By community correspondent Tom Hill.

You may be wondering what a basketball match, an eco-wall unveiling at a train station, a local Brownie production of ‘Alice In Wonderland’, and finally, a fundraising BBQ (sausages and burgers with a tale or two of homelessness, yes, that’s right, homelessness!) all have in common. Well, you may just be surprised to learn that these wonderfully diverse events are a typical selection of commitments found in the diary of a 21st century Mayor!

As a Mayor, everyone wants your photograph; everyone wants you to open their new ‘carbon neutral’ sports centre with state of the art facilities! How on earth do you decide which to attend? Well, that’s exactly what the Mayor of Kingston-Upon-Thames (the most senior of the two Royal London boroughs) has to decide.

I was fortunate enough to accompany the Mayor on a typical day in his calendar, which may often consist of 5 or more wide-ranging events: some considered the norm, and others rather....unique!

One of the most important themes during a Mayor’s time in office is the promotion and fundraising for their chosen charity. This year, Cllr Ian McDonald, has committed to trying to help the homeless.

And did you know that it is thought that, through about 3 or 4 degrees of separation, we are all connected to somebody living on the streets. Unbelievable.

But, of course, behind the mask of homelessness there is often a tragic set of circumstances whereby individuals and families find themselves homeless, in situations that are quite often beyond their control. House repossessions, for example, can tear lives apart, causing families to be separated and push many vulnerable people on to the streets.

So this year the Mayor has dedicated his time and energy into publicising this issue, and to hopefully leave a legacy that helps improve the plight of a growing homeless population. Various fundraising events are being held, which will help demystify the issue, and address this devastating problem. The opportunity of staging a concert, or perhaps a boat cruise, are just two events being considered; both of which could facilitate the raising of awareness and, not forgetting, vital funds.

With such a committed, charity centred approach, the grand traditions that we, the public, often associate with the position of Mayor, may gradually make way so that this Mayor, at least, is seen as a thoroughly modern Mayor on a mission!