Twenty years after first donning the scarlet robes of office, the seaside town’s very own ‘Mrs. Tenby’ - Clr. Mrs. Sue Lane became the resort’s first citizen for a ninth time at the official Mayor Making ceremony held on Friday.

Clr. Mrs. Lane was officially sworn in as the town’s 629th Mayor at the occasion which was held at the town’s De Valence Pavilion.

In formally proposing her at the ceremony held in the Mayor’s Parlour, Clr. Mrs. Tish Rossiter, congratulated her colleague on her ninth term, remarking that she “is the perfect councillor with her drive and enthusiasm“ and “very hard to keep up with at times”.

“She is a great ambassador for Tenby and I could not think of anyone more fitting to be Mayor in 2018/19,” she said.

In seconding her for the position, Clr. Mrs. Christine Brown, who will once again stand as Deputy Mayor, said that “Tenby runs through the veins” of Clr. Mrs. Lane, who was the member of the town council that would “step in at any time, do any job and always put Tenby first.”

In electing Clr. Mrs. Brown to be her Deputy, Clr. Mrs. Lane, commended her fellow councillor for all her hard work in making the De Valence a “vibrant, profit making” venue and wished her well in the next project to extend the town’s skate park.

“I couldn’t think of anyone better to have on my side as deputy,” remarked Clr. Mrs. Lane.

In seconding the proposal, Clr. Mrs. Caroline Thomas said that both the Mayor and Deputy had proved that they work well together and formed an “exemplary team”.

“I hope all your wonderful projects and dreams that you have in mind come true!” she told them.

Clr. Laurence Blackhall thanked Clr. Mrs. Lane for her most recent term as mayor, and wished her well for the up and coming term, stating that she has carried out her duties in the last year with her “customary, style energy and commitment”.

“Tenby is the best and only the best for Tenby is what you pledged when you took office last year, and I know that ensuring that has been your priority and focus.

“You have been rightly eager to express concerns that the financial challenges will mean a horse deal for Tenby, but you have worked hard to ensure standards are maintained and that alternative funding has been identified to ensure Tenby looks at its best,” he continued, also commending the mayor for encouraging new, younger members onto the council and new ideas.

Reappointed as Sergeant at Arms was John Morgan, Denise Cousins as Sergeant at Mace, and Jim Cornwell as town crier. Father Michael Fewell was also reappointed as Mayor’s Chaplain.

Clr. Mrs. Lane thanked her granddaughter Ms Charley Reohorn for a “brilliant” year as Mayoress, before handing her daughter Miss Sian Waters the role for the up and coming term.

The ceremony was followed by a civic reception in the main hall of the De Valance, where the Mayor was joined by her party and guests.

Following the loyal toast proposed by the Town Crier, past chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council, Mr. Wynne Evans, gave the toast to the Mayor and the town of Tenby.

He said that if past Mayor, Denzil Griffiths was known as ‘Mr. Tenby’ then Clr. Mrs. Lane had to be ‘Mrs. Tenby!’ - especially as it was the 20th anniversary of her taking on the role for the first time.

Mr. Evans praised her work as the chairman of the Tenby in Bloom organisation, recognising it’s achievements in the Wales, Britain and International ‘in bloom’ floral events.

“You take real pride in the town, and I wish my best for you once again as mayor - I’m sure you’re going to be outstanding!” he said.

He also implored the people of Tenby and its surrounding area to engage in the Hywel Dda University Health Board’s consultation on services reorganisation launched last month, urging the community to have their say online, via the questionnaire, or at public drop-in events.

“This process will effect you, your children and your grandchildren. There are big changes ahead, and if you don’t engage then you will regret it,” commented Mr. Evans.

Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Lane, who was the youngest woman ever to be elected as a Tenby councillor, thanked everyone for attending, and said it was a great honour to fill the role of Mayor once again.

“Twenty years ago when I was mayor for the first time, I was so nervous that I didn’t think I’d survive the year!” she said before explaining that she puts herself forward for the role because she cares about the people of the town, the town council and the future of Tenby.

Raising a toast to the guests, Clr. Paul Rapi said that Tenby would find it difficult to function without the support of the people present, who over the years had built a sense of pride in the town.