Pauline’s theme for the Year was ‘Go Green’ and she has launched various initiatives to raise awareness of Global Warming and Climate Change. As Mayor, Pauline was allowed to decide which charities to support – she nominated the RNLI at Skegness, Marie Curie Cancer Care and finally to help to fund a piece of equipment at the City Hospital Bowel Cancer unit to help to diagnose Bowel Cancer early because it is the third highest killer.
I asked Pauline a series of questions:

Please could you describe a typical day in your role as Mayor?

The day usually begins at around 9.30am when I am collected. Sometimes there are coffee mornings in the Mayor’s Reception room for charities. They are from 10-12am. I do some paperwork which is when I decide what invitations I can accept and make sure it all fits into the diary.

Then I might go to visit a project or organisation like the Padley Centre where they recycle donated clothes, bric-a-brac, shoes or furniture. This might be followed with a visit by some foreign visitors from Bosnia or Osnabruck our twin city in Germany.

This could be followed by a meeting with someone from the Mayor’s office about the following couple of weeks or someone who wants to meet me to ask me to help with something they are doing. I may then have an hours break ready for a reception held in the Reception room for long service awards or to celebrate the work of an organisation or to publicise some event. I may go to watch an amateur dramatic show in a variety of venues.

I get home anytime between 9.30pm and midnight usually. Sometimes there is food offered by the place I am visiting otherwise I have to grab something when I can. No two days are the same.

What is one of the best moments you’ve experienced in your role as Mayor?

The service in the Cathedral followed by the march past of the Mercian Regiment who had just come back from Afghanistan. The City Council gave them the Freedom of the City and we presented them with a gift and then I presented medals to some of the soldiers.

What has been the most rewarding thing about this role?

Meeting so many unsung heroes who help others week in week out. In addition, I have met so many fantastic young people who often get a bad press.

Describe one of the funniest moments you’ve experienced in your role….

The mud up to our knees at the County Show last year.

How do you like to relax and unwind? With family and friends

What are your hobbies/interests outside of work? Horse riding and walking.

What’s your favourite holiday destination? I like to go somewhere different each time but I am very fond of Spain in areas away from most tourists.

What is your favourite film? The Last King of Scotland and Mrs Brown

What is your favourite book? Black Beauty