AN ACTOR who became involved in local politics three years ago has been elected as the new Mayor of Romsey Town.
Councillor Neil Gwynne, who represents the Romsey Cupernham ward, has become the new Mayor after he was elected at a ceremony held in the Town Hall on Tuesday, May 17.
Cllr Gwynne will be taking over from Cllr Karen Dunleavey and Cllr John Ray will become deputy mayor.
Cllr Gwynne he said: “What initially brought me to Romsey was the Plaza Theatre, where some of you may have seen me treading the boards, and where I am now in my 10th year as chair. Being trustee of such a great place as the Plaza was honour enough.
"As recently as three years ago I’d never had any involvement in local government, so becoming Mayor was simply not conceivable. That it has happened is a massive honour and a huge source of pride for myself, my wife Kathrina, and the rest of my family. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can, and supporting as many good causes as possible, during the year.
"The two causes that I will be particularly striving to support are the equal beneficiaries of whatever funds the Mayoral charity events can raise – namely George’s Trust and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust. As well as the Mayor’s concert at the Abbey, there will be an event in October at the Plaza and an evening event in the Town Hall next spring."
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Cllr Gwynne said that he was keen to support as many events as possible.
He added: "As I have said, I am very familiar with living in market towns, and have 30 years of experience elsewhere to compare Romsey with. But there is no comparison, because Romsey is without doubt the place with the strongest community spirit, and the highest number of volunteers! It is a genuine privilege to be Mayor of such a lovely place."
To invite the Mayor to an event, contact Nicqui Chatterley at info@romseytc.org.uk.
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