Mayor
Cllr Mick Lerry
Cllr Mick Lerry started off his career in engineering before going to university and eventually training as a teacher. Mick moved to Bridgwater in 1976 to work at the then Blake Community School till 1997. As a member of the National Union of Teachers, Mick was then involved in employee relations throughout Somerset. Mick was elected to the Executive of the National Union of Teachers from 1997 until 2010, when he then retired.
Mick was elected on to Bridgwater Town Council and Sedgemoor District Council in 2011. Mick is the Chair of the Trustees at Victoria Park Community Centre, and he is also a Trustee on Diversity Voice and Sedgemoor SEED.
On Bridgwater Town Council Mick is the portfolio holder for the Economy, which involves the Town Team and Town Deal. He also has a responsibility for Bridgwater Town Council staffing and employee relations.
Mick says: “It is a great honour to be elected as Mayor of Bridgwater by my fellow councillors and I would also like to thank the electorate of Victoria Ward for electing me to Bridgwater Town Council. As Mayor I will carry out my duties in chairing Council meetings and civil events that I attend”.
Mace Bearer
Chris Hocking
Born in Bridgwater and educated at St Margaret’s School and Dr Morgan’s School before finishing education at Taunton School.Career began with Natwest Bank in Taunton followed by seven years with Bridgwater Building Society. Appointed as Advertising & PR Manager for Chelsea Building Society, based in Cheltenham, before returning to Bridgwater in 1984. For 12 years ran his own advertising and print company before joining Bridgwater College as Carnival Placement Co-ordinator, (a post he still holds). Establishing and organising courses for people involved in carnivals throughout Somerset, parts of Devon, Dorset & Wilts.
Involved with Bridgwater Carnival for 40 years, initially as a member of Marketeer’s Carnival Club and now a vice-president of Wills C C. Joined the Bridgwater Carnival committee in 1985 and held the post of Publicity Officer for 19 years before becoming President of the committee and serving the maximum three year term in this role. Now a Director and Trustee of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival Ltd, Chris compered the annual Carnival Concerts for 18 years and now organises the entertainment in the town during the day of Bridgwater Carnival and is also responsible for leading new projects.
Chris became a professional Toastmaster in 2003 and now officiates at weddings and functions throughout the south-west, and beyond. Other interests include amateur theatre and rugby (as a spectator these days!).
Still living in Bridgwater, he is married to Linda and has two children, two step-children and six grandchildren.
Deputy Mayor
Cllr Jacqui Solomon
Bio coming soon