IT’S ALL chain-ge on the mayoral front in Whitnash.
Councillor Judy Falp officially handed over the chains of office to Coun Simon Button during the Mayor-making ceremony at Acre Close Community Centre on Thursday.
During Coun Falp’s time in office, residents gave a resounding yes to the Whitnash Neighbourhood Plan – making it the first town in Warwick district to have such a plan made and adopted.
In addition, Coun Falp oversaw improvements to facilities at Acre Close park – including new play and exercise equipment – and she also championed the cause of making Whitnash a dementia-friendly town.
More recently, she secured a commitment from Warwick District Council for a grant of £500,000 towards a community hub for the town.
In her outgoing message, Mrs Falp thanked Coun Button and his wife, Kate for their support as Deputy Mayor and Mayoress as well as town councillors, town council staff, and residents who volunteer to provide services and activities for the town.
Incoming Mayor Coun Button is already a well known face in Whitnash thanks largely to his role as the committee chairmanfor the Christmas Lights switch on.
He is also a local DJ, and is often associated with charity and social events in the local area and beyond.
Coun Button’s chosen charities for the year ahead are the Rufus’ Friends Fund, and the Encephalitis Society.
He has vowed to continue to make Whitnash a Dementia-friendly town and also pledged to set up a youth council.
Speaking about the coming year, Coun Button said: “I am fully aware there are going to be challenges ahead, but I will do my utmost to ensure Whitnash is represented in the best way possible along with the support of my deputy, Coun Tony Heath, fellow councillors, our office team, and my family.
“It is the ultimate honour and privilege to be able to say I am the Mayor of Whitnash.
“It is a small and wonderful town and as a town councillor it’s a great consolation to be surrounded by such passionate colleagues, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience and every decision is made for the good of the community, now and in the future.
“Following in the footsteps of Coun Falp and all her predecessors, who have represented our town with pride and passion, it is going to be a tough job, but my wife Kate and I will do our very best.
“We are sure it is going to be a fast and furious year.
“We will attend civic functions and other events and carry out events of our own not only to raise the profile of our wonderful town, but also to raise valuable funds for local good causes.
“We will also fight our corner, as we are so often the forgotten town in Warwick district.”
