Your Mayor 2013/2014
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Archived Copy of Milford Haven Town Council Website
Your Mayor 2013/2014 Councillor Mrs. Y.G. Southwell.
Deputy Mayor Councillor E.R. Harries
Milford Haven’s new mayor took the reins for the forthcoming year
when she was sworn in as the town’s first citizen on Monday.
Although raised in London, Councillor Yvonne Southwell spent most
of her childhood in Pembrokeshire, returning to ilford Haven ten years
ago.
She said: “It is my intention to build and develop the office of mayor
and the work of the town council and continue to encourage
transparency and good communications with the people of the town.
“My particular interest in the youth organisations will be manifest in
my desire to visit as many as possible and support them while they
are meeting to see how much has changed since I was active in the
Guiding movement.”
She added that despite the town's progress, the decline of the town
centre weighed heavily on her mind.
She said: “It must be said that we do have some fantastic
businesses operating and putting their all and succeeding to attract
many loyal customers. But more is needed.
“It is this aspect of my time as mayor that I would like to continue the pressure and influence that the town
council can bring to establish a plan to regenerate the centre of our town.”
For her charities, Cllr Southwell chose Crossroads Care, Latch and Alzheimer’s Wales.
Addressing Cllr Southwell, outgoing mayor Cllr Guy Woodham said: “I wish her every success and hope she
enjoys the next 12 months as much as I have enjoyed my time in the role. It is not a position that should be
taken on lightly and to do it right requires stamina, patience and determination.
“I know you possess these three qualities and in addition offer my own support to you in helping you achieve all
that you wish to do during your term of office.”
He added: “My year of office is now over and I can honestly say, while I have been blessed with many positive
experiences throughout my life, the last year has truly been the most enjoyable and most memorable one so
far.” During the year, Cllr Woodham and consort Colin Sharp undertook more than 250 official engagements,
and a foreign visit to twin town Uman, in the Ukraine He said: “I have enjoyed meeting so many different
people, spending time with them and listening to what they have to say. It is these experiences that make the
role of mayor such a rewarding one. “The support I have received from the overwhelming majority of the people
of Milford Haven has been amazing. I have been truly humbled and am extremely grateful for the support that
you have given me.
"I also wish to make reference to those few individuals, who have been openly critical of me. By doing so, you
provided an opportunity for me to reflect on my actions. I am grateful and thank you for this as my resolve has,
and continues to be strengthened by your actions. “Although I am no longer mayor, I do remain a town and a
county councillor and in those two roles I re-affirm tonight my pledge to always try and do my very best for the
wonderful people of this great town."He added: “Thank you, and by the way, I will be back!”
After 50 years' service in community and local government, Councillor Eric Harries took up the post of deputy
mayor on Monday.He said: "I strive to do my best to assume the honour that has been placed on me. And I
pledge to support Cllr Southwell in every way possible during your mayoralty."
Cllr Harries was first elected onto the District Council in 1949, and as well as chairing many committees, has
held the post of mayor four times in 1979, 1990, 2000, and 2010.
Proposing Cllr Harries, Cllr Eden said: "He is considered by some as the father of the chamber, and by others to
be the grandfather. And as a leader, he has been rock solid."
Pictures and copy with thanks to the Milford Mercury elizaveta.young@milfordmercury.co.uk
Click on most pictures to enlarge
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