Mayor again after emotional year

8:10am Thursday 15th May 2008

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EVESHAM Mayor Alan Booth accepted a second year in office on Monday (12) evening after reflecting on an emotional twelve months.

Cllr Booth looked back on his first year as Mayor and said there had been highs and lows' as he paid tribute to Cllr Steve Selby and former town clerk Frank Davies, both of whom passed away this year.

His first year as Mayor was dominated by the 2007 floods which directly affected him as water engulfed his Bengeworth pub. Cllr Booth said the highlight of his year had been a twinning visit to to the town of Dreux in France and Evesham's festivals had been a big hit as always.

Cllr John Smith who nominated Cllr Booth for a second year as Mayor. He said: Alan has been an excellent mayor. During his year of office he has attended many events and has had to deal with his pub being flooded but despite this he has kept his spirits up."

The annual council meeting also saw the Mayors Civic Award and Sports Personality Award presented.

The Civic Award was given to Chris Warren for his dedicated work with the Evesham Talking Newspaper. Chris has been chairman of the newspaper on three occasions and used to be also work in hospital radio. He currently runs a camera shop in Library Arcade, Evesham.

The Sports Personality Award was then presented to the powerlifter Larry Whyte, who was chosen by Cllr Booth despite ten other nominations for the prize.

Larry returned to the sport after an absence of 15 years at the age of 50. He went on to win the world championships of the Drug Free Powerlifting Association on two occasions in as many years. He still has a full time job but intends to inspire others through motivational speaking.

Cllr Booth raised more than £11,000 for charity during the year and says his priorities for the forthcoming year will be opening the Regal Cinema, the disabled ramp at Evesham Station and ensuring the High Street enhancement scheme runs smoothly.