The borough of Havant is preparing for its first virtual Mayor Making ceremony, with the youngest ever Mayor being elected, and everyone is invited!
This years annual Full Council meeting and Mayor Making ceremony will take place on Wednesday 22 July at 5pm and can be watched via Skype.
The Mayoral chains will be handed over by outgoing Mayor, Councillor Diana Patrick, to Havant’s youngest Mayor during the first-ever socially-distanced live-streaming hybrid event.
Councillor Prad Bains, aged just 24, will become the new Mayor of Havant once he is elected during the virtual meeting.
Prad, a former student at the Cowplain School, was elected to represent the Hart Plain ward in 2018 and says that during his time as Mayor he is keen to assist in the recovery of local businesses in the borough as well as engaging with young people about local issues.
The active sportsman, who gives his time to support young people at Portsmouth Cricket Club and Denmead Football Club says: “It’s a real privilege that I will become the 47th Mayor of Havant at our first ever virtual Mayor Making Ceremony, that for the first time can be seen by anyone, anywhere.
"The Mayoralty is steeped in history and tradition which is hugely important, and balancing this with innovative ideas and adapting to the new normal is something I am keen to promote.
"Coming from a different age group and from a more diverse background, it really shows that Havant promotes opportunities to all. Please do tune in and watch."
Once elected the Mayor will continue to represent the borough and residents at official engagements, whether they are socially-distanced or virtual.
Councillor Diana Patrick, outgoing Mayor for 2019/20, said: “It has been my privilege to serve as the Mayor of the borough of Havant for the last fourteen extraordinary months.
I am delighted to have had the opportunity to meet so many residents and diverse groups and support so many memorable events. It has been a great pleasure."
The annual event, which usually takes place in May, was postponed because of coronavirus pandemic.
Everyone is welcome to watch the premiere of the virtual Mayor Making ceremony, here is your invitation.
To find out more about the role of Mayor visit www.havant.gov.uk/mayor or follow the Mayor Facebook here.