesses the Earl and Countess of Wessex, to open the new sport facilities on the Quay and to attend the Two Moors Musical festival concert in the Cathedral. The Cycling Tour of Britain brought Sir Bradley Wiggins speeding through the city on the way to Dartmoor.

I was also privileged to receive and hand on the Olympic Flame of Hope, on its way to Bath for the Special Olympics.

On a wet Monday in October, RAF Brize Norton received the Freedom of the City, with a Hercules aircraft flying the length of the High Street just under the clouds. I am looking forward to HMS Defender receiving the same award next year.

The local food stalls in the Guildhall Shopping Centre have attracted visitors and locals alike, to taste locally sourced meals. A bigger Christmas market, with stalls on Cathedral Green and in the High Street, has made the city centre vibrant in the run up to Christmas. There has been a lot of hard work done by so many people right across the city and for that, I, as Lord Mayor of Exeter, would like to give my thanks to them all.

To all my staff at the Civic Centre, Museum, Parks Department , Cleansing Services, and everyone else at the City Council, I thank you all for the efforts you bring to keep this city looking great. 

Finally, to all of you, the citizens of this historic and great city, I know 2013 has been a difficult one for so many in many different ways but may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Rachel C.Lyons
Lord Mayor of Exeter