FORMER MAYOR OF CHESHAM
MAYOR WILFORD AUGUSTUS
CHESHAM, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
- Mayor of Chesham 2023-24
- First Citizen
- Chairman of the Council
- Deputy Mayor 2022-23
- Conservative Councillor 2021-25
- Founder Chesham Town App
- Former Member Chesham Rotary
From the vibrant streets of Bayswater in Central London, I moved to the green and pleasant town of Chesham in Buckinghamshire, where I quickly became 'part of the furniture' in local life.
Remarkably, less than six years later, I had the honour of being elected Mayor. Whilst my election was historic, it was ultimately a testament to the inclusive and welcoming nature of the good people of Chesham. To them, I will always say: Thank you!
Leaving the hustle and bustle of Westminster behind, I was immediately charmed by small-town England. I remember thinking—what a difference an hour outside of London makes.
I loved the cobbled high street lined with independent shops, smiling people, and, most of all, market days, where I’d get my weekly supply of fruit and veg for 'six bowls a fiver.'
Sadly, COVID-19 accelerated the decline of our high street, which motivated me to come up with strategic ways to help revitalise our town, especially since the High Street fell inside my ward, St Mary’s.
Looking to Adam Smith’s Wealth of Nations, he described how the commerce of English towns contributed to the improvement of the country as a whole.
Whilst, as Mayor of Chesham, I had no direct influence over our national economy, I believed I could play a pivotal role—however small—in strengthening our local economy and revitalising our town.