REDDITCH welcomed its new mayor this week when the chain changed hands at Monday’s borough council meeting.
Coun Joe baker (Greenlands Ward) was appointed to the role for 2016/2017 after he was nominated by Coun Wanda King.
He said: “I am very proud and very pleased to have been appointed Mayor of Redditch. It is an honour to have been elected.
“I want to make the town more inclusive, multi cultural and diverse. I just want to be a people’s mayor, available to everyone not just a few.”
Coun Baker chose his charities for the upcoming year which include, Redditch Mental Health Action Group, Charlotte and Craig Saving hearts Fund and the Samaritans.
Coun Pattie Hill handed over the chain of office after a slightly tearful speech which revealed she had raised more than £7,000 for her chosen charities, Touchstone, Redditch First Responders, and Redditch Cat Rescue.
“What a happy and a sad occasion. I am sad to have come to the end. It has been an amazing experience
“It is a bitter sweet day and I just don’t know what I am going to do with myself now.”
She spoke of her fond memories of her year as mayor including her visit to 100-year-old Lucy whose cake she presented on her centennial. She asked her what her favourite dance was a got Simon Thomas to waltz with the birthday girl which she loved.
“I got into a lot of trouble over the last year and most of it with Lucy. That is the sort of memory i am going to take with me tonight.”
