Wisbech’s first Mayor of African heritage looks back at his time so far

As 2024 is coming to an end, we speak to Wisbech Mayor Sidney Imafidon about his role.

Since being appointed in May, Cllr Imafidon has been hands-on within the community, taking every opportunity he can to visit local businesses as well as attending events throughout the year.

It is believed that he is the only Mayor of African heritage in Wisbech, Fenland or indeed Cambridgeshire, having been born and raised in Nigeria.

And because of his heritage, he had two civic services over the space of two consecutive weeks at the end of November. One was at the Redeemed Christian Church of God and the other was held at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church in Wisbech.

He says being Mayor is a great honour and privilege.

Cllr Imafidon said: “The Mayor of Wisbech’s chain of office is one of the most valuable and admired chains in the country.

“The most rewarding part of being Mayor is that it is an unpaid voluntary role, contrary to what a lot of people think.”

The Mayor has been fully committed to what he does and over the last seven months, he has received hundreds of invitations to events within the community.

Since the day he was elected, he has met lots of people including charities such as Little Miracles Fenland where he joined in with members for an evening of fun, with games, learning life skills and playing hide and seek.

One of his first events as Mayor was a special Breast Cancer Awareness-themed parkrun where he was cheering on the participants.

He has also visited care homes across the area including a lunch with residents at Orchard House where everyone enjoyed a barbecue and outside entertainment.

Cllr Imafidon has also enjoyed an event with 272 Wisbech Squadron Air Cadets back in July when they were doing bag packing at Tesco Extra to raise money for the organisation.

He has been invited to many opening and unveiling events. Some include the unveiling of a commemorative bench in recognition of Dr Bharat Khetani’s service as High Sheriff for 2023/2024.

Meanwhile, he has cut many ribbons at many opening ceremonies including Evolution Health and Wellness in Wisbech, a new community hub section at the Fenland Family and Baby Bank

Many key events in the town have seen Cllr Imafidon attend, including St John's Parson Drove Summer Festival, Wisbech Rose Fair and the Christmas light switch-on.

He has also taken part in activities for the first time such as line dancing with residents at St Peter's Hall and accompanying the police during early hours to see how they protect the public and save lives in Wisbech.

Cllr Imafidon has also played a key role in the community in supporting small businesses and meeting the faces behind our local shops.

But apart from his installation as mayor, the return of the Rose Fair after six years has been the most memorable event this year for him.

He said: “I was also very honoured to be part of the Royal British Legion team led by Toby North, to light the commemorative beacon at Wisbech Park.”

Cllr Imafidon had a very strict conservative Christian upbringing. He left Nigeria at 19, in search of greener pastures in the Far East and finally settled in Japan where he worked for three years before travelling to Hong Kong, China and Malaysia, coming to the UK in 1995.

On moving to this country, he worked as a cleaner on the London Underground, drove mini cabs and had a job as a chain lad on construction sites.

Before moving to Wisbech in 2018, he ventured into buying derelict buildings, renovating and renting them out, building up a portfolio, before retiring aged 43.

On his first visit to town, he bought the Dukes Head Pub and it was while he was working behind the bar that he learned about the “dreadful state” of the historic Ely House.

He decided to put a bid in when it went for auction, and when it came to public knowledge that he bought the historic building, a local councillor, Billy Rackley, approached him and suggested that he stand for the upcoming by-election as a Wisbech Town Councillor.

After discussing it with his children, he agreed to stand and was voted in.

In 2021, then-Mayor Andrew Lynn suggested that his role was one that would suit Cllr Imafidon

At the time he was initially hesitant because he had only been in Wisbech for a short period of time. However, a few years later, he was selected by the councillors and made mayor… something he has loved every minute of.