Matlock mayor's wish for the future

Published in Matlock Mercury on Thu 15th May 2008

Chain of office: New Matlock mayor Cllr Cate Hopkinson.

Matlock's new mayor hopes townsfolk will have a voice in future plans for their community.

Cllr Cate Hopkinson was elected to the post at a town council meeting on Monday.

Born in Bonsall, Cate has lived in Matlock since she was seven years old.

She said: "Over the last few years Matlock has seen changes - some good and some not so good.

"There may be changes ahead for the town, in my mayoral year or even in the future, and I hope the people of Matlock will have a voice and speak and give input as plans are put forward.

"I will be dedicated to the town and its people and I hope people will find me approachable for I have lived in Matlock most of my life, I care about Matlock and its people - it is part of me and who I am, so it is a great honour for me to be elected as mayor."

Cate, a Liberal Democrat, is married to fellow councillor Barry Hopkinson and the couple have two sons who attended All Saints Schools and Highfields and both still live in Matlock.

She works as a pharmacy dispenser in a doctors' surgery and previously at Boots in Matlock.

Cllr Geoff Stevens has been elected deputy mayor.