COUNCILLOR Bill Walmsley was made Mayor of Middlewich in a ceremony in Victoria Hall last night attended by over fifty friends, family, dignitaries and representatives of local organisations.

In his speech, Cllr Walmsley said: “It is a great honour to be Mayor of Middlewich.

"Thank you also to Councillor Moss for the help and support you have given me over the past year. Good luck to Samantha and to Mike for the future.

“Many people, including officers of the Council, have been a big help to me during my year as Deputy Mayor and I would like to thank them now.”

"I have very few relatives so it is especially pleasing to see my son James and my cousin Alan have been able to be here. Many of you have travelled a considerable distance to be here tonight and it is great to see you all.

“I would also like to thank several fellow Councillors and friends who have offered to help in organising fundraising events in the coming year.

“And, last but definitely not least, I must thank my wife Bernice. I couldn’t do it without you.”

“The coming year will, of course, include our established events such as the FAB Festival, the Classic Car & Bike Show, the Middlewich Annual Show and so on, and I’m looking forward to all of those.

“In addition, I will be having lots of fundraising events. And what all of these events really need is you to come along and support and remember, every penny raised will go to local good causes."

“And finally, another thank you. Thank you to all of you for coming tonight and making it such a great occasion for me.”

The new Mayor will be fundraising for Middlewich Additional Needs Network, Middlewich Good Neighbours and Middlewich Uniformed Groups.

Cllr Walmsley said: "Middlewich Additional Needs Network came into being just over a year ago. It was formed by parents, with the aim of helping families in our community who struggle with the demands of everyday life.

“The reasons for this are many and varied, for example it could be autism, epilepsy, diabetes or something else causing challenges in family life that the Group can help with. One way they do this is by running special events for children and their families.

"Middlewich Good Neighbours is a scheme that is open to everyone. If you have spare time or a skill to offer, the Good Neighbours will put you in touch with a person who is in need of your time or skill. The project captures the best of the past, a time when neighbours helped each other.

"I will also be supporting Middlewich Uniformed Groups including The Boy’s Brigade, Cubs, Brownies, Scouts and Cadets.

“These groups improve the quality of life in Middlewich and help to make it a lovely place to live, with a great community feel.”