A BREAK from council tradition has seen a Tavistock mayor staying on for a second term. At Tavistock Town Council's annual meeting last Tuesday — following a suggestion that Cllr Harry Smith should stand for another 12 months — two councillors stood for the post of mayor. As a convention, rather than a rule, the deputy mayor for the civic year generally becomes the mayor, but over the years there have been a few exceptions. This year Cllr John Sheldon and Cllr Smith were both nominated. As is protocol, members of the council voted for their favoured candidate — Cllr Smith received eleven votes, Cllr Sheldon, six. After hearing Cllr Smith would remain mayor for a second year, Cllr Jenny Metcalf said: 'Mr Mayor, may I say you have done a marvellous job and I am happy to see you staying on.' Cllr Smith, who was shocked to be nominated for a second term, thanked his fellow councillors and his mayoress and wife Mary for their support during the last year. 'There are a number of past mayors here and I think they would all agree that no matter how much advice you get prior to your election as mayor, it never quite prepares you for what is to come. 'My experiences over the last 12 months have broadened my understanding of what it means to be a councillor in this wonderful town of ours. 'Being mayor and accepting many invitations to experience and learn of the work of so many organisations within the town has served to amplify within me the amazing work done by thousands of volunteers. 'It would be wrong to single out any individual organisation because it is clear that this town functions as successfully as it does due to the extensive and outstanding numbers of people who give their time to help others. 'The other side of the mayoral role is that you get to sit at the front and a little bit further off the ground than other members [during council meetings],' joked Cllr Smith. 'I wish to thank everyone who has supported my named charity this year. In total I have raised £783 for ROC. I know that the money raised will make a real difference to those with learning disabilities who attend the club in Tavistock.' Cllr Smith then offered his best wishes to the new mayor — himself! After the meeting he said: 'It did come as a shock when Cllr Sellis stood up and suggested me — I think it was written on my face. Being mayor is hard work, especially with the amount I put in, but I am supported by my wife Mary, who works full-time and comes to events with me.' Two members were nominated for deputy mayor — Cllr Sue Bailey and Cllr Sheldon. Cllr Bailey was voted in by nine votes to eight. After the meeting, Cllr Bailey, whose consort will be Cllr David Whitcomb, said: 'I feel very honoured to be deputy mayor — it is a great privilege. It's important to maintain our tradition and I look forward to representing the council and supporting the mayor and mayoress Harry and Mary Smith in the coming year.'