EASTLEIGH has welcomed in a new mayor, but in a different setting.
Councillor Tony Noyce was invested as the Borough of Eastleigh’s first citizen at the annual mayor-making ceremony.
But, for the first time in 40 years, the ceremony was not held at the civic offices in Eastleigh but at The Berry Theatre, in Hedge End.
Since 1974 the 37 previous mayors have been invested at the civic offices, but the council moved to its new headquarters in the town centre earlier this year.
It does not have a council chamber or any room that could accommodate the numbers of people necessary.
Hedge End St John’s ward councillor Jane Welsh was invested as deputy mayor.
Cllr Noyce, a former Swaythling Secondary Modern School pupil, was born in Alresford and lived in Swaythling for 25 years – he married his wife Janice in 1969.
They have two children and three grandchildren and have lived in West End for 30 years.
He has served on West End Parish Council since 2003 and was elected as a borough councillor for West End North in 2007.
He chose the Alzheimer’s Association and Cycles4All as his charities for the year.
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