New Fareham mayor appointed for 2022-23
By Connor Steel
THE BOROUGH OF FAREHAM officially has a new mayor for the 2022-23 year as Michael Ford was appointed to the role earlier this week in a special Mayor Makers Ceremony; which was held at Waypoint Church in Titchfield Common on Thursday (May 12) as the replacement to Pamela Bryant was confirmed.
His wife Anne Ford will be supporting as Mayoress whilst the New Mayor’s Cadet for 2022-23 was confirmed as James Praine; the Leading Cadet at the Warsash Sea Cadets. He will support the Mayor by attending civic events, wreath bearing, church readers and assisting the Mayor’s Attendants over the next 12 months.
The Mayor has chosen two charities to support, with the first being the Gosport and Fareham In-Shore Rescue Service (GAFIRS). The independent and volunteer delivered lifeboat charity operates free lifeboat services in the Solent region covering an area from Portsmouth Harbour to Titchfield Haven, saving countless lives and ensuring safety in the water for everybody.
Warsash Sea Cadets has been confirmed as the second, which is a group that helps young people find opportunities to nurture and develop life skills through nautical activities. Last month saw two participants complete their practice rowing expedition for their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award, starting at Henley-on-Thames and successfully camping for three nights whilst rowing to their final destination.
The new Mayor of Fareham said following the ceremony: “I am delighted to be serving the community as the Mayor of Fareham. Being Mayor is a great honour and not only allows me the opportunity to raise awareness for some wonderful local events and good causes, but also to raise money for my Mayoral charities, which are very close to my heart.”
Mr Ford will also continue in his role as a Fareham Borough Councillor, having been elected to represent the Warsash ward back in May 2012 and was re-elected in last year’s postponed local elections. At the time of writing his term is currently set to end in May 2024, although this may change if boundary changes are implemented for the town after a review by the Electoral Commission; a process set to conclude in late 2022.
More information and a biography on the new Mayor of Fareham can be found here, whilst readers can also visit the Fareham Borough Council website for crucial updates that benefit all of its residents.
PICTURED: New Mayoress and Mayor stand with new Mayor’s Cadet after ceremony held on Thursday.