A new page in Marlborough’s civic history was turned this evening as Councillor Mark Cooper accepted the position of the town’s 710th Mayor in a virtual ceremony.
Mayor-Making, a mainstay of the town’s civic calendar had to be abandoned this year because of the Coronavirus crisis but technology stepped in and enabled tradition to continue.
Cllr Cooper was proposed as Mayor by Cllr Andy Ross who said, “I wish him a very happy year. His father was a distinguished Mayor in the past and I’m sure he will follow in his footsteps. I wish him the very very best.” Cllr Barrett-Morton seconded the proposal and the vote was unanimous.
The new Mayor signed the Declaration of Office promising to faithfully fulfil the duties of mayor to the best of his ability. Retiring Mayor, Cllr Mervyn Hall removed his chain of office for the last time.
Cllr Andy Wilson was proposed as Deputy Mayor by Cllr Barrett-Morton, seconded by Cllr Don Heath and appointed by a unanimous vote. Cllr Wilson then signed the Declaration of Office.
New Mayor, Mark Cooper, thanked the councillors for electing him. “I will do everything I can to represent the town to the best of my ability and I’d like to thank Mervyn Hall for his dedication to the town over the past year.”
Cllr Ross added that Mervyn Hall had been, “A sound and fair member of the council and a champion of the neighbourhood plan.” He gave special thanks for his hard work over the year.
Retiring Mayor Mervyn thanked the Town Clerk and her team and his fellow councillors for their support over the year. “It’s a pity it had to end this way and our thoughts are with those who have suffered.”
He wished Cllr Cooper all the best for his year as Mayor and ended by echoing what I am sure are the hopes of us all. “Let’s hope we get back to normal soon.”
A very different Mayor-Making this year, one that might, on the surface have been devoid of pomp, ceremony and all the traditional civic trappings, but one that will be memorable, probably far more memorable in the history of the Town. A ground-breaking event, with Councillor Mark Cooper, appointed Marlborough’s first ‘Virtual’ Mayor.
