Great Yarmouth’s Mayor elect Paul Garrod took on his new duties at the official ceremony at the Town Hall on May 14^th.

At the 7pm ceremony he was proposed by Councillor Barry Coleman, and the nomination seconded by Councillor Trevor Wainwright.  Councillor Coleman spoke of his delight in nominating Paul and said that both he and his wife Lisa would be wonderful ambassadors for the Borough.  Councillor Wainwright spoke of Paul Garrods outstanding work on the Licensing Committee during the change over from the Magistrates Court.

The Mayor then retired to receive his robes before signing the Declaration of Acceptance of Office.

The Mayoress, Mrs Lisa Garrod was presented with her chain by Councillor Jeal  the escort of  the outgoing mayor Councillor Sue Robinson.  Councillor Robinson now becomes the deputy Mayor.

In his acceptance speech Councillor Garrod spoke of his pride in representing the Borough and thanked his family, friends, colleagues and staff of the Council for the help he has received in his work as a councillor and will continue to receive in his role as Mayor.

Cllr Robinson vote of thanks as outgoing mayor was given by Councillors Jeal and Coleman who praised her for her devotion and hard work in her year of office. Councillor Robinson was affectionately described by her escort as “ A Right Good Lass”. Councillor Robinson also thanked the staff when she responded to the vote of thanks.

Councillor Garrod has chosen youth as the theme of his year in office.

“I have a young family of my own, and am looking forward to taking them to as many events as I can while I am Mayor.  However, I do realise that this means I will be spending a great deal of money on raffle and draw tickets.”

His nominated charities are Caister Lifeboat, Winterton Marine Cadets and the 1^st Caister Beavers and Cubs.  Breaking with tradition the Mayor is hosting two civic balls as opposed to one - the first being a Mid Summer Masquerade Ball on Friday 22^nd June 2007.