My Local Life: Royston Mayor, Cllr Luke Haugh
The Listing is delighted to welcome the new Mayor of Royston, Councillor Luke Haugh.
He was elected to the town council three years ago and since then has been working on promoting local businesses and ensuring Royston is a safe and comfortable place for everyone who lives here.
Luke grew up nearby in Comberton, subsequently moving around for work. It was in early 2020, at the start of the pandemic, that he chose to move closer to family, and Royston was in an ideal position of being close, having access to the countryside as well as having a good connection to London for when work returned to the office.
What do you most love about living in Royston?
There is always something happening in Royston, whether it is our excellent market, endless community groups, our local leisure centre and pubs and restaurants, or the busy calendar of events that take place at Priory Park, you are always sure to find some fun and community in our town. It is an excellent place for young, old, and young families like ours, and these opportunities are what I like most about Royston.
What do you love about your work?
When I joined the council, what I enjoyed most was the exposure to the people and events that are organised around town, and through this participating more in my local community. It has been a great privilege and honour to serve this town as a Councillor for the last 3 years, and now as Mayor.
Working in London during the week means that I enjoy stepping away from the city to breathe in the fresh countryside air and engage with my local community.
What are your goals for the upcoming year as Mayor?
This year I aim to support local businesses and give them a voice through social media, particularly the new and upcoming businesses in Royston. It is great to see new businesses opening all time on our high street, and I am excited to showcase Royston as a place that supports local artisan produce, and new enterprises of all kinds.
I also will be supporting young families, as well as our elderly and aging population over the coming year. My charity of choice is the Day Centre which do great work for the elderly of our town, offering hot food and activities Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
What’s your favourite local place to eat?
A favourite of ours is the Jolly Postie, a central restaurant and a popular choice among Royston residents. We also enjoy going to Rasa Sayang, which is a vibrant family-run business and serve excellent Chinese/Malaysian cuisine to a high standard. Another favourite is Mughal Kitchen, and must be the best Indian takeaway that I have tried!
What’s your favourite shop in Royston?
There are many fantastic shops in Royston, but my choice is not a shop, it must be Royston Museum. It is free to the public and offers a wide range of events throughout the year that provide an opportunity to engage with the town and learn more about our history, which goes all the way back to the Royston Priory in the 1200s. The fascinating history of Royston is one of the things that drew me to the town, and we can be very proud of our Royston Cave, with a mysterious past dating back to the Knight’s Templar, as well as the famous Roisia Stone in the centre of the town.
What is your favourite way to spend a Saturday?
There is nothing better on a Saturday than having a lovely country walk around Royston, followed by a delicious pub roast!
What has been the most valuable life lesson that you have learnt?
Apply yourself, with most things, the more you put in the more you get out.
What inspirational quote sums you up?
‘Do unto others as you would have them do unto you’
