Tenby Town Council is 'eager to work in partnership with all sectors of the community to provide a secure and sustainable future for everyone.'

That was the message from the town's 614th Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas after she was elected the resort's new First Citizen on Friday night.

Delighted at comments made by guest speaker, chairman of the Wales Tourist Board, Mr. Philip Evans, that the WTB considered Tenby, to be an 'icon for Wales' and that the town was a recognised name worldwide, Clr. Mrs. Thomas said that the people of Tenby 'must increase efforts and use all the means of persuasion at their disposal to persuade Pembrokeshire County Council to see Tenby in the same light.'

Tenby was now in the 'enviable position' of having a senior member of the town council, Clr. Mickey Folland as chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, who had reached the 'pinnacle of his career in local politics' by being elevated into his new position only hours earlier that day.

Both born and brought up in Tenby, the Mayor and Mr. Evans, were in agreement that it was time that the town lived up to its reputation and used its drawing power worldwide, to good effect.

"The Wales Tourist Board has invested a million pounds in Tenby specifically for the town area and I hope you spend it wisely," said Mr. Evans, who is serving his second term as WTB chairman.

"Tenby is an icon as far as Wales is concerned," he continued.

"The market is changing and Tenby is now ready for a five star hotel.

"Tenby can support it and I personally know of two investors to do it. That is what the town needs and you must have pride and vision to do it," he urged.

"The only way for Tenby to go forward is to become a five star destination," stressed Mr. Evans, who told guests he never attends a Board meeting without Tenby being mentioned.

Looking forward to her time in office, Clr. Mrs. Thomas said there were 'exciting times' ahead, but there would be 'plenty of hard-work'.

She said she hoped for good news about the future of Tenby Cottage Hospital and the Tenby Partnership which she felt was 'truly the way forward'.

She also hoped that the De Valence Trust, when formally constituted would raise the millions needed to re-develop and promote the building and to change it from a 'white elephant into a goose that lays golden eggs'.

The Mayor's comments were echoed by her Mayoress, Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane, who felt that this year was the 'perfect time' for Tenby Town Council and Pembrokeshire County Council to 'build bridges for the benefit of all.'

Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Clr. Mickey Folland extended his congratulations to Clr. Mrs. Thomas for what he hoped would be a successful term of office and expressed his own honour at becoming chairman of the county council.

Attending his second function of the day after only hours earlier opening the town's new £180,000 dinghy park, Clr. Folland was unable to let the occasion pass without reference to the Tenby pedestrianisation scheme.

"I know this is a subject which arouses strong feelings both for and against and this is neither the time nor the place to reignite the debate," he said.

"However, I would say that with the scheme due to start on July 5, the county council is still conducting extensive consultations with the relevant organisations and please believe me when I say we are taking on board what they are telling us."

TRADITIONAL CEREMONY

The rallying calls for partnership came during the buffet reception which followed the traditional Mayor Making ceremony.

In time honoured tradition, outgoing Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown asked each councillor in turn if they wished to stand for election to office of First Citizen.

When only Clr. Mrs. Thomas, who previously held the top position in 1997, expressed such an interest, she had no hesitation in proposing that her nomination be accepted and she serve as Mayor for a second time.

"I know Clr. Mrs. Thomas will commit herself fully to the town and council," she said. Her proposal was seconded by Clr. Mrs. Maureen Ward, who said that Clr. Mrs. Thomas, a member of the council since 1987, was extremely hard-working.

After being unanimously elected, Clr. Mrs. Thomas thanked all the councillors for their support and encouragement.

She also thanked Clr. Mrs. Brown for all her hard-work during her past two years in office which had helped Tenby live up to the slogan, 'Tenby, a town for all seasons'.

Clr. Mrs. Brown, however will not be standing down completely from office, as Clr. Mrs. Thomas appointed her as her Deputy. She was seconded by Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter.

"You have had two excellent years; You have worked tirelessly and I know you will be of great support this year," said Clr. Mrs. Rossiter.

Clr. Mrs. Thomas then appointed Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane her Mayoress; Rector of Tenby, Canon David Jenkins, assisted by Rev. Bonnie Timothy as her Chaplains; and Mr. Peter Brown, as the Deputy Mayor's consort.

The appointment of Messrs. John Morgan and Eric Dorling as Sergeant at Arms and Sergeant at Mace and Mr. John Thomas as town crier was proposed by Clr. Miss Lis James and seconded by Clr. Trevor Hallett.

Clr. Mrs Maureen Ward proposed a vote of thanks to the retiring Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, and paid tribute to her hard-work over the past two years.

"You have been a very good friend to all of us. Thankyou for all you have done and may you enjoy your Deputy Mayorship," she said. She was seconded by Clr. Hallett.

Reflecting on her two years, Clr. Mrs. Brown said her job and been 'very hands on' and although it began in difficult circumstances, the council had 'got themselves back on track' and her time in office had ended with in a 'truly exciting' way with the 600th anniversary celebrations to mark the granting of a royal charter by Henry IV giving the town the right to elect a Mayor, the formation of the Tenby Partnership and the De Valence Trust.

"By us all working together we can improve the quality of life for everyone and make our town an exciting place to live and work," she said.

"We must have the foresight to take Tenby forward."

Clr. Mrs. Brown thanked her fellow councillors for their input and support and congratulated Clr. Folland on his new appointment.

"You have been a dedicated member of Tenby Town Council for 31-years and are an example we should all follow."

Clr. Mrs. Brown made several personal thankyou presentations, before it was announced that this year's Civic Service will take place on July 6 at 2.30 pm at the Harbour.

The council's newest member, Clr. Michael Evans proposed an adjournment of statutory business, which was seconded by the new Mayor's daughter, Clr. Mrs. Kerri Durham.

The ceremony was followed by a buffet reception, while the evening concluded with a Civic Ball and dancing to popular local band, the Frantic Five, who last played at Mayor Making in 1966, at the investiture of the late Ivor Crockford.