THE idea of a mayoral blog came from the idea of trying to give residents an insight into the reality of life as the mayor and some of what it involves.

For those who don't know me, I have been a Winsford Town councillor since 2011 and have been mayor before in 2015/16.

I'm also a mum of three girls who I'm sure will feature in my blog (indeed I'm writing this en route to a Leeds Uni open day with daughter number two), wife to a very patient husband and a midwife working within the realm of safeguarding. All of this means that even at the best of times my life is a juggling act, being mayor will be part of this.

I became mayor on May 20, having served as deputy mayor for 2018-19, as such becoming mayor wasn't something which came as a surprise.

Northwich Guardian:

Mayor of Winsford, Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones and her husband and consort Matthew

However there had been the small matter of the local elections which meant I didn't want to do too much planning for my year in case I wasn't re-elected. Despite people saying: 'Oh you'll be fine.' and 'I'm sure you're going to get back in', I'm not someone who likes to count their chickens and certainly in these turbulent times there are no foregone conclusions.

Happily I was re-elected on the May 2 to represent the Swanlow ward (phew).

The last few weeks have been a time for me to get to grips with planning for the year ahead.

Northwich Guardian:

Mayor of Winsford Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones in the council chamber

This has included meetings with my charities Cotswold House, Cheshire Young Carers and Motherwell and my chaplain, getting together with the Winsford Town Council team to pencil in dates for my main annual events including the civic service, Mayor's Ball, Salt Fair, Oscars and Christmas events as well as the first flurry of civic events.

I had the privilege of representing the town at the Congleton Town Mayor Making, the Lord Mayor of Chester's civic service at Chester Cathedral (lovely, but goodness, my feet hurt......me, heels, cobblestones are not a good combination) and a summer drinks reception (on the wettest evening ever) hosted by The High Sheriff of Cheshire.

Northwich Guardian:

Mayor of Winsford Cllr Ailsa Gaskill-Jones had the daunting job of judging the school scarecrow competition at Over Allotments when pupils were invited to create a space age design to celebrate the 50th anniversary of men landing on the moon

I was also honoured to lay a wreath on behalf of the town in remembrance of the D-Day landings, an event which has inspired me to give serious thought as to how we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day next year.

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I also had the fab (but very difficult) job of judging the school scarecrow competition organised by Over Allotments as part of their children's open day.

It's fair to say it's been busy but I'm very lucky in that I manage my own work diary and work from home quite a lot.

This means I can organise mayoral meetings over lunchtimes or work early in the morning or late into the evening to free up time during the day.

That said, my work phone is always in my pocket. Luckily, and hoping not to jinx myself, it hasn't yet rung at an inopportune moment.

My next significant job as mayor will be to chair the first full council meeting of the year.

This is one of my less favoured parts of the role, I'm basically a chicken when it comes to conflict and also not great at party politics for party politics sake.

Sometimes town council meetings can be a bit fraught and in all honesty that can make me feel uncomfortable. However I also realise effective politics requires effective challenge and accountability. As chair of the meeting it is my job to ensure discussions are conducted in a professional and ultimately positive way for the town.

So in a nutshell, that's my first month as mayor. In other news daughter number one finished her A-level exams, daughter number two is battling through year one of her A-levels and trying to choose a university and daughter number three has been attending football trials (hoping to be the next Steph Houghton).

The dog is still spoilt rotten and the husband as always helps me hold it all together.

Oh, and did I mention our house is on the market so estate agent liaison is an additional role I have taken on, at least it means the house has never been tidier! Keeping those plates spinning xxx