As excuses go Hadleigh councillor Kathryn Grandon's reason for not being at Babergh's annual meeting in person to be re-elected as chair, was a doozy.

Instead of taking the top seat in the chamber at Endeavour House Cllr Grandon was mingling with royalty at a Buckingham Palace garden party.

After being nominated by council leader John Ward due to her contribution to Babergh, Cllr Grandon attended the event with her husband Roger.

"We had wonderful time," said Cllr Grandon. "I just loved the day.

 "We were very pleased as William and Kate attended and felt particularly lucky as we managed to see them close up.

" I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been nominated to attend the Garden Party and have been excited about it for months. 

"We met some very interesting people who had made valuable contributions to their communities and organisations. I will remember this event for a long time.

"I don't think I will be able to come up with a better reason for missing a Council Meeting."

Cllr Kathryn Grandon with husband Roger in garden at Buckingham Palace

Meanwhile, Cllr Grandon was last night elected as chair for a second term after previously serving during the pandemic, then in the last municipal year as vice-chair.

She replaces Adrian Osborne, while Ganges ward councillor Derek Davis was elected as the new chair, and in her absence chaired the meeting.

Cllr Osborne had previously presented a cheque of £3,450 to Chris Boatwright, Clinical Director of the Kernos Centre as a result of fundraising events during the year, including a sponsored walk and a gala dinner at Hintlesham Hall supported by charitable donations from local residents and businesses.

The Kernos Centre based in Sudbury, provides professional counselling and psychotherapy to residents offering support to help them deal with a range of mental health issues including acute anxiety and depression, domestic abuse, childhood abuse, eating disorders, self-harming, and suicide attempts.

Former Chairman Cllr Adrian Osborne, presents cheque to Chris Boatwright Clinical Director of the Kernos Centre (Picture Credit: Babergh District council)

Cllr Adrian Osborne said: "It has been a privilege to serve as the Babergh District Council Chairman, being able to represent both the council and Babergh residents. My focus during my term was mental health and well-being which is why I chose the Kernos Centre as my chosen charity. They do fantastic work, providing extra support to those who need additional help to deal with the difficult circumstances that life can sometimes throw at us.

"I would also like to thank everyone that has supported these fundraising efforts, and for donating some amazing raffle prizes. I know that every pound raised will go a long way in helping the Kernos Centre to support residents in need of counselling."

Chris Boatwright, Clinical Director Kernos Centre said: "We were honoured to be chosen by Cllr Adrian Osborne as his charity for the year, whilst chairman of Babergh District Council. His continued support and the tremendous hard work put in to raising this grant, and getting the generous support from our local community, is invaluable to all of us at Kernos and the vulnerable adults and children using our service.

"This grant is so welcome at a time like this, when the mental health needs are so great, and will help Kernos to maintain the mental health support and counselling we provide to local residents, especially to those who have little or no means of financing counselling support."