NEW Mayor for Dawlish for the coming year will be Cllr Anne Heywood who was elected at the town council’s annual meeting.

Retiring Mayor, Cllr Anthony James, handed over the chains of office during the ceremony after reflecting on his year of service.

New Deputy Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Scott Williams. Photo Bob Simpson
New Deputy Mayor of Dawlish Cllr Scott Williams. Photo Bob Simpson (mda)

Councillor Scott Williams was elected as Deputy Mayor for the forthcoming civic year, the first Green councillor in Dawlish.

The new Mayor’s chosen charities for the year will be Dawlish Community Aid, Dawlish Community Larder and Dawlish Community Transport.

A spokesman for the council said: ‘We wish the Mayor and Deputy Mayor every success in their new civic roles and looks forward to supporting their work within the community throughout the year ahead.’

Outgoing mayor Cllr Anthony James reflected on a ‘fantastic year of community spirit, generosity and celebration across our town and wider parish’.

During the evening, Cllr James also presented this year’s Dawlish Community Awards.

The Individual Adult Award went to Ann Leigh who was recognised for her dedication to the community through running a toddler group, supporting parents, preserving Dawlish history, playing a major role in the WW1 project, organising tablet packet recycling across Dawlish, and volunteering with the Mothers’ Union, carnival and many other organisations.

Ann Leigh receives her award from outgoing Mayor Cllr Anthony James. Photo Dawlish Town Council
Ann Leigh receives her award from outgoing Mayor Cllr Anthony James. Photo Dawlish Town Council (MDa )

The town council spokesman said: ‘Her generosity with her time and unwavering commitment to Dawlish is truly inspiring.’

The Organisation Award went to Dawlish Action for Youth which stepped in in 2014 to save youth leisure and recreational provision when the Red Rock Youth Centre was at risk of closure.

Since then, DAY has gone from strength to strength, delivering youth club activities for young people aged eight and over and those with additional needs.

A total of £8,403 was raised through the year, and the retiring Mayor presented cheques to the value of £2,801 each to his chosen Mayoral Charities: Assist Teignbridge, AIMS and the Strand Community Centre.

Cllr James thanked everyone who had supported him and ‘helped make a positive difference within our community’.