It was an honour to have been elected as Mayor of Felixstowe for 2025 by my fellow Town Councillors at the Annual Council Meeting in May. Having served as Deputy Mayor to Cllr David Rowe last year, I know I have a tough act to follow. I look forward to the challenge and am delighted to be supported by Cllr Darren Aitchinson, who will serve as Deputy Mayor.
I moved from London to Trimley St Mary in 1983, then to Trimley St Martin, and finally to Felixstowe in 1992. It has been a wonderful place to live and raise my four children. I love walking through our town centre, visiting the shops, cafés and enjoying the beautiful seafront. My husband and I walk with our two dogs along the prom most days, and we never tire of the sea in all its moods—calm or choppy, blue or grey. We often return home through the seafront gardens, taking in the changes each season brings. It’s always a joy to see the sea bathers, swimming in all kinds of weather—they truly seem to love it, even early on a cold morning!
The theme for my year as Mayor is community. I hope to visit as many community groups as I can, to meet organisers and volunteers and see first-hand the incredible work being done to support our town. Felixstowe has so much to offer, and it is the people who make it the special place it is. I look forward to highlighting and celebrating our unique and vibrant community throughout the year.
I'm also excited to begin working with my chosen charities, which will be announced shortly. Please look out for news of the events we have planned—I hope to see many of you there!
I’m looking forward to continuing the strong ties we have built with our twin town over the past 50 years. It was a privilege to visit Wesel and recently to host Ulrike Westkamp on her final ‘official’ visit to Felixstowe, as she prepares to retire after over 20 years as Bürgermeisterin (Mayor) of Wesel.
Cllr Corrine Franklin
Mayor of Felixstowe