New mayor Abdul Quadir will champion deaf

Published: 12th May, 2011
by RICHARD OSLEY

CAMDEN’S music-loving “rock’n’roll” mayor bowed out last night (Wednesday) to be replaced as the borough’s first citizen by a councillor planning to use his time with the badge and chain to raise money for deaf charities.

Jonathan Simpson handed on the ceremonial duty to Abdul Quadir at the annual mayor-making meeting at the Town Hall.

Councillor Quadir has pledged to spend his year as Mayor to raise awareness for people struggling with hearing problems and will work closely with the Royal National Institute for the Deaf (RNID). 

His deputy will be former education chief Councillor Heather Johnson.

The packed council chamber heard tributes to Cllr Simpson for the way he – alongside his Mayoress, the broadcaster Amy Lamé – promoted Camden’s live music scene over the past 12 months. 

He held charity concerts, fund-raisers and did a sponsored parachute jump during the year. 

Money raised went to help the Roundhouse charity in Chalk Farm which helps disadvantaged and vulnerable young people at the famous music venue. 

His final night as Mayor was spent DJing and doing karaoke at the Black Heart pub in Camden Town, singing so loud he disrupted comedienne Josie Long’s stand-up gig upstairs.

He signed off with a quote from Morrissey Frankly Mr Shankly last night. 

He will now take on an ambassadorial fund raising role at the Roundhouse.

With a tight budget at the Town Hall, the cost of the annual celebrations, which sees former mayors and councillors invited, was trimmed down by 40 percent.