The new mayor of Whitehill & Bordon has successfully road-tested a new approach to selecting a charity for her year in office.

Cllr Catherine Clarke couldn’t pick a mayoral charity for herself as there’s far too many worthy causes around the town.

But she gave the green light to Bordon Counselling Service after asking - or should that be instructed - the Bordon soapbox team to “make the hard decision”.

She said: “There are so many worthwhile charities in our area, but it’s impossible to help them all.

“I approached the Bordon Soapbox team as they are already supporting a few charities with their event and they haven’t let me down.

“So it’s with great pleasure that I would like to announce my chosen charity this year is Bordon Counselling Service.”

BORDON SOAPBOX BORDON, HAMPSHIRE ENGLAND 23rd JULY 2023 On Sunday 23rd July 2023 Whitehill & Bordon in Hampshire was transformed into the ultimate community driven soapbox spectacle, the official Bordon Soapbox Derby With the main road through the town closed to traffic the hundreds of spectators were able to walk around the attractions that had been put in place in the early hours of Sunday before gathering many deep on Chalet Hill to watch the 'soapbox racers' take on the challenge to be the fastest competitor to get to the Finish Line ! Some of the racers were quick, some were slow, and some driver's after having spectacular spills were permitted to run to the Finish Line as long as they were carrying 'any part of their soapbox' ! (Photo by Malcolm Wells) Standard reproduction rates apply, contact Malcolm Wells to arrange payment - Mobile: 07802-217-569 malcolmrichardwells@gmail.com
This year’s Bordon Soapbox will take place on July 20. (Photographer: Malcolm Wells )

Cllr Clarke added: “Mental health is a rising issues and there are a limited number of services available, plus long waiting lists.

“This small charity will cease to exist without funding so I look forward to raising as much money as a can in my year as mayor.”

A church civic service, quiz night and black tie dinner are among the fundraising events in the pipeline while the mayor will also open this year’s Bordon Soapbox on July 20 at Chalet Hill.

“It was an honour to be asked to make a recommendation for the mayor’s charity this year,” said Gary Newell on behalf of the Soapbox Committee.

“We at Bordon Soapbox 2025 are very excited to be supporting several local charities already.

“We decided to pick support for a charity away from these but one that was still very part of the local community and in need of that all-important funding.

“For that reason we have chosen Bordon Counselling Service. We hope this selection is supported by everyone and the new mayor.”