EVESHAM'S origins, as we know, are lost in the mists of time and legend.

The town has survived the rigours of battles and plagues and it saw the destruction of its Abbey long ago - one of the most important Abbeys of its time.

Evesham's hills and meadows were the site of the Battle of Evesham in 1265.

Simon de Montfort gave his life in battle on Evesham's Greenhill for the principle of democratic government that still flourishes in these islands. The town is encircled by the Cotswolds, by Bredon Hill and the Malverns. It is close to Cheltenham, Stratford-upon-Avon and Worcester and is surrounded by the productive and beautiful Vale.

It boasts a very proud heritage, has an impressive present and looks forward to a promising and interesting future.

Evesham has recently celebrated the 400th anniversary of its Royal Charter and the 150th anniversary of Henry Workman's bridge, which replaced a medieval bridge linking the parishes of Evesham and Bengeworth.

The river offers some of the best fishing and rowing in the country and the town has recently won the Market Town Award and a Certificate from Advantage West Midlands. Many continuing improvements are due to the combined efforts of the Town Centre Manager, Lew Hammond and the local authorities.

There are plans for new tree planting, further riverside enhancement and High Street regeneration. Many other exciting developments are coming on stream.

We have a great team working together for the coming year and we will be celebrating everything local. Please look out for next year's Mayor's calendar of events, put the dates in your diary and support our efforts. These events promise to be very enjoyable and will raise funds for the Mayor's charities for the Mayoral year, May 2006 to 2007 - namely the County Air Ambulance and The Vale of Evesham Volunteer Centre.

We look forward to your support.