Serving as the 49th Mayor of Havant Councillor Rosy Raines was elected at today’s Full Council Meeting. She takes over from Councillor Diana Patrick who has served as Mayor for the past year.
The annual Mayor Making ceremony took place in the Plaza’s council chamber and was attended by The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Civic dignitaries, , members of the faith community, council officials, family members and friends.
In her acceptance speech, Councillor Raines expressed her great admiration and pride at being elected to the role of Mayor for a second time. She thanked outgoing Mayor Councillor Diana Patrick, fellow councillors for endorsing her, and thanked the residents of Hayling East Ward who first elected her in 2018 and re-elected her four years later in 2022.
Councillor Raines said: “I really am delighted to have this opportunity once again to be the Mayor of our wonderful borough. I very much look forward to meeting the amazing range of voluntary and community organisations and helping to promote their hard work and dedication. I want to recognise those who work quietly behind the scenes to keep these vital services going because we really couldn’t do it without them.
“I also look forward to meeting and doing all I can to help promote the large and small businesses that are such an integral part of our borough and the key to driving our future success.”
The new Mayor of Havant took the opportunity to thank Lay Minister Sue Moss, who has agreed to act as Chaplain for this Mayoral year, and she announced that her main charity fundraising efforts for this Municipal Mayoral year will be the RNLI.
Outgoing Mayor, Councillor Diana Patrick, wished Councillor Raines and her consort Graham Raines MBE, a successful Mayoral year and thanked her chosen charities; The Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association – Forces Help (SSAFA) and Dementia Friendly Havant, colleagues, friends, residents of Stakes ward, as well everyone who supported her during the past year.
Councillor Patrick said: “This year’s Mayoralty is memorable for both good reasons and for those that tested our borough. The year started with community events looking forward to Queen Elizabeth’s Jubilee. Little did I know that we would soon be having to implement actions to mourn the death of the Queen. I was extremely proud of how the borough reacted to this testing time.
“My mayoral year ended with the coronation of King Charles. During changeable weather to enjoy street parties and activities across the borough.
“I would like to thank everybody involved in making the 2022-23 Mayoralty as memorable as it was.”
Cllr Peter Wade was elected as Deputy Mayor and having signed the Declaration of Acceptance, was presented with the Deputy Mayor’s Badge of Office.
Follow the Mayor of Havant on social media, via the Mayor of Havant Facebook page.