WOKINGHAM Town has a new mayor.
On Sunday, May 15, after two years wearing the ceremonial robes, Cllr Tony Lack passed the chains of office on to fellow town councillor, Maria Gee.
The moment took place in Wokingham town hall on Sunday, watched by councillors, staff, friends and family.
Cllr Maria Gee was first elected as a Town Councillor in May 2019, representing the Emmbrook North ward. Since starting at the Council, Maria has chaired the Finance & Personnel committee and elected Deputy Mayor in 2020-2022. She is also a borough councillor.
Her consort will be her husband, Chris, and her chosen charity of the year will be Kaleidoscopic UK, which supports survivors of domestic abuse.
Cllr Gee’s deputy will be Cllr Sally Gurney, who represents the Evendons East ward.
Cllr Gee said: “I have lived in Wokingham for almost 40 years since I moved here to live with my husband Chris after University. My children were brought up here, so we have grown up with the town and through its many changes.
“It is therefore with a feeling of great honour and excitement that I look forward to the coming year. Thank you to all councillors who elected me as Mayor and also to my family and friends for supporting me over the years.”
Of her charity, she said: “Our town has many inspirational individuals and organisations of which Kaleidoscopic is one. We aim to be a truly welcoming, inclusive community.”
And of her objectives for her mayoral year: “The Town Council serves its whole community and recognises that Wokingham is distinct both in terms of its market status but also through its unique service delivery of Arts and Culture and its contribution to Civic life within the town.
“We aim to achieve all that we do in a sustainable way. I am committed to these values and, as Mayor, I will do my best to help the Council to live its vision of enhancing Wokingham Town for its existing and future residents and businesses.”
The Redlands String Quartet provided musical accompaniment to the proceedings.
