Fareham welcomes Fred as new Mayor

THE new Mayor of Fareham for 2023/24 has been appointed following the Mayor Making ceremony at Waypoint Church in Titchfield Common last Friday, May 12; ending the tenure of Michael Ford after twelve months in this position.

Councillor Fred Birkett will start the role with immediate effect and is now the borough’s First Citizen; having been elected as Fareham North West representative in 2016. He was also the County Councillor for the Fareham Town Division between 2016 and 2020.

His wife Lisa will be supporting as Mayoress and has over twenty years of experience within the NHS. The couple met in Cornwall during the early 1990s and moved to Fareham back in 2000 having two children.

This year, the Mayor will be supporting two brilliant charities – Sophie’s Legacy and Veterans Outreach Support. Multiple fundraising events are likely to be held over the next few months with more information to be released

Councillor Birkett said: “I am delighted to be serving the Fareham community as Mayor for the next year. This is truly a great honour and gives me and my wife Lisa the opportunity to raise awareness and support for my Mayoral charities, which are very close to our hearts.”

Duties

The new Mayor’s Cadet for 2023/24 is Sergeant Ethan Chambers, from 1350 (Fareham) Squadron Air Training Corps. Ethan will take part in various duties to support Mr Birkett throughout the coming year, including attending civic events, wreath-bearing, and church readings.

Readers can find out more about Councillor Fred Birkett and his chosen Mayoral charities by visiting the council’s designated page: www.fareham.gov.uk/mayor. This link further advises residents and businesses on how to contact his office, alongside the events he is due to attend.

PICTURED BY FAREHAM BOROUGH COUNCIL: New Fareham Mayor, Councillor Fred Birkett poses in his civic regalia after appointment last Friday; which was undertaken in annual Mayor Making event.