THE mayor of Lyme Regis has pledged to ‘do his best’ as he begins a second year in office.
Cllr Philip Evans was officially installed in office at the ancient mayor-making ceremony in the Guildhall, with Cllr Adrian Wood also sworn in for his first term as deputy mayor.
Following the traditional ceremony, toasts were given to the King, the mayor, the town council, the officers and staff, and the town of Lyme Regis.
Toasting the mayor was Cllr Evans’ life-long friend and journalistic colleague Geoff Baker, who spoke about ‘Pip’s’ successful career, his tireless charity work and his love for Lyme Regis.
Geoff said: “Lyme Regis deserves a mayor like him. This great town, the Pearl of Dorset, deserves a mayor who cares. He is a remarkable man, a good man and I commend him to you.”
Cllr Evans reflected on a ‘challenging year’ in the council but said the behaviour of councillors had ‘improved remarkably’.
Looking forward, he announced the town clerk John Wright, had resigned from the council because the level of public criticism had reached an unacceptable level.
But he remained positive about the future. Cllr Evans said: “I will do my best to represent the council in the community, to continue in my bid to change the public’s perception of Lyme Regis Town Council and to do our very best to maintain Lyme’s reputation as one of the Westcountry’s most popular resorts and such a wonderful place to live and work.”
In a toast to the officers and staff, Cllr Matthew Denney said they were ‘more than ever deserving of our respect and gratitude’.
He said: “One thing you do notice about Lyme Regis, whether you live here or whether you’re a guest or a visitor, is just how immaculate it is, how tidy it is, how neat it is, how well turned out.
“And that isn’t by chance, it isn’t an accident, it’s only by hard work, regular work and pride in place that keeps it looking quite so lovely.”
Responding to the toast, town clerk John Wright paid tribute to both his staff team and the members, who he said didn’t deserve the public criticism they were getting ‘from a handful of individuals’.
He said: “This is a great opportunity to come together as an organisation to face that public attack. And it’s not just the staff – the whole town needs to stand up to people who think they can bully you.”
Toasting the town of Lyme Regis, Cllr Wood said it was ‘an honour’ to be deputy mayor.
He said: “Yes, we are a town built on solid rock, but we are defined by the warmth of our welcome and the strength of our community. That spirit is what truly makes this my home.”
In response, the Rev Fi Budden, who is the mayor’s chaplain for the year ahead, commented on how the town had welcomed her since she become team rector for the Golden Cap team of churches a year ago.
She said: “You put the love in Lyme, so thank you.”
Cllr Evans announced that his charity for the coming year would be the Lyme Regis and District Parkinson’s Support Group.
He also invited all townspeople and local organisations to his Civic Service at St Michael’s Parish Church on Sunday 21 June at 11am.
Deputy mayor Cllr Adrian Wood with deputy mayoress Debbie Wood.