PICTURES: Mayor Andy Bowden has enjoyed the very best of St Helens

From singing with Johnny Vegas to strutting around Victoria Square on high heels, battling with a giant robot in St Helens and appearing on a primetime BBC Radio One show – he’s not exactly been the shy and retiring type.

But that is exactly what has made his mayoral year 2013/14 so colourful and ensured a photo book packed with wonderful images.

In his words, the year has given him the ‘chance to see the very best of the borough’.

• MAKING MUSIC: The Mayor teamed up with Johnny Vegas to promote the Westfield Street Music Festival

• RIDE OF SUPPORT: The Mayor backed the Pedal St Helens campaign by jumping on a bike at Taylor Park’s cycling hub

• STEPPING OUT: He tottered around with high heels to walk a mile in support of the White Ribbon Campaign against domestic violence

The 49-year-old has very much been a modern day Mayor, reeling off hundreds of Tweets on the social media network Twitter that have highlighted the 500 plus engagements that he has so far attended.

And whether it has been a high or low for the town over the last 12 months, Andy has been there to represent St Helens.

He has highlighted serious issues, such as donning the heels to highlight the battle against domestic violence, but also had a bit of fun when necessary, like sharing a mic with Vegas to promote the forthcoming Westfield Street Music Festival.

He’s reached out to minority groups in the borough, such as members of the Muslim and Polish communities, and he has showcased the hard works of hundreds of unsung charities, teams and clubs.

In his words, his mission has been to show the ‘talent, passion, selflessness and determination’ of the many brilliant organisations and teams across the borough.

Ahead of his mayoral year coming to a close, he said: “St Helens has so much to be proud of, and I have tried to highlight that.”

• BIG HIT: Andy has invited some of the town’s top achievers into the Mayor’s Parlour this year, including boxer Martin Murray

• LIFTING THE CUP: He got to grips with the Rugby League World Cup trophy to promote Australia and Fiji playing at Langtree Park

Glowing tributes were paid to the Mayor and his wife Janice, the Mayoress of St Helens.
The Saints Community Development Foundation has been Councillor Bowden’s mayoral charity.

He’s reached out to minority groups in the borough, such as members of the Muslim and Polish communities, and he has showcased the hard works of hundreds of unsung charities, teams and clubs.

In his words, his mission has been to show the ‘talent, passion, selflessness and determination’ of the many brilliant organisations and teams across the borough.

Ahead of his mayoral year coming to a close, he said: “St Helens has so much to be proud of, and I have tried to highlight that.”
Glowing tributes were paid to the Mayor and his wife Janice, the Mayoress of St Helens.

The Saints Community Development Foundation has been Councillor Bowden’s mayoral charity.

• SUPPORTING LOCAL TRADERS: Andy takes a seat in Tyrers (pictured with store boss Ali Tyrer) after he joined the Independents’ Day campaign in July 2013 to support retailers

• FUN IN THE SUN: Promoting the town centre beach with youngsters last summer

• CHAMPIONS: The all-conquering Thatto Heath St Helens women’s rugby league team were given warm backing by Mr Mayor

• REACHING OUT: Pictured with members of the Polish community who learned to speak English

• GRASSROOTS: Andy joined Olympic medal winning gymnast Beth Tweddle to open the St Helens Gymnastic Academy’s new home in Sutton

• CREATIVE: Joining guests at Newton-le-Willows Primary School for the unveiling of a new artwork