Mayor of Runnymede

The Mayor of Runnymede for 2024-25 is Councillor Elaine Gill.

Elaine was born in Harrow, Middlesex and attended Roxeth Manor Infant, Junior and Secondary Modern School. Elaine’s working life began with a secretarial role with the Halifax Building Society followed by other positions until 1977, when she left work to bring up a family.

Elaine married Harry in June 1975 and have two sons, James and Andrew. There are also four grandchildren aged between 7 and 10 years.

Elaine and the family moved to Thorpe in December 1981 to Stuart Cottage, Rosemary Lane, Thorpe where the family still reside. 

As a mother of two young children, Elaine got fully involved with all community aspects of Thorpe village. Elaine became the first Parent Governor of Thorpe C of E First School where her sons attended and also became involved in the Scout movement and helped with 2nd Thorpe Scout Group.

In 1990, Elaine returned to work and joined Staines Thameside Medical, the GP surgery in Chertsey Lane run by the late Dr. John Pittard and partners. Elaine as Deputy Practice Manager stayed until 2002, thinking to retire to a quiet life. That was not to be! In 2002, Elaine became Secretary of TWRA (Thorpe Ward Residents’ Association) and in 2004 was persuaded to stand as an Independent Councillor in the local elections.

Elaine became a Councillor for Thorpe Ward in June 2004 and continues in that role to the present time. Elaine has served on various committees, primarily Planning and Licensing. Elaine works hard to represent all Ward members and gets involved in a range of community projects such as organising the Diamond Jubilee Street Party in 2012, Magna Carta Street Party in 2015 and spearheading the campaign for refurbishment of Thorpe War Memorial in 2018. In 2022, Elaine also led the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in the Village for HM Queen Elizabeth II.  Elaine is also involved with Thorpe Community Hall and is a Trustee. This has been an ongoing project from when the boys attended Scouts in a ramshackle building.  Monies were raised and a new building erected in 2011.  The Hall is now used by all sectors of the Community.

St. Mary’s Church, Thorpe where Elaine was christened and confirmed holds a special place in her heart. Her son James was married to Anna there in July 2010, and christenings of grandchildren and funeral services for her parents have been held at St. Mary’s.

Family is most definitely the focus of any of Elaine’s free time with her sons, four grandchildren and other close relatives living locally. Gardening, sport and travelling with friends also provides great enjoyment.

Elaine felt extremely privileged and honoured to be given the opportunity to represent the Borough of Runnymede as Mayor back in 2020 and although the pandemic disrupted much of the planned events, it was very memorable.

To now be given a further opportunity to become Mayor of Runnymede for 2024 - 2025 is quite surreal and she has been overwhelmed by the love and support shown to her going forward. Elaine never thought she would make history in becoming the first Councillor in Runnymede to be asked to represent the Borough for a second time!

As Mayor, Elaine is really looking forward to attending as many events as possible to meet the residents of Runnymede.

There are two chosen charities – Dementia Carers Support Runnymede which holds a special place in her heart as so supportive when Elaine’s Father had Alzheimers and also the Egham Youth Brass Band project. Elaine follows the youngsters progress in this programme and their enthusiasm truly warms your heart!

As Mayor of Runnymede, Elaine is also proposing an Environmental initiative across the fourteen wards of Runnymede. Monies from fundraising can be applied with grants up to a maximum of £250.00 being given per application. Further details available soon.

Elaine is so appreciative of this second opportunity to represent Runnymede and promises to work hard and cover as many engagements as possible.