In October, our CEO Sue Coleman had the pleasure of attending the Leominster Town Council Civic Eucharist, hosted by the Mayor of Leominster, Cllr Tessa Smith-Winnard. This special event brings together the religious community and civic leaders, symbolising cooperation, shared purpose, and a collective commitment to supporting the local area.
The Civic Eucharist is more than a traditional service – it provides an opportunity to acknowledge and pray for those serving the public, from mayors and councillors to judges and Members of Parliament. It also reflects the diversity of the local population, gathering people from different backgrounds to give thanks and pray together.
During the service, Mayor Tessa Smith-Winnard shared her personal journey since moving to Leominster in 2016. She spoke warmly of the welcoming nature of the town, her love for gardening, running (despite the challenging hills!), and her involvement in local groups, including the Marches Scribes calligraphy group. Since becoming a councillor in 2019, and re-elected in 2022, she has worked passionately to support the needs of North Herefordshire, striving to help the town and surrounding communities thrive even in challenging times.
Mayor Tessa also highlighted her chosen charity as part of her role: West Mercia Women’s Aid! She expressed her admiration for the work we do, drawing women together to confront the impact of domestic abuse, providing vital support, shelter, and the tools to empower women and children to rebuild their lives. She hopes to contribute not only by raising funds but also by offering practical support wherever possible.
Sue was particularly inspired by the shared commitments expressed during the service, which reflect our values at West Mercia Women’s Aid:
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Working together for the common good, freeing each other from poverty, oppression and indignity.
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Sharing the resources of the world so all people have access to food, shelter, and the chance to live in dignity and peace.
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Believing in justice, goodness, and the equality of all people, fostering freedom, service, and hope.
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Committing to a future where all people are respected, loved, and able to share in the richness of life.
Attending the Civic Eucharist was a wonderful reminder of the strength of community, shared values, and the importance of supporting one another. We are grateful to Mayor Tessa Smith-Winnard and the people of Leominster for their commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and safer town for everyone.