JOHN Body, a Falmouth man born and bred, was sworn in as the town’s new mayor on Monday night, taking over from the “institution” that is Geoffrey Evans.
In a packed council chamber and in front of his wife, Linda, and children, Amy, Matthew and Melanie, Mr Body read the declaration of acceptance of office before thanking his fellow councillors for unanimously elected him as town mayor.
“As a Falmouth man born and bred, this is a very proud moment and there cannot be a greater honour,” he said. “With the support of my wife and children I am looking forward to representing Falmouth in the coming year.
“The achievements of Falmouth Town Council in the last 12 months has highlighted that by working together and showing a united front, we can realise our ambitions. With Cornwall Council having to further reduce services, there are undoubtedly going to be challenging times ahead, but I know that the elected members of this council, working alongside our excellent staff and partner organisations, will do our best to ensure that the people of Falmouth continue to have the services they deserve.”
Unanimously elected to serve as deputy mayor was Councillor Gerald Chin-Quee, who will be supported in the role by his partner, and former councillor, Lesley Trenchard.
Asked to give a vote of thanks for Mr Evans’ service as mayor over the past five years and as a councillor for 40, Councillor Candy Atherton said: “I always thought that Geoffrey as mayor was an institution and I’m sure half the town thinks the same way.
“I am really pleased he was the first man to come across the political divide when I entered into Falmouth politics and he has been a friend ever since. I offer this vote of thanks to Geoffrey Evans for his unstinting years of service to the town of Falmouth and to Falmouth Town Council.”
Mr Evans was presented with a set of glasses engraved with the town crest and a paperweight from councillors and staff in recognition of his service to the town. He also received a certificate from the chief fire officer for his continued support of the Phoenix Project.
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