Tenby’s new Mayor has said a special thanks to all those that helped in the community during Covid, as she finally held a ceremony on Friday to mark her third consecutive term in the role.

Having become Mayor for the first time in 2020, due to the pandemic hitting, Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall, fellow members of Tenby Town Council and guests enjoyed a Mayor-making ceremony at the town’s De Valence Pavilion, when she was officially installed to don the scarlet robes of office, to become the town’s 633rd mayor.

After making the Declaration of Acceptance of Office followed by the swearing of the Oath in the Mayor’s Parlour, responding to a vote of thanks inside the Main Hall, Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall, who won the seat to be Tenby’s county councillor for the South ward at last month’s local elections said, told guests that the last two years had been a period where everyone had to adapt to doing things differently.

“Keeping things going and making sure that we were able to support people in the town was the order of the day – and this Council was supported in doing that by our excellent staff,” she commented.

She also thanked her former Deputy Mayor, Tracey Evans, civic officials, mace bearers and stand in mace bearers and criers, and fellow Councillors for their support, kindness and advice.

“Elections often mean change and this year was no different. I do want to acknowledge that as a result of the election, Christine Brown is no longer of this Town Council – but she has been a Councillor for 27 years and has made a massive contribution – not least to this building.

“She has been instrumental in the revival of the De Valence and I am delighted she will be continuing with that work.

“And I want to thank everyone else, who helped me and one last thank you. For providing a distraction from Covid – a special visitor to Tenby – yes – Wally the Walrus – wherever you are we hope you are well and as with everyone else – thanks for the smiles.

“Two years ago, in June 2020, I said ‘this is no time for handbags and gladrags’ – I was right. But seriously, two years – it is a long time for a girl to wait for a new frock!” she joked.

“This Mayor Making seems like a milestone. It comes as the remaining restrictions have been lifted, we have had elections and a new Council.

“It is always sad to see people leave but also exciting to welcome new faces - I know you bring new and fresh ideas – I hope we embrace them and I look forward to working with you. I do believe new Councillors should be encouraged and I will do all that I can to offer any help that I can.

“But along with new people, we also benefit from experience. I am delighted that we also have a strong team of Councillors returning and in particular I am really grateful to Clr. Sue Lane for agreeing to be my Deputy for the year.

“As a Town Council we are currently developing our new plan for a new Council – it is exciting and I know we have 13 councillors committed to making Tenby even better still.

“So a new start as we move forward - But I don’t think we can properly move forward without recognising what has happened these last two years and the amazing things that people have done to help their community during the Covid pandemic.

“That is why tonight’s invite list includes representatives of so many people that helped Tenby over the last two years.

“Care workers, health workers and schools; shops and businesses, pubs and restaurants; our emergency services – Police, Fire, RNLI and Coastguard; our Tenby Covid Volunteer teams; Pembrokeshire County Council who developed the community hub support – and I am delighted that David Simpson, Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council is here with us this evening. We say a big thanks to all of you,” continued the Mayor.

“In addition there are also our friends and neighbours – with whom we have worked more closely in recent times – Saundersfoot, Penally and New Hedges.

“When I look at what has been done it is remarkable. It just shows – when we work together, when we care about our neighbours, when we say our community matters – there is no end to what we can achieve,” she added.

Proposing a toast to the Mayor and the Town of Tenby, Nicole Evans said that Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall was following a long lost of ‘formidable women of Tenby’.

“The first photo Sam posted of herself after she had been voted on to the County council was of her coming out of the sea on a chilly May morning and I remember thinking - ‘what a formidable lady!’ But then I began to look back over the years and it became obvious just how many formidable women have been daughters or adopted daughters of Tenby, and Sam is just the latest in a very long line,” she remarked.

“Sam is a true daughter of Tenby, and indeed like the proverbial stick of rock, she has Tenby stamped throughout her, and I am so glad that Tenby is once again in the safe hands of a formidable woman,” she added.

Rev. John Morgan was appointed as Sergeant at Arms; Mrs. Denise Cousins as Sergeant at Mace.

Canon Andrew Grace was appointed as Mayor’s Chaplain; with Clr. Laurence Blackhall to be her Consort.

Bobbie Waters is to serve as the Deputy Mayor’s Consort with Lottie Waters as assistant.

A Civic Service will take place on Sunday, July 10 at 10 am at St Mary’s Church in Tenby.