CLLR JENNY Metcalf will be mayor of Tavistock for the coming year ? the first occasion in modern times the town mayor has served for two consecutive terms. Cllr Metcalf was proposed by Cllr Mandy Govier at the council?s annual meeting last Tuesday night. She described Cllr Metcalf as ?a real lady? and a well loved ambassador for Tavistock. ?Her impeccable attendance record is a testament of her dedication and service to the town which means so much to her ? I would like to wish her well for the forthcoming year,? said Cllr Govier. Cllr Alison Clish-Green, who seconded the proposal, said it gave her ?great pleasure? to back Cllr Metcalf for a second term in office. She said although it was unusual for Tavistock, many town councils throughout the country elected their mayors for a second year. ?I know having done the job, Jenny has learned all the ropes and she and her consort will continue to be perfect representatives for Tavistock,? said Cllr Clish-Green. However, Cllr Betty Batchelor said reluctantly, she would not be voting for the proposal. She said: ?This is a matter of principle ? since 1974 when this council was formed it has been usual practice that we have elected a deputy to carry on and be mayor. ?I feel sorry about this because you and I have worked very closely together ? this is not at all personal, it?s a matter of principle.? The new mayor was voted in by seven votes to three. Cllr Metcalf thanked the council for its support and said she would do her best to serve the town throughout the coming year. ?It?s going to be an exciting year in more ways than one ? we have the charter celebrations, the flower festival, the medieval fayre, placing the charter sculpture, plus the usual things like Goose Fair and the Dickensian Evening ? we have a lot to look forward to,? she said. Deputy mayor Cllr Caroline Keane was also re-elected to office. Cllr Ted Sherrell, who proposed Cllr Keane, said she was a ?refreshing and productive? member of the council, a lady of principle and considerable strength of character. ?This council is the better for her presence and her positive and imaginative input,? he said. Cllr Keane was unanimously elected to the post.
