Felixstowe councillor and mayor Doreen Savage to step down

Five-time Felixstowe mayor Doreen Savage will be leaving the town council at the elections in May after serving since 1983.

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She recalled some of her happiest memories of her time, particularly her involvement in setting up the town's Youth Forum in 1998, which is still going strong and provides a link between the town council and local youngsters to discuss any issues they may have.

Doreen Savage as mayor at the reopening of Laydens community cafe in Felixstowe in 2016 (Image: Archant)

In 2009 she was awarded the MBE for services to local government and she has also played a prominent role with the town's twinning associations- with Wesel and Salzwedel.

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However, after such a long service, she decided the time was right to finish.

She said: "I think it is like everything in life. You know when the time is right and I just felt that the stage I am at in my life, now is the right time to be stepping down after 40 years. 

"There are other things waiting for me and I am a keen gardener, so I will be spending more time in the garden," Mrs Savage added.

Doreen Savage hoists the flag for Commonwealth Day in 2016 (Image: Archant)

When she first started, her aim was to bring more attention to the south end of Felixstowe, which she said had been largely overlooked at that time.

However, since then there has been much more recognition and now new developments are starting to spring up in that part of Felixstowe.

Doreen Savage in 1983 after announcing she would stand for the town council (Image: John Kerr/Newsquest)

She reflected on the friendships made and the 'camaraderie' with other councillors, as well as the sadder times, such as the loss of councillor Graham Newman in December.

"I think all round I would just encapsulate it all by saying it has been 40 years of challenge and achievement and I have gone through every emotion you could think of, but I would not have changed a moment of it," Mrs Savage added.

Then deputy mayor Doreen Savage presents awards to youngsters who were involved in Fairtrade Fortnight (Image: Robin Pattinson, O&R Photography)

As well as the town council, she has also served as chair of Suffolk Coastal District Council and been involved with Felixstowe resort regeneration forum, Langer Primary School governors and Felixstowe Sea Cadets, along with being vice-chair of the Felixstowe Citzens Advice Bureau management committee.