DROITWICH Spa now has a new mayor after Coun Roy Murphy was sworn in at the latest meeting of the town council.
The annual Mayor Making event saw Coun Graham Beale step down after his year in office, during which he attended a variety of events and raised funds for his chosen charities – Speakeasy NOW and Blesma.
Coun Tom Noyes put forward Coun Murphy for the role and Coun Bob Brookes seconded the motion.
Coun Noyes said: “Over the last five years, Roy has been chairman of the planning committee and his contribution has been immense.
“He has been ever present thus showing his commitment to civic duties.
“He is finding it a little different on Wychavon District Council planning committee but again he is keen and ever present and fits in very well.”
Coun Murphy is a keen photographer and a member of Droitwich Photographic Society.
He is also a member of the Droitwich Historical Society and participates regularly in the town walks and, as a member of the Pamela May Trust, takes part in the annual canal events.
“I know he has supported the mayor in the preceding 12 months on a number of occasions and I am looking forward to supporting Roy in his term of office.
“With everything Roy has already done, and continues to do for Droitwich Spa, I am pleased to recommend him to be our mayor for the next 12 months.”
After taking the chain, Coun Murphy gave his own speech, thanking Coun Noyes for putting his name forward and talking about how the function of the town’s mayor had changed over the years – from chief executive of the borough to the more civic role it is today.
He named his two charities as The Council for Voluntary Service, which supports a range of smaller charities across the county, and the Westlands Community Hall Association which provides a venue for a number of important activities on the estate. Among them are a youth club, judo, WANDS and mother and child groups.
He also announced two forthcoming events – a Sunday Lunch – at Droitwich Golf Club on July 24 and a big band concert featuring the Phoenix Band at the Norbury Theatre.
He said he was honoured to have been given the role which, as well as fund-raising for his chosen charities and attending civic events, meant he would also be able to highlight, promote and raise the profile of many of Droitwich’s community groups and societies.
Coun Sean Best was proposed for the role of deputy mayor. It was seconded by Coun Alan Humphries and he was voted into the post.
