"Honour and pride" of new Helston mayor

6:42pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

Helston's new mayor looked to the future during his acceptance speech at today's mayor-making ceremony.

Accepting the office of mayor, Niall Devenish spoke of his "immense honour and pride" at taking on the role, adding that he and his wife and consort Emma had a hard act to follow in retiring mayor and mayoress Ronnie and Debby Williams.

Mr Devenish said: "I would like to thank the town council for their faith and support in electing me mayor. I will work very hard to ensure that this trust is not misplaced and the traditions and history are maintained as we head into the changing times we approach."

He referred to the impending introduction of the unitary authority and the council's role in this, which he believed would evolve over a number of years.

"It is our intention as a council to initially take on only services and duties which we can confidently manage and provide a saving to the tax payers of the town. It would be a mistake to bite off more than we can chew and once we have established an excellent track record then we could perhaps take on a more enhanced role, as things evolve," he added.

Prior to the ceremony around 100 guests assembled in the hall of Helston Methodist Church, before parading through the town to the Guildhall.

Among those attending the ceremony were schoolchildren from the town's secondary school and three primary schools, as well as guests visiting from Helston's twin town of Sasso Marconi in Italy on the 40th anniversary of the union.

Mr Devenish's brother-in-law and family had also travelled down from Birmingham for the occasion.

After Mr Devenish made his declaration to the town and signed the register the procession made its way to Helston's Royal British Legion for a buffet reception.

As mayor, Mr Devenish's chosen charity for this year will be St Julia's Hospice in Hayle, as part of Children's Hospice Care.