At the Council meeting on 1 February 2023, I gave my maiden speech, paying tribute to my predecessor and outline what a special place Kenley is, with its history, green spaces and communities.
This is what I said:
"It’s a privilege to be here and an honour to represent this beautiful ward of Kenley. I’ve lived in the ward for over 10 years, alongside 10,743 other residents (hat tip to the Croydon Observatory for that data), and mine is just one of the 4,435 households spread over this topographically challenging landscape.
Kenley’s an incredible place, as are the people who live here. There’s nowhere quite like it, as my predecessor knows only too well. I’d like to offer a heartfelt thank you to Jan Buttinger. Her advice and guidance have been invaluable over these past months, as has her service to us all over the past 24 years as a councillor for Kenley.
Communities thrive here. There’s a real sense of belonging. We have two community hubs that are a testament to what people can achieve together. One’s at Old Lodge Lane Baptist Church, which hosts the weekly Friday Food Stop - where Cllr Kolade and I regularly help out. The other is at Kenley Memorial Hall, which was erected in honour of the 21 men from Kenley who died in the First World War.
Kenley also played a major role in the Second World War. A Heritage Lottery funded project means we have the most intact wartime airfield in the whole of the UK ... and as a result it’s genuinely, one of the best places in Croydon for kids to learn to ride their bikes.
We have four active Residents Associations, four primary schools, churches at the heart of our community, and Friends Groups looking after our breath-taking green spaces – and we have many of these right across the ward.
Together with Councillor Kolade, it’s a privilege to work for the residents of Kenley and a real pleasure to meet everyone and understand how we can best support their interests.
Lastly, I want to give a very heartfelt thank you to my family, my parents and especially to my son ... constant reminders that it’s family that matters most, when you’re making a place that you’re proud to call home.
Cllr Gayle Gander
