Councillor Tracey Shepherd, Town Mayor 2023-2024
Councillor Tracey Shepherd was elected as Braunstone Town Council’s new Town Mayor for 2023/2024 at the Annual Meeting of the Council on 18th May 2023.
Thank you for choosing me to serve as Town Mayor. I commit today to serving all residents regardless of whether you voted for me or not.
My consort for the year will be my Mum, Pauline Shepherd and my theme, “Tackling Loneliness”.
My Charity Fundraising for the year will be to raise money to directly tackle loneliness in our community “right here right now”. One of my first actions will be to work with local groups and organisations to provide “Chatty Café’s”. Whilst thinking about my year ahead, I just wanted to do something different and HERE, RIGHT HERE in the community – I want to raise money for RIGHT HERE.
For more information on the Town Mayors Fundraising and the Chatty Cafe scheme please click here: Town Mayors Fundraising 2023 -2024.
It is the role of the Town Mayor to represent the Town Council and to establish links with local people and the community. The Town Mayor is supported each year by a Deputy Town Mayor, which this year is Councillor Paul Kennedy.
Inviting the Town Mayor to your event:
If you would like the Town Mayor to attend your community event, whether it be a open day, awards ceremony or other special occassion, please complete the form "Request for the Mayor to attend your event" and send to:
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Town Mayor's Secretary,
Braunstone Town Council, Braunstone Civic Centre, Kingsway,
Braunstone Town, LEICESTER. LE3 2PP.
Telephone: 0116 289 9270
Fax: 0116 282 4785
Town Mayor’s Awards:
Each year the Town Mayor nominates local residents who they may have met during their term of office for an Award of Merit. If you know of a Braunstone Town resident who does invaluable work for the local community, please write to us at the Town Council offices. Your suggestions will be passed to the Town Mayor for consideration for an Award of Merit and if successful candidates will be invited to accept an award from the Mayor at her final event of the 2022/2023 year.
If you wish to nominate a resident or contact the Town Mayor in regard to this please use the information above.
Annual Programme of Events:
Each year the Town Mayor hosts, in partnership with local community groups, a Programme of Events which raises funds for the Town Mayor’s Charity (this year, tackling social isolation within the community as mentioned above) and other local good causes.
Past events included Craft Fairs and Quiz Nights, as well as annual favourites such as Ratby Co-operative Band Concert, St Crispins Community Quiz and the Pantomime. The events run from September to April.
This year we look forward to returning favourites such as the Summer Fete, Halloween Disco, Thorpe Astley on the Beach and the Christmas Craft Fair. Keep up to date with all our latest event information via our latest News Page here: LATEST NEWS
Keep up to date with the Town Mayor in 2023 - 2024:
Our new Town Mayor has hit the ground running with local visits to community groups during her first week in office. She is already in the process of discussing and setting up the Chatty Cafe scheme in Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley.
Braunstone Town Mayors visits the DWP at Blaby District Council
The Work Coaches based at the Blaby District Council Offices work to help residents with employment, support, training,
money advice and more!
The staff are available* (subject to appointment*) Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 1:30pm - 4:30pm
More information can be found on Blaby Districts website here:
https://www.blaby.gov.uk/leisure-health-and-community/community/employment-and-skills-opportunities/
Braunstone Town Mayor Opens new Walk Way in Braunstone linking to Meridian and Thorpe Astley! - 22/06/2023
Braunstone Town Council and Blaby District Council have been working with Leicester City Council, Leicestershire County Council and Sustrans on a plan to jointly invest around £1.2million in a range of improvements to create a safer and more attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists between New Lubbesthorpe, through Thorpe Astley and Meridian, into Braunstone Town and on to the Great Central Way and Leicester City Centre.
Today on the 22nd June 2023 Braunstone Town Mayor officially opened the first stage of Phase 1 of the new pedestrian/cyclist pathway through Mossdale Meadows and into Meridian Leisure.
Further information on the project can be found on our website: Improvements to Cycling and Walking Route
Braunstone Town Mayor opens her very first Chatty Cafe! - 27/06/2023
Today Braunstone Town Mayor attended the very first Chatty Cafe in Braunstone Town. The Town Mayor worked hard with Gillys (Braunstone Town) to have it be the very first venue on her new venture and they look forward to being a part of the scheme. Thank you to all who attended the opening today, we cant wait to watch the venue grow as a Chatty Cafe!
More to Follow.
Thorpe Astley on the Beach 2023 - 03/07/2023
Our Town Mayor officially opened our first ever Thorpe Astley on the Beach on Saturday the 1st July 2023. The event was very welll attended by many local residents and guests who had travelled to the event from outside of our town. Blaby District and Braunstone Town Councillors came out to support the Town Mayor in her first large public event of the 2023 -2024 season. Thank you to all who joined us for a great family day out we look forward to our next, (being our Summer Fete) on the 5th August 2023 on Mossdale Meadows.
Braunstone Town Mayor marks Library Assistants 50 years service - 06/07/2023
Sue Johnson one of Braunstone Towns Library Assistants marked 50 years working within the Library service on Wednesday. Brausntone Town Mayor hosted a ceremony to mark the occasion and presented Sue with a small gift and bouquet to mark this occasion!
Braunstone Town's First Chatty Cafe! -06/07/2023
Every Tuesday at Gillys in Braunstone Town from 10am!
Ukraine Independence Day 2023 - 01/09/2023
Thank you to all who joined the Town Mayor's Flag Raising in honor of Ukraine Independance Day 2023. The short service commemorated the day and showed Braunstone Town's support for Ukraine in all they have been through and continue to go through.
24th August 2023 | Civic Centre Memorial Garden | 10:45am
18th September 2023
Braunstone Town Mayor, Councillor Tracey Shepherd, pays tribute to her Mum and Consort:
Pauline Shepherd 24/11/42 – 13/9/23
It is with sadness that the Town Council announces that our Town Mayor, Councillor Tracey Shepherd’s Mum and Consort for her Mayoral year, Pauline Shepherd, passed away on Wednesday 13th September.
Pauline Shepherd got a bladder cancer diagnosis not long after Tracey became Mayor and Pauline became Consort.
Councillor Tracey Shepherd, Town Mayor 2023/24 paid tribute to her Mum and Consort:
My mum, my lovely dear mum passed away on 13/9/23 after a brave battle against stage 4 bladder cancer. She was born to Bob and Elsie who sadly died when she was four years old, so her grandma Florence brought her up as her daughter, despite her being in her 60s and having nine children of her own. She always said she felt loved and blessed that her grandma became her mother.
Her grandma had strong political views that she passed on to my mum, hence my entry into local politics. She left school and became an overlocker in the hosiery trade where she made many lifelong friends.
She met my dad, and they married in 1963. In June this year she was so proud to receive a 60th anniversary card from the King!
Not long afterwards she became unwell and then the long journey began to discover just how seriously ill she was. The time to get CT scans is simply unacceptable, early detection saves lives!
She wouldn’t talk about her cancer, she only wanted happy thoughts to surround her, and she cheered everyone up in every hospital ward she was on, in the last few months.
I will miss her every single day for the rest of my life, I will miss her text messages that nobody could decipher, I will miss her messages during Strictly come dancing, I will miss her plans for Christmas that she started in September but above all I will miss how proud she was of me and all her family.
It was one of her proudest days seeing me elected to represent you all, become Town Mayor and be my consort. I will never let her down nor yourselves and will continue to try and make a positive difference to Braunstone Town.
She was simply a magnificent lady! I would always say, “Love you” and she would always say, “More!” I so wish there could be more!!
Councillor Shepherd adds, please watch out for symptoms of bladder cancer:
- Blood or blood clots in the urine.
- Pain or burning sensation during urination.
- Frequent urination.
- Feeling the need to urinate many times throughout the night.
- Feeling the need to urinate, but not being able to pass urine.
- Lower back pain on 1 side of the body.
Please go to the doctor – don’t waste any time!
No doubt you will join with the Town Council in sending our Town Mayor our love, thoughts and sympathy at this very difficult and personal time for her and the whole family.
Thank you to all who joined us for Apple Day 2023 - 25/09/2023
On Saturday we had a wonderful turn out for Apple Day at Franklin Park. The weather held out for a great community day out!
The Town Mayor spent the event promoting her Fundraising for the year through her Chatty Cafe scheme. This was a great fundriaser as well as being a nice way for the Town Mayor to meet more of the Community and get to know how she can help you all further.
If you would like to read more on the Chatty Cafe scheme head over to the Town Mayors Fundraising page:
Leicester Transport Heritage Trust - Transport Celebration 2023 - 25/09/2023
The Town Mayor had a lovely time visiting the Leicester Transport Heritage Trust Exhibition on Sunday 24th September 2023. Tracey was also grateful to be presented and gifted with a book on the history of Trams.
Braunstone Town Recruitment Event 2023 - 17/10/2023
On Thursday 12th October 2023 the Civic Centre was home to The Job Centre's Recruitment event. This event was very well attended with around 150 people coming along to meet the various employers.
Our Town Mayor had a great time meeting employers and members of the public who were also attending the event. In her own words it was, "A fabulous event that will change lives".
Missed the event but still interested in finding out how the job centre could help you? Career Support is available for young adults aged 18 - 24. Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call: 07880393338 for more information.
Town Mayor visits Buzzing roots CIC at the Community Garden initiative at Ravenhurst primary school - 02/11/2023
On Wednesday 25th October the Town Mayor visited Buzzing roots CIC at the Community Garden initiative at Ravenhurst primary school.
The Town Mayor has to say on the space: The green space there is an oasis of tranquility on our doorstep, in our community that will enhance the well being of our wonderful community. This community garden project completely aligns to our town’s sustainability and environment goals and it was a pleasure to visit such a vibrant and essential project. I highly recommend volunteering, urge the community to donate wood, tools and any equipment that can help dig the beautiful ground there. This is a beautiful asset on our doorstep to be treasured’.
For more information and how to volunteer Please contact:
Buzzing Roots CIC
Mob. 07425867969
Braunstone Town Mayor attends Holy Communion and Thanksgiving Service for 75 Years of St Crispins Church - 02/11/2023
On Saturday the Town Mayor attended Holy Communion and Thanksgiving service for 75 years of St Crispins Church. The Town Mayor said of the service: It was the most beautiful service with the congregation being so welcoming and kind. It was such fun talking about how life would have been so different when the church opened in 1948!
It was officiated by the Bishop of Leicester - Martyn Snow and the Deacon - Rev David Hover.
Braunstone Town Council - Halloween Disco 2023 - 02/11/2023
Our Town Mayor had a wonderful time attending the Council's Children's Halloween Discos! A spooktacular time was had by all and the costumes on display were fantastic!
Thank you to all who joined us for the event!
Thank you to all who attended the Council's Armistice Service on Saturday 11th November at Braunstone Civic Centre - 14/11/2023
The service was led by Revd Hoover with a warm welcome from our Town Mayor, Councillor Tracey Shepherd.
On Sunday our Town Mayor then attended another local community service at St Crispins Church. She gave a reading during the Church's service from Micah, chapter 4 v 1 -5.
Thank you to all who attended either of the local services.
Thank you to all who joined us for our Christmas Craft Fair 2023 - 24/11/2023
Our Town Mayor had a great day meeting many local residents and getting you all involved in her Tombola!
Braunstone Town Council Crowned Council of the Year 2023 - 01/12/2023
Braunstone Town Council has been crowned Council of the Year 2023 at the National Association of Local Councils' (NALC) Star Council Awards, held at a parliamentary reception in the House of Lords on 29th November.
NALC's Star Council Awards, which in their current form date back to 2015, are the only awards in England that recognise local (parish and town) councils' contributions to their communities. The awards celebrate local councils, councillors, young councillors, county associations and clerks' positive impact on their communities.
Braunstone Town Council is the first local council in Leicestershire and in the East Midlands to be awarded Star Council of the Year.
Receiving the award, Braunstone Town Mayor, Councillor Tracey Shepherd, stated that “it is both a privilege and an honour to accept the NALC Star Council, Council of the Year Award. We are simply committed to achieving the best outcomes for our residents and our community. The services and facilities we provide are the foundation on which both community spirit and well-being is built and enhanced. Thank you to the judges for shortlisting us and thank you to all those residents, partners, colleagues and others who voted for our entry”.
Commenting on the news, Councillor Nick Brown, Leader of Braunstone Town Council, said “this is a fantastic and well deserved achievement for the whole Council and the community. I would like to thank the team for the superb work with our partners and the local community. We have saved and enhanced our community Library, facilitated an expansion of GP services, supported our neighbours through Covid, delivered enhanced sporting, recreation and play facilities, created a vital walking and cycling link and we have reduced our carbon footprint by approximately 40% this year. We know that Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley is a vibrant community and I’m delighted that what we are achieving here has been recognised nationally”.
Our Town Mayor attending and accepting the award for the Star Council of the Year:
Braunstone Town Mayor has Officially Opened the Brand New Civic Community Lounge Cafe and the centres Changing Places Toilet 
- 07/12/2023
What a big day for the Centre! Not one but two new features have now received their grand opening and are ready for all to see and use! Our Cafe is now up and running and serving local customers. We think this will be a great component to the centre and the community! A real hub for residents to meet and eat!
Additionally we are very excited to announce the official opening of the centre's Changing Places Toilet. This is a huge advantage within the community and will be a great addition for hirers when looking for inclusive venues.
Thank you to all who joined us for the Grand Opening! We hope to see you at the Cafe soon!
Town Mayor’s Christmas Message 2023 - 07/12/2023
As Town Mayor I am delighted to send Christmas greetings to all residents for 2023.
I began my year as Town Mayor attending several events in the community where people come together to chat, celebrate and to share their interests. Given my theme for the year is tackling loneliness in our community “right here right now”; it has been a privilege and an honour to support the vital work of our community groups bringing people together and providing them with the simple and much needed opportunity to “chat”.
One of my first actions was working with local groups and organisations to provide “Chatty Café’s”. Our first Chatty Café was launched at Gillys Gilly’s Sandwich Shop on Watergate Lane in June. A ‘Chatter & Natter’ table creates a space for people to talk; whether it is for five minutes while you drink a brew, or an hour of good conversation. If you wish to volunteer to set up a Chatty Café or to support the initiative at Gillys, please contact the Town Council.
As Town Mayor I had great pleasure in officially opening the first stage of Phase 1 of the new pedestrian/cyclist pathway through Mossdale Meadows and into Meridian Leisure. This innovative pathway completely aligns to our Town’s sustainability and environment goals and it will be so exciting seeing further improvements to create a safer and more attractive route for pedestrians and cyclists between New Lubbesthorpe, through Thorpe Astley and Meridian, into Braunstone Town and on to the Great Central Way and Leicester City Centre.
A further initiative has been working with the Department of Work and Pensions to set up a Job Shop at Braunstone Civic Centre on Wednesday afternoons, where residents are able to access advice from a Jobcentre work coach. As part of this initiative a jobs fair was organised on 12th October. I was delighted that over 150 residents attended the event and positive feedback was received from the exhibitors. Taken together, I’m delighted that our partnership work with the Department of Work and Pensions is making a real difference locally supporting our residents finding work which suits their circumstances.
Our annual Programme of Events is underway. These events provide an opportunity for us to share what is good about our community and our community spirit, as well as raising vital funds to help support our community groups. Details of events this Christmas season can be found in the Life pages and on our website.
I am personally grateful to the organisations who put on these events since the programme also enables funds to be raised for tackling loneliness “right here right now”. We think especially at this time of year of those in our community who feel lonely and isolated. We can all play our part by simply saying hello and having a chat. Just maybe we will have a big impact on someone’s day.
All that remains is for me to wish you a happy and joyous Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2024.
Braunstone Town Mayor Officially Opened the Brand New Shakespeare Park Playground on Thursday 14th December 2023 - 18/12/2023
Star Council Awards Winners 2023 - 23/01/2024
The Council had a small celebration to commemorate winning the 2023 Star Council Awards at the end of last year.
Our Town Mayor gave a lovely speech welcoming the guests as well as Town Council Leader Nick Brown.
Thank you to all who attended to celebrate this wonderful achievement!
NEW Chatty Café in Braunstone Town - Civic Community Lounge - 08/03/2024Thank you to all who joined us for the official launch of the Town Mayors second Chatty Cafe!This is part of the Town Mayor’s initiative to directly tackle loneliness in our community “right here right now”. A Chatter & Natter table creates a space for people to talk.If you are interested in becoming a volunteer at the Chatty Café, please contact either Braunstone Town Council on 0116 289 0045 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Town Mayor's Hot Supper and Awards Evening - 20/03/2024
Join us for a celebratory evening at the Town Mayors Hot Supper and Awards Night!
On the evening the Town Mayor will present her Awards of Merit to local residents whilst also raising funds one last time for her chosen
local charity cause, “Tackling Loneliness”. The Town Mayor’s 2023 -2024 charity fundraising is going towards and raising money to directly tackle social isolation within our local community.
This includes supporting and developing the Chatty Cafe scheme in Braunstone Town.
Thursday 11th April 2024 - Event Start: 7:30pm | Meal Served 8pm
£13 per person, Tickets available from Braunstone Civic Centre.
Net proceeds go towards the Town Mayor’s charity.
For more information or to purchase tickets please contact our Customer Service Team: 0116 2890045 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Town Mayor plants Rose bush in memory of her mum and consort - 12/04/2024
Town Mayor, Councillor Tracey Shepherd’s Mum and Consort for her Mayoral year, Pauline Shepherd, passed away on Wednesday 13th September. Tracey took the time to plant a Rose Bush in her memory and honor in the Civic Centre's memorial garden on Thursday 11th April 2024.
Town Mayor's Hot Supper and Awards Evening - 15/04/2024
Thank you to all who attended the Town Mayors Awards Evening at the Civic Centre to commemorate the Mayors year in office and all the community has achieved under her reign this year!
Well Done to those who picked up Awards for their outstanding contribution and hard work. We are so excited to see what 2024 - 2025 has in store for Braunstone Town and Thorpe Astley!
