THERE WAS an historic moment at the mayor-making ceremony at the Droitwich Town Council’s annual meeting on Monday (May 19).
New Mayor Coun Bob Brookes was proud to be sworn in with his Mayoress Veronica Brookes and Deputy Mayor Coun Graham Beale.
And that means Coun Brookes is the third politician from Droitwich to take a chain for the 2014/15 year of office – creating a rare and unprecedented Spa hat-trick.
For the first time ever all three civic heads – the town, district and county – are from Droitwich. As well as Coun Brookes, Coun Lynne Duffy is Wychavon District Council’s chairman and Coun Pam Davey is the new chairman of Worcestershire County Council.
During the meeting Coun Brookes also announced the charities he would be supporting this year – Droitwich Age UK and St Peter’s Field’s sports specifically for boys and girls playing for Droitwich Spa FC.
Coun Brookes added: “I’m both honoured and humbled by the privilege that has been handed to me – I get the feeling I have come here in a time of great change.”
He added how over the last 40 years his wife had supported him and stayed by him for better and worse and for richer and for poorer so it was he was very pleased to announce his wife as mayoress on the same year as their Ruby wedding anniversary.
During the meeting a statement was read out on behalf of Coun Richard Morris who was not present at the meeting but had nominated Coun Brookes as the next mayor saying he thought he would do an excellent job.
Coun Ken Jennings, who seconded the nomination, said: “It would be a great honour to accept Bob Brookes as the new mayor.
“In just three years he has done more work than any previous councillor before him.”
He added how it gave him great pleasure to thank the outgoing mayor who had chaired meetings with good humour while dispatching business efficiently and being ever diplomatic.
He also took the time to admire Coun Noyes’ ability to talk to people from all walks of life and backgrounds as well as his success in creating a chance for the brine baths to be returned to the town – the subject of an ongoing campaign.
Former Mayor Coun Tom Noyes said: “The mayoral chain, whilst it can get hot and heavy at times remains a great way of introducing yourself to people and I would not have missed this opportunity for the world.
“I would like to thank all of you who have supported me over the last year – it has been a pleasure and a privilege to receive plaudits on your behalf.”
