New ceremonial mayor vows to focus on local communities

Hartlepool's new Ceremonial Mayor has given a commitment that the local community will be the focal point for his civic year in office.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Hartepool, Councillor Paul Beck and his wife Mary.The Mayor and Mayoress of Hartepool, Councillor Paul Beck and his wife Mary.
The Mayor and Mayoress of Hartepool, Councillor Paul Beck and his wife Mary.

Councillor Paul Beck who represents the Hart Ward and his wife Mary were installed as Mayor and Mayoress of Hartlepool at a ceremony at the town’s Civic Centre.

He was inaugurated before an audience including the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, civic dignatries and invited guests.

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Councillor Beck, who spent 16 years in the Army and is a former personal chef to the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough thanked the outgoing mayor, Councillor Rob Cook and Mayoress Mrs Brenda Cook for “a fantastic year serving the town across the North-East”.

The new Mayor went on: “We are both extremely honoured to be your Ceremonial Mayor and Mayoress for the 2017/18 municipal year.

“As your Ceremonial Mayor and Mayoress we are looking forward to a demanding civic year representing the town of Hartlepool we both love, a great town with so much to offer.

“We will be organising events to raise funds for my chosen charities which are the Rifty Youth Project and Macmillan Cancer Support - your kindness in supporting us will be extremely appreciated.”

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Councillor Allan Barclay was appointed Deputy Ceremonial Mayor for 2017/18.

The outgoing mayor raised funds for Bloodwise and Great North Air Ambulance Service, which each received £11,285 from events including a civic dinner, food and quiz nights, car boot sales, coffee mornings and tombolas.