Last night's Annual Town Meeting, held at St Mary's Church, and attended by around 40 people, was a mix of high praise for outgoing Mayor Gordon McLeod, and lingering anger and resentment over the council's investigation into a flawed recruitment process. 

However the evening was about recognising the achievements of some people quietly and unglamorously working to make Hadleigh a better place for others.

The Mayor's Award 2023 went to Yanaka of Suffolk Family Carers, who raised money to refurbish a wellbeing facility at Hadleigh High School. 

Suffolk County Councillor Mick Fraser also presented an award to Nigel Jackson, who, along with the Tidy Town Team, has been generously litter picking for several years now to keep Hadleigh looking pristine.

One member of the public took the opportunity to ask whether the Mayor thought that it was time to organise an independent investigation into the failings of a recruitment process, including the investigation itself which the council conducted, considered by some to be a cover up.

A member of the public asked questions and commented on traffic management, speeding and anti social behaviour, another asked about tree care and preservation, as Mayor McLeod is also the Tree Warden. Others thanked the Mayor and staff of the council for their efforts throughout the previous year which included staging events marking Armed Forces Day, the Queen's Jubilee, her Death and the Coronation of Charles III. Alongside this mention was made of the various efforts made by different organisations to respond to the cost of living and climate crisis.

Hadleigh Town Council elects its new Mayor and Deputy at Tuesday's Full council Meeting, which was delayed from last Thursday. Councillors will also consider co option of several new councillors with a couple of old faces seeking to rejoin the council following an uncontested election which left 9 spaces vacant.